Guns N' Roses Headed to Newcastle for Debut Stadium Show

Iconic rock band to perform at McDonald Jones Stadium in December 2026, continuing the city's rise as a premier regional event destination.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Newcastle, Australia has secured Guns N' Roses to perform at the McDonald Jones Stadium on December 8, 2026. The concert will be the first time the legendary rock band has played in the city, following recent high-profile shows by acts like Foo Fighters, Elton John, and Paul McCartney. The Minns Labor Government is touting the concert as a major boost for the region's tourism and event economy.

Why it matters

Securing Guns N' Roses is a major coup for Newcastle, cementing its status as a premier destination for international music acts. The concert will drive tourism, create local jobs, and showcase the city's growing reputation as a regional events hub. It also builds on the recent success of other blockbuster concerts in the city, further establishing Newcastle as a must-play stop for global touring artists.

The details

Guns N' Roses, one of the best-selling musical acts of all time, will perform at the 33,000-capacity McDonald Jones Stadium on December 8, 2026. The concert will be the fifth international act to play at the stadium in the past three years, following Foo Fighters, Elton John, Paul McCartney, and P!NK. Promoters say the show will attract tourists from across Australia and internationally to the Hunter region.

  • Guns N' Roses will perform at McDonald Jones Stadium on December 8, 2026.
  • The concert will take place just weeks after Foo Fighters' show in the city.

The players

Guns N' Roses

An iconic American hard rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1985, known for hits like "Sweet Child O' Mine," "Welcome To The Jungle," and "November Rain." The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.

McDonald Jones Stadium

A 33,000-seat multi-purpose stadium located in Newcastle, Australia that has hosted a number of major international music acts in recent years.

Minns Labor Government

The current state government of New South Wales, Australia, led by Premier Chris Minns, which is committed to growing regional tourism and securing major events for the state.

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What they’re saying

“To locals, Newcastle is already paradise and I am thrilled that soon we'll officially throw open the gates to Paradise City.”

— Yasmin Catley, Minister for the Hunter (Mirage News)

“Guns N' Roses are rock and roll royalty and to have them take centre stage in Newcastle is a huge coup for the region.”

— Steve Kamper, Minister for Sport and Tourism (Mirage News)

“Guns N' Roses wrote "Take me down to the Paradise City" almost 40 years, and now that dream is coming to life with a trip to Newcastle.”

— Tim Crakanthorp, Local Member for Newcastle (Mirage News)

What’s next

Promoters are in talks to bring more international acts to Newcastle in 2026, with further concert announcements expected soon.

The takeaway

Newcastle's successful efforts to attract major global music acts like Guns N' Roses demonstrate the city's growing reputation as a premier regional events destination, boosting tourism, local businesses, and the broader Hunter economy.