Good Charlotte Set to Return to Australia in 2026 with a Regional Surprise
Iconic American rock band Good Charlotte is set to make a comeback in Australia next year, with a series of concerts planned across the country. Among the highlights is a surprise show in regional Victoria, which has already generated excitement among fans.
The band recently announced a concert at the Bendigo Showgrounds on February 21, following weeks of teasing about an Australian tour. While no official confirmation has been made, reports suggest that Good Charlotte will also perform in Brisbane, Sydney, and Perth as part of their Motel Du Cap World Tour 2026.
According to Blunt magazine, the group is expected to kick off their Australian tour at the RAC Arena in Perth on February 17, followed by a gig at The Brisbane Entertainment Centre on February 19. They will then head to Bendigo for the February 21 show before wrapping up their tour with a concert at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on February 25.
Ticketek has launched a waitlist page for Good Charlotte fans to stay updated on the tour details. Pre-sales for the Bendigo show are already open, giving early access to tickets for those eager to secure their spot.
The Bendigo concert was partly funded by taxpayers through a fee paid by the state government, as reported by the Herald Sun. This move is part of a broader initiative to attract music lovers to regional Victoria. Other events in the area include Lenny Kravitz’s performance in Mildura in November and the upcoming Ok Rochester music festival, held 196 km from Melbourne.
Good Charlotte had previously teased an Australian tour last week, with signs appearing in high-traffic areas of Sydney. One sign, spotted on a bridge over a busy roadway, read: “Sydney, this song is dedicated to every kid who ever got picked last in gym class.”
This upcoming tour marks the band’s first visit to Australia since September 2012, when they performed at the Fat As Butter Festival, as well as in Sydney and Melbourne.
The tour coincides with the release of Good Charlotte’s new album, Motel Du Cap, in August this year. It is their first album since 2018, following a five-year hiatus. The band reunited in 2023 for a special event—Joel Madden’s sister-in-law, Sofia Richie, married Elliot Grainge, a record label boss. The band was invited to perform at the wedding, which reignited their passion for music.
Prior to the Motel Du Cap era, the band took a break after the release of their Greatest Hits album in 2011 and the Cardiology album in 2010. Twin brothers Joel and Benji Madden, now 46, said they needed time to focus on family and other projects. Joel admitted upon their return in 2016 that they had to rediscover their identity outside of the band.
Formed in 1995 in Waldorf, Maryland, Good Charlotte has maintained a consistent lineup since 2005. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2000.
Tickets for the Bendigo show will go on sale on Thursday, giving fans a chance to experience the band live once again.
Upcoming Events and Fan Excitement
As the 2026 tour approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting more details. With the band’s return, there is speculation about what kind of performances they will deliver. Will they bring back their classic hits or introduce new material? The anticipation is growing, especially with the recent success of their new album.
Other major acts are also making waves in the Australian music scene. Charli XCX and Billie Eilish are rumored to team up for a live event, while the Goo Goo Dolls are set to make their first Australian tour in over two decades. Meanwhile, Coldplay has added more dates to their Australian tour, thrilling fans across the country.
With so much happening in the music world, it’s clear that 2026 will be a memorable year for Australian music lovers.