Events at Kings Arms Tavern - closed permanently, Auckland, Auckland

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Dragonforce 'Reaching into Infinity' NZ Tour - Auckland

7:30 PM, Sat, 1 Jul 2017

Jul

Kings Arms Tavern

Auckland

The Faceless - The Spiraling Void NZ Tour - Auckland

7:30 PM, Tue, 16 May 2017

May

Kings Arms Tavern

Auckland

About Kings Arms Tavern (closed permanently)

The Kings Arms Tavern was a historic downtown Auckland pub and live-music venue, located at 59 France Street in the suburb of Newton. Housed in a carved wooden building dating back to about 1880 , it remained a working tavern through the 20th century and became a dedicated rock venue in 1988 (country singer Al Hunter performed the very first and final gigs there). Its signature charm was an old-school pub atmosphere: a dark timber-paneled front bar with beer-stained red carpet, ivy-print wallpaper and sports on TV, leading into a long narrow hall with a high raised stage at one end . Beyond that, a sunny beer garden out back (with picnic tables and smokers’ area) provided a bright counterpoint to the dark interior . At full capacity the Kings Arms fit around a few hundred standing patrons (gig-builder Lisa Gordon once describes crowds growing “to about 600” during a show ). Over its 30-year life as a music venue, Kings Arms became iconic in Auckland’s live circuit. It was a long-standing supporter of local rock and alternative music , and many music fans and musicians considered it a rite of passage. For example, folk-rocker Al Hunter (first to play in 1988) also reunited for the final performance, bookending its active era . Evening crowds would pack the stage and beer garden, often staying until late (the venue regularly stayed open until around midnight or later on weekends). However, the venue closed permanently on 28 February 2018 . In 2016 it had been sold to developers for NZ$7.4 million , and by late 2018 the 130-year-old building was demolished to make way for a new 102-unit apartment complex . Today the Kings Arms lives on in local lore as a legendary dive pub and music hub rather than an open venue.

Events and Programming

When it was open, the Kings Arms hosted live shows almost every week – often 3–4 band nights per week during its heyday . The programming spanned heavy rock, punk, indie and even country or folk on rare bookings. The venue became known for spotting bands before they got big. For instance, The White Stripes played a memorable show there on November 2, 2000, well before they became internationally famous . Similarly, local Kiwi artists played to evolving audiences here: punk legends like CJ Ramone, neo-Folk star Sharon Van Etten and ’90s alt act Jesus Jones all appeared in its lineup in later years. Many homegrown New Zealand bands cut their teeth at the Kings Arms – The Datsuns, The D4 and Tiny Ruins are among the outfits with early AUCK gigs at this bar. (In fact the Kiwi garage-rock group The D4 once literally burned out the house PA by playing loudly – setting the left amplifier on fire during a 2004 set .) Aside from standalone headliners, the Kings Arms occasionally hosted special local festivals or multi-band lineups. A late-2017 “Auckland City Rockfest” spanned ten bands in one night. They also ran recurring club events and one-off themed nights to suit all tastes. Concert ticket prices at this kind of venue were typically low-key (often in the NZ$10–30 range) – sometimes sold at the door or through small local outlets. In practice fans would buy tickets through event sites or pay cash at the bar, and popular shows often sold out the few-hundred crowd. Over the years the stage played host to both bar-band showcases and touring acts; but since the permanent closure in 2018, no new events or shows are scheduled at this address.

Tickets and Booking

Since the Kings Arms is now permanently closed, there are no current shows or tickets to purchase. Historically, it did not have a separate box office – tickets were most often available directly at the pub or through local promoters. Fans would typically buy in advance via NZ concert sites or pay at the door on show night. It was also common for smaller gigs (especially local bands) to have a “pay-as-you-can” or bar-tab arrangement. For bigger acts, ticket prices were still quite affordable by NZ standards – usually no more than about $20–30 NZD. If the venue were still operating, the strategy for a sold-out gig would have been to arrive early or secure tickets online as soon as the show was announced.

