Live at The Domain
29 March 2025
Live Review by Music Journalist: Paul Marshall
Th’ Dudes Bring the Heat, with Peter Urlich Stepping Up in the Absence of Dobbyn.
It’s a rare kind of magic that happens when a band formed decades ago can still captivate a crowd in the present. The fact that Th' Dudes, a beloved Kiwi rock act born in 1975, were able to pull this off without one of their founding members says everything about their enduring legacy and the mastery of Peter Urlich.
As the first few bars of classic hits rang out, something was missing. The absence of Dave Dobbyn was immediately noticeable to anyone familiar with the band's lineup. But that was quickly forgotten as Urlich, the seasoned frontman, took centre stage, effortlessly commanding the crowd’s attention from the very first note.
Urlich, true to form, didn’t just play the songs he became part of them, living and breathing each track with a contagious energy that drew even the most indifferent concertgoer into his orbit. A few songs in, after easing into the set with the smooth groove of "Be Mine Tonight", he pulled off a move that only a seasoned performer could execute with such finesse: he broke the fourth wall.
"It's wonderful to be here," Urlich announced, oozing charisma as he soaked in the crowd’s energy. But then he delivered the twist, "There's been a change of plan. Everybody here, come to the front so you can read what this card says," he added, holding up an Ace of Spades playing card.
It was a stroke of genius. The crowd, eager to please, surged forward, instantly filling the front barrier and igniting the atmosphere. That simple act turned the show from a gig into an experience. It was a masterclass in crowd interaction, the kind of touch that separates the pros from the amateurs. As the audience leaned in, they hung on every word captivated by the band’s undeniable chemistry.
Despite the years and a lineup that looked slightly “battle-scarred,” the performance was tight, controlled, and electric. The band, now in their 50s and some, still had that magic from their heyday. Urlich, along with Rikki Morris and Brett Adams on guitars, Les White on bass, and Bruce Hambling on drums, delivered an impressive performance one that proved the old rockers still had plenty of fire left.
And it wasn’t just the hits that resonated it was the way they made them feel fresh, the urgency and relevance of their music on full display. Urlich’s energy was the driving force behind it all, whether he was belting out lines with a grin on his face or commanding the stage like a true rock ‘n’ roll general. You could tell this wasn’t just another gig for him. This was personal.
By the time the set reached the thumping "Bliss," and the crowd was singing along with the kind of joy only an anthem like that could invoke, it was clear that the essence of Th’ Dudes hadn’t faded if anything, it had evolved, resonating with a whole new generation of fans.
In the end, this wasn’t just a nostalgia trip. Urlich and Th’ Dudes proved that they have something new to offer while honouring their roots. With Urlich at the helm, they reminded us all why they’ve remained a staple in the Kiwi rock scene for so long. It's clear: Th’ Dudes aren't just a band from the past they’re a band with a future, and the stage is still theirs for the taking.
Reviewer: Paul Marshall
Photography by Paul Marshall
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