Waikato Times: Ready To Roll at new Waikato Regional Theatre

Originally published in Waikato Times, Monday 13 October 2025.

By Isabella Root.

Ready To Roll is bringing three of New Zealand’s iconic rock and roll bands to the new Waikato Regional Theatre.

If you grew up with Ready To Roll on your TV every Saturday, then this one is for you.

Three of Aotearoa’s iconic bands, Th’ Dudes, The Mockers and Stellar* are joining forces for Ready To Roll, a nationwide tour set to revive the country with old-school Kiwi rock and roll energy.

The show will bring a night of nostalgia and unforgettable music hits to the new Waikato Regional Theatre on January 29.

The tour takes its name from Ready To Roll, the long-running TV chart show that was a big hit from the 70s through to the 90s.

Th’ Dudes will bring the party to life with their iconic line up featuring Peter Urlich, Bruce Hambling, Lez White, Rikki Morris and Brett Adams.

For generations of Kiwis, Ready To Roll wasn’t just a Top 40 countdown but a showcase for up-and-coming Kiwi musicians while keeping fans in the loop with global chart-toppers.

With anthems like “Bliss” and “Be Mine Tonight”, Th’ Dudes helped define the golden era of Kiwi rock.

The reunited line up will feature Peter Urlich, Bruce Hambling, Lez White, Rikki Morris, and Brett Adams.

The Mockers will reunite with Andrew Fagan, Geoff Hayden, Tim Wedde and Brett Adams, set to deliver their catchy 80s winners.

Led by the charismatic Andrew Fagan, The Mockers will return with fan favourites like “Forever Tuesday Morning” and “One Black Friday”, with the classic line-up of Geoff Hayden, Tim Wedde and Brett Adams.

Known for their clever lyrics and catchy choruses, the band has stood the test of time as they remain as one of New Zealand’s most beloved pop influences.

Stellar* hit the ground running in the late 90s, becoming one of New Zealand’s most successful rock bands of the era.

Stellar* returns to dominate the stage with lead Boh Runga and members Andrew Maclaren, Kurt Shanks, and Chris van de Geer.

Led by the powerful vocalist Boh Runga and original members Andrew Maclaren, Kurt Shanks and Chris van de Geer, the group topped the charts with hits like “Violent”, “Undone” and “Part Of Me”.

Their debut album, Mix, won multiple Tūī awards and went multi-platinum in 1999, selling over 75,000 copies.

The Ready To Roll tour will reach Coroglen, Queenstown, Havelock North, Upper Hutt, Waiheke Island, Auckland, Upper Moutere, and of course the Waikato Regional Theatre.

Just 10 days after opening its doors, the Waikato Regional Theatre will be rocking with Ready To Roll, kicking off a bold new chapter for live music in Hamilton.

Tickets go on sale 10am NZDT Monday, October 20, via ticketmaster.co.nz.