Music Industry News

Twenty years ago, Fat Freddy’s Drop released Based on a True Story, an album that captured an intoxicating time in the Wellington music scene. Musicians stepped in and out of a multitude of bands and genres; live music buzzed in the city and was broadcast to a rapturous global audience. Now, Te Waka Huia o Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho Wellington Museum is celebrating the band, the album, and the era of Wellington music with a new exhibition.

“In the early 2000s, the Wellington music scene was exploding with amazing Pasifika-infused dub reggae. There seemed to be all these musicians in a big boil up of collaborative creativity. The twenty year anniversary of the album that captured this time, inspired me to create the exhibition. I wanted people to feel like they were stepping into the album,” said curator Ian Wards.

“The band have just announced a world tour for 2026, so it is great to be celebrating their roots just as they get back on the road in New Zealand, Australia, Europe and the United Kingdom,” Wards continued.

The exhibition is a colourful convergence of the music, art, and people that make up the band and the album. The centrepiece is DJ MU’s Akai MPC 2000 (Midi Production Center) the beating heart of Fat Freddy’s sound, along with a collection of other instruments played on the album: Tony Chang’s cornet, Dobie Blaze’s Korg keyboard, the beloved ‘Bessie’, Fulla Flash’s 1958 saxophone, as well as the main vocal microphone. The original fish ’n’ chip menu boards by artist Otis Frizzell from the ‘Wandering Eye’ music video and Hopepa’s legendary All Star yellow tracksuit also feature, alongside music videos and touring footage.

The band, who are known not only for their genre-defying music, but also their fierce independence have been integral creative partners to the exhibition look and feel.

“When Wellington Museum approached us about an exhibition we were intrigued, and the way it has all come together really represents who we are as a band. We are like a creative family. The exhibition shows what is important to us: food, whānau, and our links to the city and the coast that surrounds it. It really feels like a high-five to the Wellington music scene and the city as a whole,” said Fat Freddy’s Drop current saxophonist, Chopper Reeds (Scott Towers).

The exhibition will be open until March 2026. There will be public events throughout the exhibition period, including a guided walking tour and a hands-on workshop making pāua wontons with chef and keyboardist Dobie Blaze, creator of the signature Freddys dish. The closing weekend in March 2026 will feature an all ages sound system gig featuring the next generation of Wellington DJs..

The making of Based on a True Story, is a story of Wellington; the people, the place, and its creative soul. But it is also a story of Aotearoa, and the music that we are known for across the world. The Museum hopes that visitors will go in and experience the playful genius of Freddys and come out feeling uplifted.

“There was so much incredible art, video, music, and stories behind the scenes to choose from Freddys – the band are impressive archivists. We’ve even got their music awards collection, set up as if in Freddy’s studio where they were kept on shelves above the kitchen sink,” said Wards.

Plan your visit to the Fat Freddy’s Drop Based On A True Story: The 20th Anniversary Exhibition here
The exhibition is FREE to visit for New Zealand residents. International visitor fees apply.

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