Signing Off from the WMC - A Final Word from DB

16th July 2026

And just like that, it’s all over. 2 years of planning, practicing, rehearsing, saving, and dreaming. This was a trip of a lifetime, and it definitely did not disappoint!

So many things threatened to derail this trip, from the conflict in the Middle East, to the share cost of it all, it felt like at times the world was against us. But to the credit of the band, they kept going, fundraising, planning, and not giving up hope that we would get there. After 2 years of planning, the moment that we shared together at Auckland airport as a group, while Luke made a blessing of the tour and we sung a waiata was as powerful as any performance on tour.

The blogs on this tour have done a wonderful job of describing the experiences we had on tour, the concerts, the contest performances, the heat, the food, the characters, the bus rides, and much much more. So I thought today I would just take the time to summarise what this trip has meant to the band, and make a few thankyous.

Firstly, the music! The performances in Kerkrade were out of this world, all the hard work and energy culminated in a moment that we will all remember for the rest of our days. The audience’s responses to our performances also filled us with joy, and we didnt want the standing ovations to end. Showcasing the music of Kodi, Jack and Anthony Ritchie was another aspect of our tour that made it very special. The reception of the audiences to their music shows its not just us that think these pieces are very very special.

We had a real mix of characters on this tour, many regulars, some newbies, some oldies back after a break, some orphans from overseas, and a new friend in Tommy Tynan. Everyone on the tour did their bit, and the culture of the band was so strong, thanks to everyone for playing your part, and treating everyone with so much respect.

There are too many people to thank and mention, very quickly….

To the supporters that travelled with us - you made the tour what it was with your positivity and encouragement, it was an honour to have you join us.

To the players in the band - you should be so proud of our performances, you represented your whanau and friends with such pride, and I am so proud of all of you.

To everyone that sent messages and supported our tour, thankyou - we really valued everyone that got behind us.

Back home now, out of the heat wave, and back in our own beds! There was already talk on the plane ride home as to what the next trip might be…. But for now it’s time to get back to normal, back to work/uni/school, back to meals not dominated by cheese, back to heat pumps and air conditioners, and back to not having to share a room with snoorers!

It’s been a blast, let’s do it again!

Dave