Live Nation Launches 'Next On' Initiative To Support Local Acts

Live Nation has launched a new live music initiative called Next On, a program that supports developing artists by providing access and exposure to help them grow their careers.

The program will be hosted at Live Nation-owned venues across Australia and New Zealand, with the stages provided rent-free.

Venues involved in the initiative are Melbourne’s Palais Theatre, Brisbane’s The Triffid and The Outpost at Fortitude Music Hall, Thirroul’s Anita’s Theatre – King’s Room, Adelaide’s Divide at Hindley Street Music Hall, and the Tuning Fork in Auckland, New Zealand.

Every month, local talent will have the opportunity to be part of a showcase at the promoters’ premier venues. Local artists will have the chance to set their ticket prices, keep every cent of their ticket and merchandise revenue, and be backed by Live Nation marketing and networking. Artists will also receive PR support, professional photography, and career development opportunities.

Next On launches this month—just before the annual Aus Music Month concludes. Live Nation are calling for applications ahead of shows kicking off in 2026. Artists can apply to participate in the Next On program here. More information is available on the Live Nation website.

Mark Vaughan, Senior Vice President Touring, Live Nation Australia and New Zealand, said of the initiative, “We’re handing over the keys - giving artists the stage to own, and fans the story to tell. Next On tears down some of the barriers so developing artists can shine, keep 100% of what they earn, and fans can say, ‘I saw them here first.’”

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Next On has received support from Australian music icons, including Kate Ceberano, Missy Higgins, Bernard Fanning, and rising songwriter Seb Szabo.

Szabo said, “Having the chance to play a venue as iconic as the Palais at this point in my journey is incredible, especially after having seen my third ever show (Glen Hansard) here with my dad years ago. Next On is providing such a unique opportunity for developing artists to dream big & be inspired about possibility at a crucial early career stage, and it's an opportunity I know I won't soon forget.”

Missy Higgins added, “When you’re starting out, what you need most is a chance - to get on stage, connect with fans, and be supported by the industry. ‘Next On’ delivers that.”

Bernard Fanning commented, “Touring has never been more difficult for emerging acts. The costs have skyrocketed in recent years, making it almost impossible for bands to do the most important thing- get in front of an audience. The Next On initiative is a great step towards giving new bands the leg up they need.”

And Kate Ceberano said:

My career began in pubs, clubs, and the small rooms where Australian music has always found its heartbeat. Those early stages teach you everything - how to test your material, how to win an audience, and how to build a fan base not through hype, but through real connection. If artists miss that essential grounding, that ‘bridging act’ of growing confidence on stage in front of real people, something is lost. You don’t get that deeper understanding of what you did to make your career happen.
We often talk about ‘overnight success’, but without that foundation artists can struggle, with insecurity, with imposter syndrome, and with the demands of show business. When you’ve earned your craft in front of a crowd, you understand that show business is a part of the journey, not the whole story. That’s what leads to a long and enduring career.
That’s why a program like Next On has so much merit. Giving young artists the chance to stand on iconic stages early, to find their voice and confidence in the right environment, is invaluable. I’m 100% behind it, and I’m thrilled to see these sorts of initiatives help make this possible. This is how we build a healthy industry - one strong foundation at a time.