Seating and Layout

The Kings Arms had a very straightforward layout designed for standing-room crowds. The main gig hall was long and narrow, with the stage at the far end and a single-row bar along the right-hand wall . Patrons stood on the flat floor directly facing the stage; there were **no assigned seats or formal viewing terraces**. The walls on the opposite side of the bar held the restrooms, so on a busy night concertgoers might have to squeeze past the bar to exit . Notably, the stage itself was unusually high above the floor – as one review quipped, you’d “sweat out trying to find a good position to peer up at the Kings Arms unusually high stage” . In practice this meant taller attendees or those in the front row had the best sightlines. (Tip: if you’re short, a tip‐toe in the middle front is often needed!) Below is a quick summary of the layout and seating situation: - **General Admission Standing Room:** Most people simply stand on the floor facing the stage. There were no theater-style seats or numbered areas. - **Bar and Front Area:** Along one side of the room is the bar, with a few stools and pockets of standing room. This front-bar area was also used for sports viewing with TV screens . - **Outdoor Beer Garden:** Behind the main hall is a sunny courtyard with picnic tables and benches for drinking and mingling between sets. - **High Stage:** The raised wooden stage meant fans often had to lean in or climb on stools to see performers. One reviewer noted that seeing the stage required effort – if you hadn’t “sweated out” a good spot, you weren’t getting a clear view . - **Acoustics:** Despite the simple layout, the Kings Arms earned praise for its sound quality. A 2017 show review even observed that the venue was “blessed when it came to sound quality” . (Original lighting was basic, though special events sometimes brought in extra lights.)

Getting There and Parking

**Location:** The Kings Arms sat at the corner of France Street and Franklin Road in Newton, just south of Karangahape Road (often called “Kʼ Road”) – a stone’s throw from Ponsonby and close to the University and motorway junctions. In today’s map it’s 59 France St, Auckland. If you’re looking on foot or GPS, it’s just west of Grafton Bridge. **Public Transport:** Numerous bus routes run along nearby Karangahape Road. For example, Auckland bus lines 18, 309X, 72X, 866 and the City Link (CTY) all stop within a block of the venue . From the city center you can take any bus heading west on K Road – it’ll drop you at the corner of Franklin Road or at Upper Queen Street. The closest train stations (Britomart or Newmarket) are about 2 km away, so a quick bus or taxi from there is easiest. At night, late buses run along K Road into the early morning. **Driving and Parking:** If arriving by car, be aware that on-street parking in central Auckland is paid (metered blue-zone or yellow-zone areas). There was very limited parking on France St itself. However, there are a few nearby options: parking buildings on Queen Street or Wellesley Street (about 5-10 minutes’ walk), and the Upper Queen Street multi-level car park (another block north) catered to visitors . Rideshare or taxi are popular on gig nights – drop-off at the corner of France St/Franklin Rd or on K Road is convenient.

Inside the Venue

Entering the Kings Arms, you’d first find a typical old‐style pub scene: the front bar with dark wood, sports on TV, and beer kegs behind the counter. According to a visitor account, the front bar was “laid with beer-stained red carpet” and was the spot for routine pub activities (catching a rugby game, placing horse bets, and enjoying a Lion Red beer) . They actually ran a kitchen on weekdays – serving pub‐style lunches (Wednesday–Friday) and a Tuesday dinner special . On show nights the bar stayed open to serve drinks throughout the concert. The bar lineup usually included local and international beers, well spirits, and standard pub snacks (nuts, chips) for late-night munching. (Past reviews mention Lion Red as the local lager on tap.) When a gig was on, the crowd spilled into the main hall. Entry was casual (no formal security except maybe a quick bag check). The soundman often worked quietly at a front-of-house desk – one long-time audio engineer, Mark Peterson, was noted as a fixture setting up the PA . People jostled for spots on the flat wooden floor. Some attendees would hang at the edges: for example, bands like Billy Childish sometimes played from the floor right in front of the stage, or side nooks by the fireplace to get around a packed room . In the summer the back doors could open into the beer garden, blurring indoor/outdoor. (On rainy nights, it was a cozy but very crowded indoor space.) A few more notes for visitors: - **Food & Drink:** Food-wise it was a pub (not a fine-dining restaurant). Expect classic bar fare – burgers, steak sandwiches, fish & chips, nachos, etc. – prepared onsite or by a kitchen in the back. The drinks list covered standard beers and spirits. If you visit today, that kitchen is gone, but back then it earned praise as a full-service pub . - **Merchandise:** On concert nights, local bands often brought a table to sell CDs, T-shirts and stickers. The venue itself did not have a merch shop – anything for sale is usually band-run. - **Merch/Coat Check:** It was typical for an indoor venue like this to offer a free coat check area (especially in winter). (Regulars would lean their jackets or bags near the door or on a designated rack during gigs.) - **Restrooms:** The bathrooms sat at the rear of the hall. A 2015 write-up notes the bathrooms were at the end “across the other side of the room” and could be hard to reach through the crowd on busy nights . Ladies and gents facilities were basic but generally clean. - **Connectivity:** Wi-Fi was not advertised; most people relied on mobile data. Cell reception is mixed underground in inner city pubs, so don’t count on a strong signal. - **Accessibility:** The Kings Arms building was old and not ADA-equipped. There might have been a small front step to enter. Inside, the floors and doorways were narrow. Wheelchair access would have been very limited. - **Security and Conduct:** As with any working pub, staff might check IDs and manage rowdy behavior. Alcohol laws require ID (18+ to drink). Photography for personal use (phones) was usually fine. But professional cameras or recording devices typically needed permission. Large backpacks or outside booze were discouraged (they’d be asked to leave outside drinks at the door).

