Gig Review: MACEY @ Tuning Fork, Auckland – 3/07/2026

On Friday night, MACEY celebrated the release of his new album, Once, with a special hometown show at the Tuning Fork. From the first note, MACEY had the audience in the palm of his hand.

Opening with Mona Lisa Money from the new album before flowing into Seaside Wishes, MACEY immediately set the tone for the evening. From the very first song, it was clear he has built a loyal and passionate fanbase. The album may have only just dropped, but looking around the room, people knew every lyric.

The Tuning Fork was a beautiful and intimate host for the show. The sound was impeccable, and the vibey red curtains draped down the walls created a real warmth. But you couldn’t help but feel there was a slight irony, as less than a stone’s throw away was Aotearoa’s biggest indoor venue, Spark Arena. You could easily picture MACEY on that stage with 10,000 adoring fans, and it doesn’t seem like a bold statement. His songwriting and ability to compose and arrange a track is seriously impressive. He has this beautiful ability in his writing where even his new songs feel like they’ve been around forever. People connect with them instantly, and that was clear to see. His vocal range and control were flawless.

The new album itself is beautifully crafted, a masterpiece, and honestly could be my album of the year so far. Hearing it performed live only strengthened that impression. MACEY has an exceptional ability to tell stories through his songwriting. Lots of this album was made in London, and the stories reflect that. I love that his songs tell a literal story at times. I could remember that feeling of being on the Tube in London.

What Still Happened proved to be one of the night’s standout moments, with the audience singing in unison from beginning to end. It was one of my favourite songs on the record, and it translated to another level hearing it live. Equally powerful was Before You Have to Go, written about the passing of his father. Stripped back to just MACEY and his guitar, it became one of the evening’s most emotional performances. There was nowhere to hide – just MACEY, his guitar, and a room full of people visibly moved by the moment, all connecting in their own way to a loved one or special person in their life who has passed. It was beautifully balanced with MACEY’s natural humour and warmth, making the performance feel incredibly genuine. After nearly bringing the Tuning Fork to tears, he still had room for some light-hearted and awkward jokes, which became a real highlight and theme throughout the night.

Performing the title track Once on the piano was another highlight. It also showcased just how versatile he is as a musician. It was another beautiful rendition – better, in my opinion, than the version on the record, and that says a lot because it’s already one of the album’s highlights. It has a beautiful energy and a chorus that almost demands the audience sing or hum along. Songs such as Clementine lifted the energy and had the crowd moving, while Call It Even offered another thoughtful moment, exploring the complexities of relationships and finding forgiveness after both people share the blame. Throughout the night, MACEY took the time to explain the stories behind many of the songs, adding another layer of connection between artist and audience.

The band deserves equal praise. Tight, polished, and clearly enjoying every moment on stage, they played with the chemistry of close friends rather than hired musicians. That camaraderie translated directly to the audience and gave the show a relaxed, joyful feel.

Black Dog was another standout. His beautiful fingerpicking on the guitar gently elevated the song, while his vocals filled the room and brought so much emotion. It is such a beautiful song lyrically, and somehow he was able to perform it as though it was the very first time. It felt raw, honest, and incredibly emotional.

There was also a personal sense of pride watching the show. Having seen MACEY perform at school assemblies as a teenager, it was remarkable to witness how far he has come. Seeing him headline the Tuning Fork felt like watching an artist truly come into his own.

The concert also highlighted the value of Live Nation’s ‘Next On’ initiative, which continues to showcase exceptional emerging artists. MACEY feels like the perfect example of someone on the verge of something much bigger. He has a wonderful stage presence, and his songs and musicianship are seriously impressive.

Overall, this was one of the best concerts I’ve attended this year, and there have been a few. I really didn’t know what to expect going in, but I was blown away on every level.

If you haven’t experienced MACEY live yet, make it a priority. And make sure to check out his new album, Once. I would highly recommend it.