Latest News

Radio Ferrymead tunes into ROCKONZ
Radio Ferrymead 1413AM will broadcast 24 hours a day during the ROCKONZ 2008 Festival 24th  February – 2nd March and will play wall to wall hits from 1955 to 1970. The telephone (03) 384 5678 will be staffed from 9.00am to 7.00pm to provide you with all the information on “What’s on ROCKONZ” for the week.

Guest announcers include icons from the Rock era including Lee Hanner (Radio Avon), Barry Corbett (3ZB), Morry Shanahan (Radio Avon), Robin Harrison (3ZB), Reon Murtha (Racing Commentator, Disc Jockey) plus Sue Wells, Tammy Wells (The Briscoes Lady), police dog  Sniff and others.
Guest interviews will be featured during the week including a very interesting overview of early Rock and Roll in Christchurch by Murray Kane.

Car Parade excitement is building
George Henry & Co Ltd have contributed a very substantial prize of a large tool chest of tools for those who enter their car or motorbike into the ROCKONZ Fun Day Parade. It is a “be there to win” prize draw. The number allocated to the entries will be placed in a public draw at the ROCKONZ marquee in Cathedral Square at 1.00pm on Saturday 1st March after the parade from New Brighton. The winner will be announced over the public address system and the prize must be claimed at that time by the winner. If it is not claimed it will be redrawn until a winner comes forward. The tool box of tools is valued at over $400.00.
 
Fun Day in Cathedral Square
Toll Rail have put up a Tranz Alpine rail trip for two, valued at $250, as a prize for the successful winner of a public draw. Entry is by gold coin donation. Proceeds go towards fundraising for Breast and Prostate Cancer Awareness by the Canterbury Education and Community Trust. Again this will be a “be there to win” prize which will be drawn at the ROCKONZ marquee on Saturday 1st March at 4.00pm.

The ROCKONZ Christchurch Casino Concert dance
There will be “hidden” extras for those attending the concert. This will be by way of a goodie bag on your seat and after-concert prize opportunities for concert goers who extend their evening by going on to the Christchurch Casino.

Johnny Devlin signs on for ROCKONZ Dance Party
Johnny Devlin, who has just released a new CD of his old and new hits 'How Would Ya Be' in September this year, is coming to perform on the 2008 ROCKONZ Concert Dance Party. He will be accompanied by the original Australian band from the 60's The Tornadoes.  Johnny Devlin says "I'm looking forward to coming to Christchurch and taking part in the ROCKONZ Rock and Roll Festival. It's a great time to celebrate 50 years since the release of my biggest hit 'Lawdy Miss Clawdy' in 1958". Johnny has been nominated for an award at the 2008 ROCKONZ New Zealand Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Awards Dinner and Charity Auction to be held at Christchurch Casino Friday 29th February, 2008.

Shane Cortese and The Class of '58 join the ROCKONZ line-up
Shane Cortese, star of stage and television, is well know for his roles in Shortland Street,  Dancing with the Stars and Outrageous Fortune. A talented actor, singer/musician, he has starred in many musicals overseas including The Ricky Nelson Story,  and The Rocky Horror Show and many others. Shane says, "I'm really excited about a whole weekend of Rock'n'Roll. As far as I'm concerned there should be more of it!!!" Shane is generously donating his ROCKONZ performer's fee for Breast Cancer Research.

Suzanne Lynch gets ready to Rock!
Suzanne Lynch (ex 'The Chicks' and previously backing singer for Cat Stevens) is adding her skill and charm to ROCKONZ! Suzanne, who has recently released a new CD, is still busy these days recording and performing solo and as part of a sensational new group 'The Lady Killers'. Suzy, as she is known by her friends, is singing on the ROCKONZ Concert Dance Party and is also nominated for an award at the ROCKONZ New Zealand Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Sponsorship
ROCKONZ 2007 was supported by its relationship with its great team of sponsors who created the environment for the 50 year Celebration of Rock'n'Roll in Christchurch to happen. ROCKONZ 2008 is proud to announce the continuing support of this great team which includes Solid Gold, The Press, Yellow Pencil Brand Sharpening, Bailies Bar & Restaurant, Canary Furniture, Crown Limousines, Eureka Trust, The Community Trust and CCC.

A new sponsor deals a hand for 2008
The Christchurch Casino's new CEO Brett Anderson has announced their support for the ROCKONZ New Zealand Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame, by hosting a dinner in their Grand Café on Friday 29th February 2008. The Christchurch Casino is also providing additional support in bringing Johnny Devlin to New Zealand to take part in the ROCKONZ Festival plus other benefits through their company resources.