Nearby Amenities

Although the Kings Arms itself is gone, the Newton/Karangahape Rd area where it stood is packed with places you might want to visit. Along Kʼ Road just a block away you’ll find a wide variety of cafes, bars and ethnic restaurants – from Thai to Mexican to European bistros. For example, the Rendezvous Hotel at 146 Karangahape Road (two blocks northeast) houses Aperō Wine Bar, which a reviewer described as a spot for a “very good meal” on K Road. Turning right onto Ponsonby Road (just 3-5 minutes’ walk), you’ll enter the Ponsonby dining and nightlife precinct: brewpubs like Cassette Nine, trendy spots like Orphans Kitchen, and late-night eateries. Hotels are also within easy reach. The closest is the Rendezvous (at K Road and Queen Street, with its 5th-floor bar Aperō). There are several budget motels and Airbnbs in Newton and nearby Eden Terrace. A short drive or 15-minute walk takes you to central Auckland CBD, where chains like Novotel and Ibis are located. In short, if you come here to see a show, you’d have had plenty of nearby options for dinner or a pre-drinks pit stop (but since 2018 there’s no show!). If you do plan to visit the **site** of the old Kings Arms today, note that 59 France Street is now a construction/apartment address. The tavern signage and stage are gone, replaced by the new “Aalto” residential development. There are no remaining bars or music venues on that actual corner.

What Makes This Venue Special

The Kings Arms Tavern was special for many intertwined reasons. First, its **history and atmosphere** set it apart. A 19th-century pub building that survived into the 21st century, it offered a genuine old-world vibe (“long-standing supporter of local rock musicians,” as one review put it ). You felt that age when you stepped inside: the creaking floorboards, the roaring fireplace nook, the faded posters. It was an unpretentious “dive bar” beloved by artists and fans alike. The contrast of dark, intimate indoors with a bright beer garden outside made it memorable. Second, its **role in the music scene** was legendary. After Auckland’s Gluepot Tavern closed in 1994, Kings Arms stepped into that void. As AudioCulture notes, “the real change began in 1995, when the first rock bands played; the Gluepot had closed a few months earlier” . This made Kings Arms the prime launchpad for Auckland’s punk and indie acts of the late 90s/2000s. Many bands who sold out stadiums elsewhere played their early shows here. For example, The White Stripes played a small gig in 2000 at Kings Arms before hitting it big . The National was another case – they went from a Kings Arms opening act to headlining City Limits Festival. Such stories are part of local lore. Even international stars had a soft spot: rock icon Bob Geldof and BBC DJ John Peel reportedly visited as fans in the crowd . One pageturner story is actor Michael C. Hall (from *Dexter*) quietly toking in the beer garden between sets – a testament to Kings Arms’ “everyone’s welcome” attitude . Third, the **memorable moments and traditions** forged its cult reputation. Musicians and promoters recall many “legendary” Kings Arms nights: a drummer destroying his kit onstage (sparking Lawrence Arabia’s song “Bloody Shins”), punks climbing on light fixtures, and audiences crowd-surfing across the bar. The band The D4 literally set one of the PA speakers ablaze with their volume in 2004 . Concrete Playground and Wanderlog both highlighted that attending King’s Arms shows promised stories you’d retell forever (the latter describing it as “a bar that leaves everyone with a story to tell”). Even regular pub-goers had tales: one might have gambled at the TAB machine and gone straight from Lion Red pints into a sweaty punk show next door. Finally, there was a **personal touch**. The Gordon family (owners since the late ’80s) ran it like a home. They knew regulars by name and encouraged local talent. When Maureen Gordon passed away in 2017, the closure of the pub became all the more poignant. Daughter Lisa said tearfully, “I’m very sad to see it go. It’s been my life really. Music’s been my life.” . Many locals and visitors commented that once the Kings Arms was gone, “all of Auckland’s live venues [would] have been knocked down for apartments… what is left to do for a night out?” . In other words, its demolition was seen as a cultural loss – something special that couldn’t easily be replaced.

