Newcastle Just Got EVEN MORE Rock and Roll
- WCP Media
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Newcastle has well and truly cemented its reputation as Australia's premier regional live music destination, with Guns N' Roses officially announced to play McDonald Jones Stadium on December 8, 2026.
The iconic rock band joins an already extraordinary summer concert season, following hot on the heels of the Foo Fighters, who are also set to perform at McDonald Jones Stadium — marking the first concerts at the venue since the Newcastle Earthquake Relief shows over three decades ago.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, Guns N' Roses is one of the best-selling musical acts of all time. Formed in Los Angeles in 1985, the band's timeless anthems — Sweet Child O' Mine, Welcome to the Jungle, Knockin' on Heaven's Door, November Rain and more — have transcended generations and continue to fill stadiums around the world.
It's the fifth international act announced to perform at McDonald Jones Stadium in the past three years, following Elton John, Paul McCartney, P!NK and the Foo Fighters.
"To locals, Newcastle is already paradise, and I am thrilled that soon we'll officially throw open the gates to Paradise City. Newcastle is a world-class city, and the fact that Guns N' Roses are knocking on our door proves major international acts know this is a city worth playing for," said Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley.
"Guns N' Roses are rock and roll royalty, and to have them take centre stage in Newcastle is a huge coup for the region. We can't wait to see Guns N' Roses knockin' on Newcastle's door this December, just weeks after the Foo Fighters take over the city. Guns N' Roses tour landing in Newcastle reinforces the Hunter's rapid rise as one of Australia's premier regional event destinations, with major global acts choosing the harbour city for headline shows alongside major international capitals," said Minister for Sport and Tourism Steve Kamper.
"Guns N' Roses wrote 'Take me down to the Paradise City' almost 40 years ago, and now that dream is coming to life with a trip to Newcastle. Last month, we announced the Foo Fighters would be taking on McDonald Jones Stadium, and to follow that up with Guns N' Roses is every rocker's dream. Forget coal — Newcastle's biggest export in 2026 is a different kind of rock. Rock 'n' roll!" said Local Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp.
"Securing Guns N' Roses on the back of the Foo Fighters is not just a win for Newcastle music fans; it's a win for local businesses and the Hunter region. Promoters now know, based on sales from recent concerts for P!NK, Sir Elton John, Paul McCartney and the Foo Fighters, that Novocastrians can be relied upon to pack out McDonald Jones Stadium. It's going to be a very big summer for Newcastle — and the good news is we are in talks with promoters about more international acts to come to our city in 2026! Watch this space!" said Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, City of Newcastle's representative on the Venues NSW Hunter Advisory Committee.
Combined with the recent opening of Newcastle International Airport and its growing global aviation links, the Hunter region is fast transforming into a powerhouse for the regional visitor economy — creating jobs, backing local businesses and putting Newcastle on the world stage.
Guns N' Roses perform at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle — Tuesday, December 8, 2026, with special guests Airbourne.
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. An artist presale opens Wednesday, 11 March at 1pm. Register at www.gunsnroses.com by Sunday, 8 March at 11:59pm AEDT to participate. General tickets go on sale Friday, 13 March at 1pm. All tickets are digital only and accessible via the Ticketmaster App (no printed tickets will be issued). A free My Ticketmaster account is required.
