A self-described ‘introspective, emotional country kid’ turned indie megastar lifted the roof off the Wellington Town Hall.

In the winter of 2007 Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon was writing music alone in his father’s isolated Wisconsin cabin. Then his debut album For Emma, Forever Ago tapped into the zeitgeist. Next came the record sales, plaudits from music critics and devoted fans, and collaborations with artists from Volcano Choir to Kanye West.

Lilting between baritone and falsetto, Vernon’s extraordinary and unmistakable vocals are now the stuff of indie legend. His nine-piece band took Wellington audiences through both intimate moments and boisterous choruses alive with orchestral harmony.

With talent this big and their only New Zealand performances, both Bon Iver concerts at hte 2012 Festival were completely sold-out.