Straight off the wire, MC Slave dropping his first Radio WFFD show for 2010.  Click and pop the player on Radio FFD on Fat Freddys Drop.  While you're there check the 'Interview Zone' featuring recent Freddy's korero on American radio and a gem from the past 'On The Couch' a two-part feature show by The Jewel School recorded in 2005 on the cusp of the release of Based On A True Story. 

Speaking of classics, we've dug through the video vaults and found our first Press Kit from 2003 and the golden HOPE music video shot and directed by Marcel Allen at SPLORE in 2002.  For viewing at your leisure, check Fat Freddy's Drop TV.

Rolling into 2010 and we're pleased to announce a grouse show at Black Barn Vineyards on Sunday 7th March playing alongside our cuzzies Little Bushman led by Warren Maxwell aka Fulla Flash, Ladi 6 & The Turnaround.  It's a grouse line up for Freddys return to the outdoor amphitheatre in Hawke's Bay and all we need now is the sunshine to join the party.  Last year we played at Black Barn as rain pelted down and stalwart locals in gumboots and wetsuits helped keep up the spirits.
Tickets On Sale Now from Black Barn Vineyards.

After a good blow out in Europe it's always nice to hit the road in your own backyard - especially in full summer. And after the obligatory Xmas overindulgencs it was always going to be interesting to see what unfolded on Dec 27th at The Mount - would Hopepa have his Jelly Roll back in action? Would Fitchie remember the freaky breakdown section in that new afro joint? Would Chopper make it to the gig at all? Well, yes. Everything was poppin as you'd expect. And the crowd? Yup, The Mount knows how to party. And Coroglen knows how to PARTY... and Waihi... knows how to PAAAAAAR-TAY. Hats off to all the folks who saw out 09 in the Nth Island with us - definitely some of the best (and loudest) singing we've heard from NZ crowds.
 
The only off part of coro-christmas has been the weather - where's all that lovely sunshine gone, eh? The occasional spot of rain hasn't stopped us from hitting the golf courses though - something we'll continue with up north too.... and we've unearthed a new talent in the process. As well as straight killing it on BVs for this trip, Kemera has the makings of a serious golf addict. If you're wondering who he is, then get along to the next few gigs - our show starts with Kemera, his guitar and some dope tunes. Catch you in Riwaka for NYE and then Mangawhai on the 2nd and 3rd.
 
We're on our way.

We're pleased to announce five lucky winners for our Best Blag Summer Shakedown competition - drum roll -  scoring some Freddy's soul for the Xmas stocking are:
1    Chris Boley.
2    Barbara Kinley
3    Hemi Takimoana
4    Noel Woods
5    Aroha
Each of the winners receives a double pass to a show of their choice on The Summer Shakedown tour hitting The Mount, Coroglen, Waihi Beach, Riwaka and Mangawhai.  Thanks everyone who entered - the judging was tough, you're all great blaggers!

Read The 3 Best Blags

Chris Boley
your not going to believe this but,......

ive got this cat called skinny frederico
ate the 60 bucks i put aside for the gig,..yo!

i foolishly hid it in the cat nip stash
frederico's not so skinny, now he's eaten my cash.

so i have to get in for free,............. one way or another
dodge the doorman or jump the fence with darkness as my cover

and if all else fails,.......i will have to dash
back home, dress up, and sneak in as fulla flash!

choice as

Barbara Kinley
PLEASE pick my fantastic partner marlon fitzpatrick to win your competition! He works very hard out in all kinds of weather as a bill sticker, putting up posters all over auckland of upcoming events - and i KNOW he's done some of your guys ones before.  It would be fantastic for him to actually attend one of these for a change instead of just advertising them for everyone else.  Thanks.

Hemi Takimoana
Dear Fat Freddys Drop,

I would like to submit Tina Tamatea & her girls into a free pass to BLAG all expenses paid.

Tina is a solo mum with 3 girls. She works 7 days a week to make ends meet. She does have a support group of family and freinds but I feel she is well deserved to have a holiday. People whom know her adore her cos she has an open personality which is full of LIFE IS GOOD. That attitude is what I think deserves goodness.

Yip you could say Im a fan of hers as well as fat freddys drop.

I aint gonna palava over it any more because you have to meet the lady to understand as words dont do justice.

Kind regards
Hemi Takimoana

If you're considering buying a Summer Shakedown ticket or three for The Mount, Coroglen, Waihi Beach, Riwaka or Mangawhai, tickets are available from Ticketmaster or from the venue.  Everyman Records in Nelson have also got tickets for our NYE show at Riwaka down South.  There will be Summer Shakedown door sales at each venue on the day/night of the show unless sold out prior.  Word is Coroglen will be the first to sell out.
The Summer Shakedown – soak up a day of sand, surf and kai moana, add a drop of Freddy's live voodoo and it'll be such a perfect day.

Discover our freshest tune 'Afreak', a reworked Ray Ray, The Raft and more playing exclusively on Charlie Gillett's World on 3, BBC.  The tracks, captured at Maida Vale, London, featured in Gilletts world music programme last weekend and are available now on BBC iPlayer for the next four days. Tony Chang takes to the mic to give some insight into the music & Dr Boondigga.

Judging is underway for our Best Blag competition.  Winners for The Summer Shakedown Tour tickets will be announced in time for Xmas cheer.  Thanks to everyone who sent in their Best Blag stories. Stay tuned.

Our good friends Amplifier are running a sizzling Summer Shakedown Tour competition with two autographed prizes up for grabs - Dr Boondigga & The Big BW 12" vinyl and Based On A True Story 12" vinyl.  Competition is open to all Amplifier users worldwide (if you've ever signed up to shop on our Merch Tent that includes you).  Please login to Amplifier to enter.  Winners will be announced 15th January 2010.

In other Amplifier news, we've topped a few of their top seller charts in 2009 including top selling MP3 - Pull The Catch and 5th place-getter for Joe Dukie & DJ Fitchie - Midnight Marauders and top selling Digital Bundle (Album/EP), CD and Vinyl for Dr Boondigga And The Big BW. Live at The Matterhorn CD, Fantastic Voyages DVD and 12" singles The Camel and Roady also featured among the top ten sellers. Chur people for the finger clicking goodness.

Did you catch freaky fresh Freddy's track 'Afreak' on Charlie Gillett's World on 3, BBC?  'Afreak' or 'Afrique' is a track that was jammed on the Album Shakedown Tour to USA and Europe and this version from our In Session recording at Maida Vale, London was the first recording of what is essentially a work in development.  Experience a taste of things to come including a reworked version of Ray Ray when the just played live broadcast is made available on BBC Player.  We'll let you know.