Visitor Tips and Information

If you were planning to go to the Kings Arms (or similar venues), here are some useful tips – although as noted above, this particular tavern is closed. These guidelines reflect what it was like to attend K Arms when it existed: - **Age and ID:** Kings Arms was a fully licensed pub, so the minimum drinking age was 18. On concert nights, unless the event was specifically under-18, entry was generally for 18+ only. Always carry a photo ID (NZ drivers’ license or passport). Under-18s would typically not be admitted unless accompanied by a parent/guardian under special conditions (rare). - **Dress Code:** There was no formal dress code. Most people wore casual attire – jeans, band T-shirts, trainers or boots. In other words, come in your regular concert clothes. Ladies often mentioned that it was warm and smoky inside, so light layers were fine. - **What to Bring:** The essentials: photo ID, a credit/debit card or some cash for drinks and entry, and earplugs if you’re sensitive to loud music. (The Kings Arms could get very loud – its sound system was known for quality, but it was intense rock volume). A light jacket or sweater is wise since bands often took breaks and the beer garden at the back could be chilly after hours. If you have a phone or camera for personal use, that’s fine (smartphones were ubiquitous for selfies and video), but avoid professional photo/video gear without permission. - **Prohibited Items:** Do **not** bring in outside alcohol or food – bar staff would stop you. No littering or nuisance; this was a small space and staff took care of safety. Large backpacks or hard cases would draw attention; if you needed to bring a bag, keep it small or use a coat check if one was offered (many pubs had a free coat check near the entrance for jackets and small bags during gigs). - **Accessibility:** If mobility is an issue, note that the venue was not wheelchair-friendly. Entrance had a small step and the interior was crowded. Sightlines in a wheelchair would be very poor. - **Timing:** Arrive early for popular shows. Doors for gigs often opened an hour before start-time. Since it was standing-room, the more you can get in early, the closer you can get to the stage. After a show starts, the floor can fill up fast. - **Nearby Transit (Again):** To reiterate, several bus lines on K Road will drop you closest. If taking a taxi or rideshare late at night, have your app pick-up point at Upper Queen St or K Road near France St. Outbound trains from city center stop well before midnight, so if staying after hours, a night bus or taxi is safest. - **Connected Experiences:** While K Arms itself no longer exists, if you’re in the area you might still enjoy the local scene. Grab an early dinner or drink at a nearby bar/restaurant (e.g. in the Rendezvous Hotel or on Ponsonby Road). There are other live-music pubs nearby (like The Matteo or The Kings Arms in Wellington) where you can soak up some NZ rock vibe. And don’t miss a walk down K Road itself – it’s full of street art and murals (a reflection of the same alternative culture that Kings Arms supported). **Summary:** If Kings Arms Tavern were open, you’d go expecting a rough-and-ready pub, 18+ only, cash/card at hand, club psyche, and pop your head into a room of rock history. Since it’s permanently closed and demolished , you won’t find live shows or beers here anymore – but now you know what made it tick.

Is Kings Arms Tavern open for concerts or events?

No – Kings Arms Tavern permanently closed in early 2018 and the building was demolished soon after . There are no concerts or events at this address now.

When did the Kings Arms Tavern close and why?

The Kings Arms Tavern closed its doors on 28 February 2018 . The owners sold the property (for NZ$7.4 million in 2016 ) and, as they noted at the time, the century-old building did not meet modern standards. It was torn down to make way for new apartments , so it closed due to redevelopment.

What was the capacity of the Kings Arms Tavern?

While there’s no official number posted, longtime staff recalled packed shows reaching around 600 people . In practical terms it held a few hundred standing patrons. There were no fixed seats, so capacity varied by how tightly people packed in.

What kind of events and music were held at Kings Arms Tavern?

Kings Arms was known for rock‐and‐punk concerts, indie and alternative shows, and some country/folk nights. It hosted mostly local New Zealand bands (and many Kiwi bands’ early gigs) but occasionally booked international acts too. Notably, The White Stripes performed there in 2000 before they were famous , and bands like The National and The D4 regularly played to sold-out crowds. (The venue often featured 3–4 live shows a week until its 2018 closure.)

