Newcastle has cemented itself as the home of rock and roll with Guns N' Roses secured to play at McDonald Jones Stadium on December 8.
It will be a live concert season for the ages with Guns N' Roses to follow Foo Fighters to perform in front of a packed McDonald Jones Stadium crowd for the very first time.
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, Guns N' Roses' hits including Sweet Child O' Mine, Welcome To The Jungle, Knockin' On Heavens Door, November Rain and many others have transcended generations.
The international rock band will see tourists flock to the Hunter for the one-night only show.
World-class events like the Guns N' Roses tour and global aviation links with the recent opening of the Newcastle International Airport are transforming Newcastle into a powerhouse for the regional visitor economy, creating jobs, backing local businesses and showcasing the Hunter to the world.
Guns N' Roses are the fifth international band to be announced to perform at McDonald Jones Stadium in the past three years following Elton John, Paul McCartney, P!NK and Foo Fighters - and the stadium's first concerts since Newcastle Earthquake Relief over three decades ago.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to growing in regional NSW tourism and having major events, such as Guns N' Roses, that attract visitors year-round will deliver real economic benefits to local communities.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
"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 Guns N' Roses are knocking on our door proves major international acts know this is a city worth playing for."
Minister for Sport and Tourism Steve Kamper:
"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."
Local Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:
"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.
"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!"
Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, City of Newcastle representative on Venues NSW Hunter Advisory Committee said:
"Securing Guns N' Roses on the back of the Foo Fighters last week is not just a win for Newcastle music fans; it's a win for local businesses and the Hunter region.
"This second announcement is further evidence that Newcastle has confidence international music promoters as a sure thing when it comes to ticket sales. Promoters now know based on sales from recent concerts for Pink, Sir Elton John, Paul McCartney and this week the Foo Fighters, that Novocastrians can be relied upon to pack out McDonald Jones Stadium when Guns N' Roses show up in December.
"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!"
