SHIHAD and their Loud Forever farewell tour just turned into a rock ‘n’ roll survival story. The legendary Kiwi band lost their entire shipment of tour merch in a fire at Melbourne Airport this week, just as the cargo was set to be loaded onto a plane bound for New Zealand.
In what feels like a final test from the rock gods, the incident saw a freight pallet containing freshly printed SHIHAD merch erupt into flames on the tarmac.
No one was injured, but the band is now scrambling to reprint stock in time for their sold-out show in Napier this weekend.
“Over 37 years, you figure you have been through most scenarios that the music industry can throw at you,” SHIHAD shared in a statement. “Nonetheless, having your merch burn to the ground at Melbourne Airport en route to NZ is a new energy. Glad that everyone is safe, we are doing all we can to get new stock printed for our sold-out show in Napier this weekend.”
The timing couldn’t be more brutal. SHIHAD’s Loud Forever tour is their swan song, a last lap for one of New Zealand’s most influential rock bands.
Formed in Wellington in 1988, the group—Jon Toogood, Tom Larkin, Phil Knight, and Karl Kippenberger—have spent decades carving out their place in rock history.
With ten studio albums (six of which topped the charts in New Zealand), an induction into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame, and a record 25 Top 40 singles, they’ve left an indelible mark on Australasian music.
SHIHAD’s farewell tour has been a celebration of their legacy, with sold-out shows across Australia and New Zealand. The final Australian dates are fast approaching, with limited tickets remaining for their last-ever shows.
Merch may be temporary, but SHIHAD place in rock history is forveer. Get your hands on tickets at shihad.com before it’s too late.
SHIHAD’s Final Australian Tour Dates
Thursday, February 13 – The Gov, Adelaide
Friday, February 14 – Round House, Sydney
Friday, February 21 – Astor Theatre, Perth (SOLD OUT)
Saturday, February 22 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
Thursday, February 27 – Crowbar, Brisbane
Friday, February 28 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
Wednesday, March 5 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Friday, March 7 – Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
