Major Indoor Arena Gigs Returning To Australia This Month With All-star Line-up Confirmed

"These shows are vital for our industry because they will show that we can stage large scale live concerts safely."

Major live music events are returning to Australia!

Today sees the announcement of two arena shows in New South Wales with TEG and Live Nation announcing an all-star line-up for two shows at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena. These shows mark the first major indoor music events in Australia since March.

Dubbed The Greatest Southern Nights, the first show will take place later this month with Ocean Alley headlining. They'll be joined on the bill by Jack River, Ruby Fields and Jack Botts.

The second show will take place in early December with Bernard Fanning locked in as headliner. He'll be joined by Matt Corby and Merci Mercy, with additional special guests to be announced.

“These shows are vital for our industry because they will show that we can stage large scale live concerts safely and that Australians have a huge pent-up demand to get out and share great live entertainment experiences with their friends and family,” said TEG Chief Executive Geoff Jones.

“We have seen the successful and safe return of huge crowds to major live sport and it is time for live music to make a return at scale at a world class venue, Qudos Bank Arena, which we will operate in a reduced, COVID Safe capacity for these shows."

“After eight long months of zero arena shows, these concerts will see great musicians bring thousands of fans back together," added Live Nation President Roger Field.

"Not only will these two wonderful nights of entertainment deliver significant employment but they are sure to inject a vital economic boost to our industry and the economy."

“NSW has led Australia in reigniting the live music industry through Great Southern Nights, and now we are excited to announce these landmark concerts that will be the hottest tickets in the country," added NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres.

"The NSW Government is proud to be getting artists, roadies, venues, hospitality staff and tourism businesses back to work and we hope this heralds the safe return of major indoor arena events."

Both event headliners have also praised the return of the arena shows.

“I’m so happy to be part of the reopening of the live music scene in NSW," shared Fanning. "It’s a great opportunity to get people safely together again, but just as importantly, to give the music industry workers whose lives have been so upended by COVID, a chance to get back to doing what they do best."

“We’re absolutely stoked to be getting back on stage as part of Great Southern Nights," added Ocean Alley.

"We’ve missed every part of touring - last year we spent every other day in a new city, so it’s exciting to see live music making a comeback in NSW. The opportunity to headline Qudos Bank Arena in our hometown makes this show that extra bit more special for us, and we can’t wait to finally play our latest album Lonely Diamond in a live setting.

Tickets for the 28 November show go on sale from 10am on Monday 9 November, while the 5 December show is on sale from 10am on Tuesday 10 November.

Head to theGuide for all the info.