NZ’s Greatest All-Femme Line-up Announces Concert Tour
Following the resounding success of last year’s concerts, Atomic is thrilled to announce the return of its all-femme line-up with ATOMIC! 2.0. This electrifying event celebrates the trailblazing women who have shaped the rock genre and continues to champion those who push its boundaries.
Prepare for an unforgettable evening featuring a dynamic roster of artists performing the iconic hits of Blondie, Eurythmics, Pretenders, Patti Smith, Garbage, Alanis Morissette, Hole, Joan Jett, and many more.
ATOMIC! 2.0 will be led by the acclaimed rock icon Julia Deans, alongside a stellar line-up of Aotearoa’s finest. Joining her are powerhouse performers Boh Runga and Dianne Swann, with a special appearance by acclaimed psychedelic artist Gussie Larkin (Mermaidens, Earth Tongue) and noir folk sensation Jazmine Mary. They will be backed by an exceptional band featuring Ilayda Tunali (Ladyhawke) on keys, Mareea Paterson on bass, Karen Hu on drums, and Rebel Reid on lead guitar.
This night promises a powerful homage to the legendary female rock stars of the past and those who continue to redefine the genre today. As Debbie Harry famously declared, “the only place left for rock to go is toward more girl stars. There's nothing left for men to do.”
Don’t miss your chance to experience this extraordinary celebration of rock’s female pioneers and current trailblazers.
Tickets from $99 + ticketing charges
OUR AWESOME LINE-UP
Julia
Deans
Having first come to the fore as the sassy
and beguiling front woman for Fur Patrol at the turn of the
century, the past decade has seen Julia Deans transition
from iconic rock chick to glorious songbird.
Deans’
critically acclaimed solo albums Modern Fables (2010) and We
Light Fire (2018) both earned her a swag of nominations for
coveted musical accolades the Taite Music Prize, the APRA
Silver Scroll, and the NZ Music Awards, and this year marks
the 20th anniversary of Fur Patrol’s much-loved album Pet,
which brought us the now classic kiwi number one
‘Lydia’.
Never shy to add another string to her bow,
Deans has delved into a long list of other musical projects
over the years. She’s worked with acts like The Adults,
SJD, and Neil Finn; performed in an impressive array of arts
festival shows; stretched her dramatic chops in musical
theatre; worked with the Auckland Philharmonia and
Christchurch Symphony Orchestras. In 2020 she was invited to
be the Musical Director of the prestigious The Silver Scroll
Awards show.
“This is a singer/songwriter at the height
of their craft.” – Sunday Star Times
“Yep, she can
sing, and when she soars it’s a spine-tingling thing,
because it’s all real.” –
Metro
Boh Runga
As the front
woman for Stellar* Boh became a multi-platinum artist with
the release of their debut album, Mix. After the release of
a solo album, she was back to writing new music, this time
in an all-girl group with Anika Moa & Hollie Smith.
While jewellery is her main gig now, Boh most recently
returned to the recording studio to celebrate 15 Years of
Boh Runga Jewellery with her rendition of Aretha
Franklin’s, ‘Rock Steady’ co-produced with P
Money.
Dianne Swann
Playing
live to 100,000 people. Signing to two international
labels.
Recording with Radiohead. Having a track chosen
as NME single of the week.
These are just some of the
highlights of Dianne’s career as a vocalist, songwriter,
and performer.
Dianne’s career began when she fronted
the band Everything that Flies in the mid-80s, the group
disbanding not long after winning Best Music Video at the
1986 Aotearoa Music Awards.
She followed this by linking
up with Margaret Urlich, Annie Crummer, Kim Willoughby and
Debbie Harwood as When The Cat’s Away which proved
staggering successful with a gold album, number 1 song and
two years of sell-out national tours; also finding time to
release the solo single ‘Something Good’ in
1989.
Demand for Dianne’s musical talents soared,
touring and performing with the likes of Tim Finn, Opshop as
well as fellow Hall of Famers, Dave McArtney and
Straitjacket Fits.
After a career of music released under
band names, Dianne released her first solo album, The War on
Peace of Mind, to critical acclaim in April
2021.
Gussie Larkin –
Mermaidens
The 29-year-old formed the band
Mermaidens in 2014, and since then they have achieved cult
status for their unique psych-pop sound, hypnotic live
shows, and striking compositions. Mermaidens will release
their fourth studio album in November 2023. Gussie also
writes and performs in the band Earth Tongue, a heavy psych
two-piece who since forming in 2017 have toured the UK and
Europe multiple times, played alongside bands such as IDLES
and Ty Segall, and recorded their upcoming second studio
album with The Beths’ guitarist Jonathan
Pearce.
Jazmine
Mary
Captivating Noir Folk artist Jazmine Mary
is “rising into our collective consciousness as a star, as
an artist to be reckoned with, as a creative force”. They
crack open the beauty and ugliness of the world with a voice
that critics are calling “truly a wonder”. Recently
opened for Kurt Vile, Billy Bragg. Jazmine Mary has just
completed a national Tour of their Critically acclaimed
sophomore Album DOG. An award-winning gig for melancholy and
exultation.
"manages to be funny, erotic, off-putting and
touching all at once." - RNZ
Llayda
Tunali, Ladyhawke
A classically trained pianist,
had been an active musician for over a decade in her two
hometowns New York and Istanbul before moving to Aotearoa in
2023. Since her move, she has performed at the Silver
Scrolls and has been the keys player of legendary Kiwi
artist Ladyhawke.
Rebel Reid – Valkyrie -
Lead Guitar
Born to be a rockstar, and it's no
surprise considering her mother named her after two of the
greatest icons of the genre: Billy Idol and David Bowie.
From the moment she entered the world, Rebel's destiny was
set in stone.
She is the embodiment of rock and
roll.
Music runs through her veins like an electric
current on her Flying V, and every note she plays is infused
with raw and untamed energy.
The songwriter, producer,
and guitarist, puts her heart and soul into every project
she's a part of. Her music is like a punch to the gut, a
visceral experience that leaves listeners feeling alive and
invigorated. Rebel Reid is a true rockstar, a force of
nature whose music is like nothing else out
there.
Mareea Paterson –
Bass
She has enjoyed success in her music career
from the late 90s to present day. A renowned bass player to
the stars and in demand session player/songwriter, Paterson
has toured internationally throughout the 00’s as a member
of American indie rockers Veruca Salt and recently completed
recording on Louise Post’s first solo album with Matt
Drenik (Producer) and drummer Matt Walker (Smashing
Pumpkins). A member of both Tim Finn and Sir Dave Dobbyn’s
band for years adding up to a decade, she has also played
and recorded with Brooke Fraser and Gin Wigmore, Aussie
talents End of Fashion and Alex Lloyd and Kiwi icon Jordan
Luck. She is currently part of a songwriting/production team
alongside Tom Bailey (Thompson Twins) and Andrew Maclaren
(stellar*).
Karen Hu –
Drums
A drummer, cellist and composer based in
Tāmaki Makaurau. She performs in a variety of settings and
has played with various artists, including Bic Runga and
members of Supergroove among others. Karen studied at the
University of Auckland Jazz School under Chris O'Connor and
Ron
Samsom.