The Bats Announce Aotearoa Tour Supports

Fresh from November’s triumphant set at The Other’s Way festival, Aotearoa indie legends The Bats are set to hit the road next week, launching their most extensive national tour in over 20 years with opening nights in Nelson and Blenheim.

The tour celebrates the band’s much-loved 2025 album Corner Coming Up, recorded with Tex Houston at Chicks Studio in Port Chalmers. Their 11th studio album debuted at #1 on the IMNZ Chart and #2 on the Official Aotearoa Music Charts, showcasing The Bats at their shimmering, melodic best – bright guitar lines, warm harmonies and that unmistakable Bats-y sweet mystique.

The band are pleased to announce a stellar lineup of support acts joining the tour across the country:

Tour Dates & Supports

Feb 20 @ Theatre Royal, Nelson w/ Music Sucks

Feb 21 @ ASB Theatre, Blenheim w/ Better Late Never

Mar 6 @ Last Place, Hamilton w/ Half Sister

Mar 7 @ Hollywood Avondale, Auckland (part of Strange Universe) w/ Half Sister

Mar 12 @ Paisley Stage, Napier w/ Fleur De Lis & The Cellars

Mar 13 @ St Peters, Paekākāriki w/ The New Things

Mar 14 @ Meow, Wellington w/ Albert River

Mar 20 @ Dropkicks, Dunedin w/ Ommu

Mar 21 @ The Loons, Lyttelton w/ Violet French

The Auckland headline show at Hollywood Avondale forms part of Banished Music & Strange News’ newly minted Strange Universe series.

Fans across the motu will finally experience the live accompaniment to the record, alongside treasured picks from a four-decades-deep catalogue that has cemented the band’s legendary status both at home and abroad.

Formed in Christchurch in 1982, The Bats – Robert Scott, Kaye Woodward, Paul Kean and Malcolm Grant – have maintained the same lineup for over 40 years. An integral part of the Flying Nun story, alongside contemporaries The Clean and The Chills, they developed a sound uniquely their own: chiming guitars, melodic bass lines and songs that are unassuming yet instantly memorable.

Described by Uncut as “sublimely crafted deadpan pop,” and hailed by AllMusic as “wise tribal elders,” The Bats remain one of Aotearoa’s most enduring and beloved bands – and this run of shows promises a rare opportunity to witness them in full flight across the country.