From Britney Spears, to Coldplay, to Johnny Cash, to Tom Jones – and now Six60.
Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore has welcomed some of the biggest names in music over the years, and on Saturday night it was the turn of New Zealand’s Six60 to take centre stage, providing the perfect soundtrack for Kiwi rugby fans following the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour clash between the All Blacks and Springboks at M&T Bank Stadium.
While the result on the field wasn’t exactly what the Kiwi crowd had hoped for, Six60 made sure the result was quickly forgotten.
After a long tour through South Africa and the USA, this was a chance for Kiwis to let their hair down, celebrate their culture and, most importantly, have a good time together.
“The Champ is Here!”
The party atmosphere was building well before Six60 even took the stage.
Kiwi classics were being belted out across the venue, with the crowd singing along as they waited for New Zealand’s biggest band to arrive.
Then came one of the loudest moments of the night.
“The Champ is Here! The Champ is Here!”
Rang around Pier Six Pavilion as New Zealand UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Carlos Ulberg made his way onto the stage to get the crowd going.
Ulberg was just one of a long list of Kiwi sporting icons who had made their way to Baltimore.
Houston Rockets NBA star Steven Adams was impossible to miss – standing at 6’11”, his presence certainly gave away his location. Adams got right amongst the crowd, chatting with fellow Kiwis and happily posing for photos as fans tried to play it cool despite being clearly star-struck.
British Open champion Ryan Fox was also in attendance, alongside two genuine legends of New Zealand rugby, Rugby World Cup winners Dan Carter and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe.
And then, much to the delight of everyone inside, the full All Blacks squad and coaching staff arrived.
Despite the disappointment of the result, it was clear the team were ready to switch off and enjoy themselves after a long few weeks on the road.
Credit to the players and coaching staff for getting amongst the crowd, taking selfies and stopping for photos with fans throughout the night. It was a level of access that even caught some of the South African supporters by surprise – with a few unable to believe how close they were able to get to the All Blacks.
But that’s what made the night special.
There were no barriers between the players and the fans. Everyone was there for the same reason: to celebrate Kiwi culture.
A Kiwi Party in Baltimore
If there was one thing that stood out throughout the night, it was the sense of community.
Thousands of kilometres from home, Kiwis had found themselves together in Baltimore, singing the songs they grew up with, supporting their sporting heroes and watching one of New Zealand’s best bands do what they do best.
And the chants weren’t limited to rugby union.
“Up the Wahs!” was arguably the most common chant heard throughout the night – another result we won’t talk about.
Six60 fed off the energy of the crowd, playing for over an hour and delivering a set that had the entire venue singing and dancing.
It felt less like a standard concert and more like one giant Kiwi gathering.
Exactly what was needed after the day’s rugby.
Pier Six Pavilion – A Baltimore Gem
The venue itself also deserves plenty of credit.
Sitting on the magnificent Baltimore Harbour, Pier Six Pavilion first opened in 1981 and certainly took a few of the Kiwi visitors by surprise.
It’s a fantastic live music venue with a layout that gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the show their own way.
There’s a grass bank for those wanting to sit back and take in the atmosphere, plenty of traditional seating and, of course, plenty of room down the front for those wanting to get amongst the mosh pit.
And then there are a few hidden surprises.
Tucked away in the back corner overlooking the harbour is a cigar lounge – the perfect spot for anyone wanting to take a breather while still enjoying the waterfront setting.
The staff were also incredibly friendly and more than happy to help, answer questions and make sure everyone was having a good night.
With the harbour as the backdrop and Six60 providing the soundtrack, it was difficult to imagine a better setting for the final night of the tour
Six60 Are Coming to Canada
For Six60, Baltimore was also a fantastic way to kick off their North American Tour.
The band now heads back to New Zealand and Australia before returning to North America in October and November – and Canadian fans are going to want to pay attention.
The Vancouver show on October 30 is already SOLD OUT, while the Toronto show on November 6 has limited tickets remaining. Montreal on November 7 is also looking likely to sell out.
After seeing the energy they created in Baltimore, it’s clear the Canadian shows are going to be something special.
For Kiwi fans across Canada, it is another great opportunity to come together, celebrate our culture, sing along to the songs we all know and love, and show Six60 just how strong the Kiwi community is on this side of the world.
So, if you’ve been thinking about seeing Six60 live, don’t wait.
Tickets can be purchased here.
What a Way to Finish
From the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour match at M&T Bank Stadium to a Six60 party on the Baltimore waterfront, the night was a fitting way to bring the entire tour to an end.
Kiwis came together, the All Blacks got amongst the crowd, sporting legends rubbed shoulders with fans, Carlos Ulberg got the party started, Six60 delivered the soundtrack and Pier Six Pavilion provided the perfect backdrop.
Everyone was there to do what Kiwis do best – celebrate our culture together.
And if you’re ever in Baltimore, make sure Pier Six Pavilion is on your list.You won’t regret it.