If you read the title of this post and thought, "What's a Conchord?" you would not be alone - I had similar questions when I first heard people talking about this comedy duo. Back in graduate school, I remember fellow colleagues and students alike raving about this funny/cool/new/hip television series called Flight of the Conchords. Since I found/find it difficult to keep up with pop culture, I dismissed the hype as a passing phase. I shouldn't have.
Turns out that the two guys that make up FOTC are from New Zealand! I have only recently found this out (I am embarrassed about this). It also turns out that they are returning to New Zealand for a nation wide tour - and they are making a stop in Queenstown on June 24. After hearing many Kiwis and internationals talk about the upcoming show, I thought it worth my time to investigate a little bit.
For those of you who don't already know, the two Kiwi comics who form the group are from Wellington, on the North Island. Their popularity in the States is mostly due to their two season television series on HBO. Apparently, the show is about moving to New York City and trying to become successful as a band. I hear that there are lots of songs and singing in the show - people here are always singing or quoting them.
After reading about them and talking to others about them, I thought it would be fun to try and get tickets. Turns out that everyone else here had the same idea - the tickets for the QT show sold out in about 4 minutes. Fortunately, Sean had the morning off and was able to score two! To celebrate we went to the big Target-like store in town and bought the first two seasons (it was cheaper than renting them!). I hope they are as funny as everyone says they are because now we own two of their DVDs and tickets to their concert!
"Get your best pair of jandals on because finally the rumours are confirmed - Flight of the Conchords will touch down in New Zealand for a nationwide tour, but you’ll have to be quick to nab a ticket!
This almost award-winning fourth-most-popular folk duo last performed in Aotearoa in 2009. But this June the wait is over. Bret and Jemaine are back on stage together – and what better place to do it than the country where it all began!"
I think you'll like them! Bret McKenzie also wrote the songs for the new Muppet movie, so you could check that out too, but definitely start with FotC the TV show. It's fantastic.
The episode where the NZ Prime Minister comes to NYC is hilarious. The show also features Amanda's doppelganger Mel.