Not Finished Yet… An Evening of Musings And Music

Live Nation presents Not Finished Yet…, a one-night-only evening of stories, laughs and live music with Merlin Mills – local legend and veteran of the New Zealand music industry. It takes place on Wednesday 2nd December in the Concert Chamber at Auckland Town Hall. Proceeds go to the incredible work MusicHelps Āwhina Puoro does in the music community.

Merlin has spent decades in the music industry. His career has taken him from working on a police paedophile task force to making sure a hip hop icon got his Cristal champagne and a bucket of KFC. Born the week of the moon landing, he says music has been beating in his veins ever since. Not Finished Yet… is his chance to share what those years have taught him. He’ll talk about how he got here, about an industry he describes as a gathering of the weird and the wonderful, and about meeting the coolest person in the world.

Diagnosed with motor neuron disease, the night will also be honest about what living with a terminal illness is like. Merlin takes on what to do when you’re told you’re dying, and how to find your way through the unknown. “It’s about the living, not the dying” is a thread that runs through the whole evening, along with plenty of humour.

One of New Zealand’s most respected broadcasters, Charlotte Ryan hosts, and Sir Dave Dobbyn, Tami Neilson and Tereora Crane will join Merlin on stage for special performances.

Proceeds will support MusicHelps’ work in the community; the charity funds projects where music makes a real difference, from music therapy in hospitals and special needs schools to programmes that help people experiencing hardship find confidence and connection. Within the industry, it provides confidential counselling and emergency financial support for New Zealand music workers facing mental health challenges, illness or unexpected hardship.

“I have known and admired Merlin for many years, the way he communicates with people and the amazing mahi he does. I have worked with him more recently as part of my work with MusicHelps.” Charlotte Ryan says.

Speaking about his friend Sir Dave Dobbyn says: “Although Merlin is technically a Nigerian sorcerer, I didn’t let that fact get in the way of our friendship, which started in 1995 at a kindergarten, where he was attempting to enrol his innumerable offspring. His ongoing struggle with Mallow Puff addiction has me slightly worried. But that aside, Merlin has proven to be a dependable sorcerer and a great friend.”

“I’ve known Merlin now for many years but not as many as some. Merlin has the rare gift of simultaneously being able to quickly make you feel at ease, while giving a look which makes you feel like you have shit to get on with!” Tereora Crane says.

Tickets are on sale Friday 6 November at 10am from livenation.co.nz.

NOT FINISHED YET… AN EVENING OF MUSINGS AND MUSIC WITH MERLIN MILLS

Wednesday 2 October @ Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall

For complete tour and ticket information, visit: livenation.co.nz