The songs we love don’t tell the whole story.

Legendary frontman of Shihad and The Adults, Jon Toogood, pulls back the curtain on a 37-year career that helped define New Zealand rock, and the personal cost that came with it. From a music-obsessed childhood in Wellington to the roar of international stages, this is a life driven by sound.

Weaving powerful conversation with solo performances of his songs, Jon revisits the moments that shaped him, taking the audience on a VIP tour through a life of music, sharing untold stories, songwriting secrets, and the candid truths about mental health.

Writer and broadcaster, Nick Bollinger, joins him to explore the sounds and stories that forged an astounding career.

This is more than a rock story.

Verb's official Festival Bookseller, Unity Books will be on-site bookselling, and Jon Toogood will be book signing after the event.

This event is part of the 2026 Verb Readers & Writers Festival, please see verbwellington.nz for more information.

Festival Passes are a great way to save money and enjoy the full festival experience: just $80 for a 4-event pass. They are available until midday Thursday 24 September.

Many thanks to Verb's generous festival funders, Creative NZ, Wellington City Council, Pelorus Trust and Pub Charity.