Newcastle will host one of rock music’s biggest acts later this year, with Guns N’ Roses confirmed to perform at McDonald Jones Stadium on 8 December.
The concert will mark the band’s first appearance at the stadium and follows the earlier announcement that the Foo Fighters will also play the venue. Organisers expect the back to back shows to draw large crowds and bring visitors to the Hunter region during the summer concert season.
Formed in Los Angeles in 1985, Guns N’ Roses remain one of the best known rock bands in the world. Their catalogue includes tracks such as Sweet Child O’ Mine, Welcome to the Jungle, Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door and November Rain. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 and continues to tour internationally decades after its debut.
Tourism and event organisers expect the one night performance to attract visitors from across New South Wales and beyond, adding to Newcastle’s growing reputation as a destination for large scale live music events.
Recent years have seen several global acts perform at McDonald Jones Stadium, including Elton John, Paul McCartney and P!NK. The Foo Fighters are also scheduled to appear, making Guns N’ Roses the fifth international act announced for the venue within three years. The concerts mark a return to large stadium music events in the city after a long gap since the Newcastle Earthquake Relief concerts held more than three decades ago.
The show arrives during a period of change for Newcastle’s visitor economy. The opening of Newcastle International Airport and growing interest from international event promoters have increased the city’s profile as a regional destination capable of hosting large concerts and sporting events.
Supporters of the strategy argue that attracting major entertainment events can generate spending across hotels, restaurants and local businesses while raising the region’s visibility with international audiences.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the announcement would resonate with local fans while helping bring visitors to the region.
“To locals, Newcastle is already paradise and I am thrilled that soon we’ll officially throw open the gates to Paradise City,” she said.
Minister for Sport and Tourism Steve Kamper described the concert as a major booking for the region and said the show would follow the Foo Fighters performance just weeks earlier.
“Guns N’ Roses are rock and roll royalty and to have them take centre stage in Newcastle is a huge coup for the region,” he said.
Local Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the back to back stadium concerts would excite music fans across the region.
“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,” he said.
Councillor Peta Winney Baartz, who represents the City of Newcastle on the Venues NSW Hunter Advisory Committee, said the show reflects growing confidence among promoters that Newcastle can support large events.
She pointed to strong ticket sales for previous concerts featuring P!NK, Elton John and Paul McCartney as evidence that audiences are willing to travel for stadium performances in the city.
City officials say discussions with promoters are continuing as Newcastle seeks to attract further international acts in 2026.
With two major rock bands already scheduled for the stadium within weeks of each other, the city’s summer events calendar is shaping up to be one of its busiest for live music in recent years.
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