Paul Kelly Leads 2026 Red Hot Summer Tour
The Red Hot Summer Tour is back in 2026, and it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest all-Australian music events of the season. From mid-January through March, crowds across the country will be treated to a star-studded lineup featuring some of the most iconic names in Australian music. Leading the charge is the legendary Paul Kelly, a performer whose songs have become the soundtrack of everyday life in Australia. Joining him are fellow heavyweights Missy Higgins, The Cruel Sea, The Cat Empire, Kasey Chambers, and the rising talent Jess Hitchcock.
The tour will open on January 17 at Warrnambool Racecourse in Victoria, before traveling through some of the most picturesque spots across the nation—Lake Macquarie, Port Macquarie, Southport, Werribee South, Berry, Bella Vista, Wodonga, Launceston, Bendigo, and finally wrapping up at Victor Harbor in South Australia on March 21. It’s not just a concert series—it’s a summer-long celebration of Australian music and culture.
Also Read:- Dortmund vs Wolfsburg – Goals, Records, and High Stakes
- Hodgkinson and Hunter-Bell Shine Amid Tokyo Warm-Up Challenges
What makes this tour especially exciting is the diversity of its lineup. Paul Kelly, with a career spanning four decades and more than 30 albums, has an unmatched ability to connect with audiences through songs that tell deeply Australian stories. Missy Higgins, beloved since her teenage breakthrough, brings a mix of powerful songwriting and soulful performances that never fail to move a crowd. Then there’s The Cruel Sea, whose gritty, genre-blending sound and the unmistakable presence of Tex Perkins have carved them a permanent place in Aussie rock history. The Cat Empire, known for their infectious energy and global success, will add their signature brass-driven party vibe. Kasey Chambers, one of the country’s finest voices in country and folk, will deliver the raw emotion she’s famous for. And Jess Hitchcock, often called Paul Kelly’s “secret weapon,” is stepping into the spotlight with her own set while also joining Kelly’s band on stage.
Warrnambool is especially buzzing with anticipation, as the city has quickly built a reputation as a destination for major music events. After hosting Triple J’s One Night Stand in 2024, which drew more than 15,000 people and pumped over a million dollars into the local economy, it’s no surprise the Red Hot Summer Tour has chosen it as the first stop. Local leaders have said that events like this prove Warrnambool isn’t just a coastal town—it’s a cultural hub.
For Paul Kelly, it’s a welcome return. He’s spoken about the fond memories of past Red Hot Summer tours and how eager he and his band are to create new ones. Fans will remember how quickly his past Warrnambool shows sold out, with tickets snapped up in just minutes. This time, demand is expected to be just as high, with presale tickets available from Wednesday, September 24 at 9 am, followed by general release on Thursday, September 25 via Ticketmaster.
So, whether you’re a long-time fan of these artists or just someone who loves the idea of warm summer nights filled with live music, the 2026 Red Hot Summer Tour promises to be an unmissable experience.
Read More:
0 Comments