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Blindspott is an alternative metal band from West Auckland, New Zealand. After performing under the name Blacklistt for several years, the original line-up got back together in 2018. The band was formed in 1997 with members Damian Alexander (vocals), Marcus Powell (guitar, backing vocals), Shelton Woolright (drums), Gareth Fleming (bass) and Karl Vilisini, also known as DJ Dlay (turntables, keyboards).

History

Formation and debut album (1997–2004)

Blindspott was formed in 1997 and developed a loyal following in the years leading up to their self-titled album release. Often labelled as a "nu-metal" band, the band has insisted this genre label was a result of the world catching up to their early development, rather than capitalising on a popular sound at the time. Blindspott's first single, "Nil By Mouth", was a success in 2001 and gained major airplay on television and radio channels across the country. Other hits released during 2001-2003 were "Room to Breathe", "Phlex" (which reached No. 2 on the charts), "Blank", "S.U.I.T" and "Lit Up". Blindspott, their self-titled debut album, was released in 2002 and reached number 1, going platinum in New Zealand in its first week of release. The album has since been certified 3× Platinum in New Zealand.

End The Silence and line-up change (2005–2007)

Blindspott underwent a line-up change for the writing and recording of their second album, End the Silence. Fleming and Vilisini were replaced by Dave McDermott on bass and Brandon Reihana as a second guitarist. McDermott had worked for the band as a technician, while Reihana first toured with the group as substitute bassist when they went to Japan in 2004. The second album digressed significantly from the nu-metal style of their debut album, developing a darker hard-rock sound, without scratching and hip-hop influences.

Their first single from the new album, "Drown", was released on 1 May 2006 and entered the official New Zealand music chart on 7 May 2006, going straight to No. 4. End the Silence was released shortly after in New Zealand on 29 May 2006 and broke New Zealand music records - in the first week of release it went straight to the top of the official New Zealand music charts.

In August 2006, Blindspott played at the Summer Sonic Festival in Tokyo, Japan, alongside major acts such as Metallica, Deftones, Linkin Park and Tool.

End the Silence was released in Australia on 2 September 2006.

Break-up and reunion show (2007–2009)

In 2007, after 10 years together and many publicised band fallouts, Blindspott broke up. The band played its final concert on 25 August 2007 at the Powerstation nightclub in Auckland. On 27 July 2009 they released a live CD/DVD filmed at the Powerstation concert.

In November 2008, Blindspott announced they were reuniting for a one-off performance at the Vodafone Homegrown Music Festival in Wellington on 14 March 2009 as one of three acts reforming to perform at the festival.

Reformation and current events (2010–present)

Founding member Marcus Powell released a new track called "Sleep" with his side project - City of Souls in March 2015.

On 15 May 2010, it was announced on Facebook that Blindspott had reunited and were writing new material. The band had also reformed to include its original members. The same day they were confirmed for Homegrown 2011. On 27 September a photo was posted by a band member showing Tristan Reilly as the new drummer for the band.

On 5 March 2011, lead singer Damian Alexander announced they would be releasing their new single "From The Blind Spot" under the name Blacklistt for legal reasons. Currently the band members are in a legal battle with former drummer, Shelton Woolright, to keep releasing music under the name of Blindspott. Entertainment lawyer Mick Sinclair is handling the case for Blindspott. In August 2011, it was revealed that the band would continue under the name Blacklistt instead of giving in to Shelton Woolwright's demands. A video clip for the band's single From the Blind Spot was released in January 2012.

On 31 August 2018, the band members, including Shelton Woolwright, announced they would be reforming for a one off show in September as part of the Rock1500 Countdown. The band then later announced that they would embark on a reunion tour in December with support from fellow NZ band Devilskin. On 1 October 2018, it was announced that Blindspott would be performing at Homegrown 2019.

On 14 February 2020, band members Shelton Woolwright and Marcus Powell, announced they had reformed Blindspott and will be touring New Zealand during March and April 2020, with a majority of these dates later postponed to October and November due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The band also performed at Homegrown 2021 the following March.

Discography

Albums

Singles

References

1. "Blindspott - Album Review: Blindspott - New Zealand Music Articles".
2. Sharpe-Young, Garry. "Rockdetector Biography". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2008.
3. http://blindspott.org/2011/08/20/whats-going-on-you-ask/
4. ^ Kellman, Andy "Blindspott Biography", Allmusic, Macrovision Corporation
5. "Answers - the Most Trusted Place for Answering Life's Questions". Answers.com.
6. ^ "Blindspott - New Zealand Musicians & Bands".
7. "Marbecks »".
8. "Blindspott reform for Kiwi music fest".
9. "Line up | Jim Beam Homegrown". Archived from the original on 3 October 2010. Retrieved 27 September 2010.
10. Leigh van der Stoep (6 March 2011). "Blindspott members take fight over band's name to court". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 20 September 2011.
11. Hurley, Bevan (3 April 2011). "Blindspott name stoush is a pie fight". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 20 September 2011.
12. "Blindspott announce 'Reunion Tour' | Scoop News".
13. "Wellington's Homegrown 2019 lineup and pre-party announced". 30 September 2018.
14. "The Rock - NZ's rock radio station".
15. "Homegrown 2021: Stuff's picks from New Zealand's biggest all-Kiwi music festival". 11 March 2021.
16. ^ "BLINDSPOTT IN NEW ZEALAND CHARTS". charts.nz. Retrieved 12 November 2013.
17. ^ "Gold and platinum New Zealand albums to 2013". Te Ara. Encyclopedia of NZ. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
18. Peaks on the NZ Hot Singles Chart:
    • "R.I.P. (Rest in Peace)": "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 4 October 2021. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
    • "Tonight": "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 21 March 2022. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
    • "Pretty Violent": "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 24 October 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
19. "New Zealand single certifications – Blindspott – Phlex". Recorded Music NZ. 26 October 2003. Retrieved 20 November 2024.

External links

• NZMusic.com Blindspott Biography
• Blindspott's official myspace page

• New Zealand nu metal musical groups
• New Zealand heavy metal musical groups
• New Zealand rap rock groups
• Rap metal musical groups
• Musical groups established in 1997
• Musical groups disestablished in 2007
• Musical groups reestablished in 2018
• Musical quintets
• 1997 establishments in New Zealand
• EMI Records artists