Shihad split up and announce their "Loud Forever Final Tour 1988-2025"

Shihad have today announced that this is the end of their illustrious career, and have dropped tour dates for the Shihad: The Final Tour Loud Forever 1988-2025. The New Zealand hall of fame band will be celebrating thirty-six years of memories and milestones.

Since forming in Wellington in 1988 as high school students with a shared love for American speed metal, Shihad (Jon Toogood, Karl Kippenberger, Phil Knight, Tom Larkin), has sold over a quarter of a million records, released 10 studio albums, and toured the world’s clubs, festivals, and arenas. In 2010 they were inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame, firmly establishing themselves as New Zealand’s biggest rock band.

The band released 10 studio albums, with 9 of them powering into the NZ Music Charts top 10, 5 of which hit the number one spot; The General Electric (1999), Beautiful Machine (2008), Ignite (2010), FVEY (2014) and Old Gods (2021).

When we think of Shihad, we think of their incredible live performances and the way they owned the prized sunset spot at iconic music festival BIG DAY OUT for years.

SHIHAD's success in New Zealand was reflected in Australia as they were one of the Kiwi bands who managed to successfully transition into the Australian market.

They're dropping over the ditch for five dates in the middle of the NZ tour.

Thursday, February, 13 – The Gov, Adelaide

Friday, February 14 – The Metro Theatre, Sydney

Friday, February 21 – Astor Theatre, Perth

Friday, February 28 – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Friday, March 7 – Forum, Melbourne

With gaps between albums increasing, growing commitments outside the band and the member's inability to give SHIHAD the time... opinions differed between the band members but the group agreed it was never an option to half-ass SHIHAD.

Prior to today's announcement, the band took to their social with a tease (see below)

The fans speculated a greatest hits album, live album, new album, Homegrown announcement and a few feared the worst... a break up.

Today's announcement is bittersweet, as the tour dates span across some of New Zealand's greatest venues.

Sunday, 19 December 2024 - NEW PLYMOUTH - ROCK THE BOWL

Saturday, 4 January 2025 - WĀNAKA - ROBROSA STATION
w/ Kora, Dick Move, Fiona & The Glow 

Friday, 31 January 2025 - HAWKES BAY - BLACK BARN
w/ Jakob 

Friday, 7 February 2025, NELSON - TRAFALGAR CENTRE
w/ Mim Jensen, Con Carne 

Saturday, 8 February 2025, COROMANDEL - KICKDOWN

Saturday, 1 March 2025, CHRISTCHURCH - SECTOR 7
w/ The Volts, Mim Jensen, Con Carne 

Friday, 14 March 2025, AUCKLAND - SPARK ARENA
w/ The D4, Dick Move, Mim Jensen

Saturday, 15 March 2025, WELLINGTON - HOMEGROWN

The band will be catching up with the Hauraki Big Show today at 4pm, so tune into that on iHeartRadio for a trip down memory lane.