Were tickets for Kings Arms shows cheap or expensive?

Ticket prices at Kings Arms were generally modest. Local band nights might be as low as NZ$10–15, while bigger touring acts could be $20–30 or so. For most gigs you bought tickets at the door or online. (Since the venue closed, there are no current ticket sales.)

How do I get tickets to an event at the Kings Arms Tavern?

Because the Kings Arms has closed, you cannot buy tickets for it any more. When it was open, tickets were usually available at the pub’s door before the show or through local NZ concert outlets like eventfinder. For major shows, advance online sales were common. Today, you’d look for gigs at other venues instead.

Is the seating general admission or reserved?

Kings Arms was entirely standing-room. There were no reserved or assigned seats. Early arrivals could claim front-row spots; otherwise everyone stood on the floor or at the bar to watch the show . It was all general admission (first come, first served).

Where exactly was the Kings Arms Tavern located in Auckland?

The Kings Arms was at 59 France Street in the Newton area of Auckland, near the corner of Franklin Road and just off Karangahape Road (K’ Road). This is just southwest of the city centre. Today the address corresponds to a new apartment development (no pub remains) .

What transportation options are there near the Kings Arms?

When it was open, the tavern was very well served by public transit. Several bus routes ran along nearby Karangahape Road (for example, routes 18, 309X, 72X, 866, plus the CityLink services) . These connected to Britomart or downtown. By car, paid street parking was on surrounding roads. Today you would still use those same buses to get to 59 France St. Taxis and rideshares can drop off on Karangahape Road or Queen Street – it’s only a few blocks from the CBD.

Is parking available at or near the Kings Arms Tavern?

There was no dedicated parking lot for the Kings Arms. Street parking in central Auckland is metered (usually Aust. blue-zone). Nearby paid lots (such as on Queen Street or Mercury Lane) were within walking distance. For instance, a multi-storey car park on Upper Queen Street was just a block away. Today the site is residential, but nearby paid parking and bus routes remain available if you visit the area.

What bars or restaurants are close by for pre-show dining?

The Newton/K’Road area around 59 France St is full of food and drink spots. For example, the Rendezvous Hotel’s Aperō wine bar (146 Karangahape Road) is a short walk away, and reviewers have praised its meals on K’Road. Ponsonby Road (3–5 minutes’ walk west) offers dozens of cafes, pubs and eateries – everything from grills to Thai. Closer to K’Road, you’ll find casual eateries, pizza places, fish & chip shops and ethnic diners. In short, a large range of dining and bar options is within a 5-minute walk.

Were minors allowed to attend shows at Kings Arms Tavern?

Since Kings Arms was a licensed bar, entry was generally restricted to ages 18 and over (especially at night). Some licensed events could allow younger teens if accompanied by a parent or guardian, but these were exceptions. In practice, almost all attendees were adults.

What amenities did the Kings Arms Tavern have inside?

Inside there was a full-service bar, a basic kitchen (serving pub meals on non-show nights), restrooms at the back of the hall, and a coat check area for jackets. There were TV screens in the front bar (for sports), an arcade dartboard, and a pool table as noted by patrons . The tavern did not have Wi-Fi for guests. (When a show was on, bands would set up stage monitors and sometimes additional lights, but the venue itself had a no-frills stage setup.)

Why did Kings Arms Tavern get demolished?

The building was sold to a developer in 2016 and had no heritage protection . The owners (the Gordon family) wanted to secure their assets, and the developer planned apartments. As a result, the old tavern was demolished in 2018 to build a 102-unit residential complex . This was despite the venue’s long history – it simply wasn’t protected as a heritage pub.

Who were some famous people and acts associated with Kings Arms?

Many notable musicians passed through Kings Arms. Besides The White Stripes and The National, Kiwi acts like The Datsuns, The D4 (who set a speaker on fire!), and Tiny Ruins played there. International names like Peaches and CJ Ramone returned multiple times. As for famous faces, legendary UK DJ John Peel and musician Bob Geldof were reported to have shown up as fans . And on its final night the local band Voom’s singer Buzz Moller quipped “The Kings Arms is dead” as they closed out the show – a line now quoted by fans remembering the place.

Events at Kings Arms Tavern - closed permanently, Auckland, Auckland

Dragonforce 'Reaching into Infinity' NZ Tour - Auckland

The Faceless - The Spiraling Void NZ Tour - Auckland

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