Live at Eventfinda Stadium
27 February 2025
Live Review by Music Journalist: Paul Marshall
Jon Stevens Ignites Eventfinda Stadium with a Rock & Soul Masterclass
It’s a rare thing these days to witness a true rock showman in his prime, but Jon Stevens just proved he’s not only still got it—he might be better than ever. In front of a packed house at Eventfinda Stadium, the former Noiseworks and INXS frontman delivered a powerhouse performance that had the Auckland crowd roaring from the first note to the last.
Stevens strode onto the stage like a prizefighter, launching straight into Touch, instantly setting the night ablaze with his signature raspy vocal grit. Flanked by a tight-as-nails band, he wasted no time in reminding us why he’s one of the most enduring voices in Australasian rock. The energy was undeniable, the sound crisp, and the man himself was electric.
But it was the second song that flipped the switch. Stevens launched into an INXS classic New Sensation, and instantly, the stadium—until then a mix of grooving diehards and casually seated onlookers—erupted. The top-level crowd, glued to their seats moments before, was now fully on their feet, dancing like they’d been waiting for this moment all their lives. The energy surge was undeniable, the kind of communal explosion only a true rock frontman can conjure.
“You gotta feel it ‘cos life is too damn short,” Stevens belted out, and you could feel the truth of it in the air. The man sings with a conviction that goes beyond nostalgia—it’s lived experience.
At 63, his voice isn’t just holding up; it’s stronger, richer, more powerful than ever. He nailed notes that would leave a 19-year-old gasping, with a clarity and intensity that had the entire venue hanging on every syllable. It’s not just that Stevens still has it—he might just be at his peak.
The setlist was a potent mix of Noiseworks classics, INXS deep cuts, and solo material that showcased both his songwriting chops and his unwavering vocal power. Take Me Back had the audience singing at full tilt, while Never Tear Us Apart was a goosebump-inducing tribute to his time fronting INXS. But it was Hot Chilli Woman that really took the roof off—Stevens prowling the stage, mic in hand, while the crowd lost their collective minds.
What sets Stevens apart isn’t just his voice (which is still a freight train of raw emotion) or his stage presence (which is effortless), but his connection to the audience.
By the time he wrapped up, the stadium was buzzing, drenched in sweat and adrenaline, proof that rock ‘n’ roll is very much alive when it's in the right hands. Stevens came, saw, and conquered. If you weren’t there, you missed something special.
Reviewer: Paul Marshall
Photography by Paul Marshall
WATCH THE LIVE VIDEO at Paul Was There -