Ben Ruegg Announces Intimate Album Launch Show at Off Broadway Theatre, Papakura 

Auckland singer-songwriter and producer Ben Ruegg will celebrate the release of his debut solo album This Chaotic Sea with an intimate acoustic performance at Off Broadway Theatre.

This special show will offer a rare opportunity to experience Ruegg’s music in a stripped-back, acoustic format. Joined by a small ensemble of close collaborators, Ruegg will reinterpret songs from across his career — from his early solo EP The Road, through the heavier alt-rock material of Channeled, to the newly released This Chaotic Sea — all performed in a warm, close-knit setting designed for listening and connection.

“This music was written in some of the most defining moments of my life,” says Ruegg. “Performing it this way — without all the layers, just the core of the songs — lets the emotion really speak. It’s a chance to reconnect with the stories behind the music.”

The show will feature a relaxed, seated layout with tables, giving the audience space to settle in and soak up the performance in an unhurried, comfortable environment. With a strictly limited capacity of 100 tickets, the event promises a personal and immersive listening experience. 

This performance also marks the launch of a short three-date tour, with two additional shows in other New Zealand cities to be announced exclusively on the night. 

A merchandise table will be available at the venue, featuring CDs, official T-shirts, and a special limited-edition version of This Chaotic Sea. This exclusive release features unique packaging with photography from Ruegg’s full-band performance at the Hawkins Theatre in May 2025, along with a 12-page full-colour booklet of lyrics, artwork, and behind-the-scenes photos. Only a limited number will be available on the night.

Ben Ruegg has spent over two decades in the New Zealand music scene, first gaining national attention with Anything But Federal, before forming the acclaimed alternative rock band Channeled. Known for dynamic songwriting and powerful live performances, Ruegg’s work has always been marked by raw emotion and honesty. His 2020 single “Isolation” with Channeled reached the NZ Hot Singles Top 10, and he has twice been a finalist in the Ding Dong Lounge Battle of the Bands.

His debut full-length solo album This Chaotic Sea, releasing August 15, was written in the wake of a life- threatening seizure in 2020 and the passing of his father in 2023. The album explores themes of trauma, healing, and transformation — and the acoustic show will bring those themes into sharp, intimate focus.

Follow @ben.ruegg on Instagram for ticket info and updates.