Amped Up roars into Brewtown – Upper Hutt set for the biggest rock gig in years

In what’s shaping up to be a record-breaking night, Amped Up storms into Brewtown this Labour Weekend (Saturday 25 October) with an all-star lineup of Aotearoa’s hardest-hitting rock and metal acts: Blindspott, Devilskin, and Shepherds Reign.

With over 80% of tickets already sold, Brewtown General Manager Phil Gorman says it’s their fastest- selling event ever and a clear sign that fans are hungry for the kind of powerhouse live music experience that Amped Up promises.

“This is without doubt the strongest launch we’ve ever had for any Brewtown Promotions event. Upper Hutt hasn’t seen a rock or metal gig of this calibre before in a single night – this is a history-making moment for the city, and for us as a venue,” says Gorman.

And when it comes to hosting hard rock, Gorman reckons Upper Hutt has a special kind of magic:

“I think it’s because Upper Hutt is proud to have invented the bogan – and that bogan thread is weaved deep into this genre of music. We’ve undoubtedly made it our own. Black jeans, jean vests, Doc Marten boots – it’s not just a look, it’s a lifestyle!”

Hosted in Brewtown’s fully covered greenspace, the event is rain-or-shine and built for serious energy, volume, and impact.

Fresh off the back of their sold-out Rock 2000 performance at Spark Arena, Blindspott are proving their place at the top of the NZ rock scene, with their self-titled debut album recently returning to #1 on the NZ charts for the third time. This will be their only Wellington show in 2025, promising fans an unforgettable, high-octane performance.

Damian Alexander of Blindspott says “This show isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about power, connection – and doing it bigger every time. We’ve never sounded better, and Brewtown is about to find out why.”

Joining them are Devilskin, recent People’s Choice winners at the Aotearoa Music Awards, and riding high from the success of their new album Re-Evolution.

Devilskin Drummer Nic Martin says “fans should brace themselves Devilskin are pulling out all the stops for this full-length set. This gig at Brewtown has been a long time coming – with an explosive combination of fan favourites and dynamic deep cuts, we’ll show Upper Hutt why we’re one of the finest hard rock acts in the country.”

Completing the lineup is Shepherds Reign, known for fusing Polynesian power with heavy riffs and an unforgettable live presence.

Gorman is urging fans to move quickly. With demand surging and only limited tickets remaining, he believes Amped Up is on track to sell out in advance – a rare achievement for a heavy music gig in the Wellington region.

“This is a showcase of New Zealand’s rock and metal elite, right here in Upper Hutt. It’s not just a gig – it’s a statement. Upper Hutt is ready.”