L.A.B. 2025 Australian Tour in New South Wales

Fans of Kiwi act L.A.B. are in for a treat in 2025, as the reggae collective announces a seven-date tour of Australia.

This will be the band’s first venture across the ditch in two years, in support of their new album, L.A.B. VI. Released earlier this year, L.A.B.’s sixth album shot straight to the top of the Official New Zealand Album Charts, marking their third consecutive #1 record.

L.A.B.’s long-awaited return to Australia kicks off in Brisbane at Eaton's Hill on Saturday, February 8. The reggae-fused act will then perform at HOTA on the Gold Coast on Saturday, February 15, followed by shows at Hindley Street Music Hall in Adelaide on Saturday, March 1, and HBF Stadium in Perth on Sunday, March 2. The tour wraps up with final performances at Hordern Pavilion in Sydney on Saturday, March 8, and PICA in Melbourne on Sunday, March 9.

L.A.B. is also headlining Newcastle’s Over the Ditch Festival on Sunday, February 23, where they will perform alongside other NZ acts like Katchafire, Coterie, Kora, South Summit, and TOI.

Supporting L.A.B. on their tour are fellow Kiwi artists Stan Walker, Tiki Taane (One Man Band), and Corrella. Walker will perform at the Sydney and Melbourne shows, while Tiki Taane will join the lads in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, and Perth. The eight-piece roots reggae band Corrella will accompany L.A.B. at all of their gigs.

Tickets for all shows go on sale this Thursday, September 5, at 11:30 a.m. local time via Loop.

Formed in 2016 by Brad Kora (drums, backing vocals) and Stuart Kora (guitar, keyboards, backing vocals) of the band Kora, L.A.B. has quickly risen to prominence. The group also includes Joel Shadbolt (lead vocals, guitar), Ara Adams-Tamatea (bass, formerly of Katchafire), and Miharo Gregory (keyboardist).

In just under a decade, L.A.B. has solidified their status as one of New Zealand’s premier reggae acts. By blending traditional reggae with blues, rock, funk, and electronica, the band has released six studio albums, with the last three reaching the #1 spot on the Official New Zealand Album Charts.

Fans can expect L.A.B. to perform tracks from their new album, L.A.B. VI, alongside fan favorites like "Controller," "In the Air," "Mr. Reggae," and "Why Oh Why."

Having sold out their 2023 tour, tickets are sure to go fast, so be sure to grab yours as soon as they go on sale this Thursday.