Guns N’ Roses to play McDonald Jones Stadium on 8 December 2026

newy.com.au – Guns N’ Roses will play McDonald Jones Stadium on December 8, with Newcastle set to host the band for a one-night-only show later this year.

The concert will follow the Foo Fighters’ stadium appearance and marks the latest in a run of major international acts announced for the venue. According to the NSW Government, 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.

Formed in Los Angeles in 1985, Guns N’ Roses were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 and are among the best-selling musical acts of all time. Their hits include Sweet Child O’ Mine, Welcome To The Jungle, Knockin’ On Heavens Door and November Rain.

The NSW Government said the concert was expected to draw visitors to the Hunter and provide a boost for local businesses and the regional visitor economy. It said major events and the recent opening of Newcastle International Airport were helping transform Newcastle into a stronger regional tourism destination.

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 said: “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 Newcastle MP 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!”

City of Newcastle representative on the Venues NSW Hunter Advisory Committee, Cr Peta Winney-Baartz, said the booking was a win for music fans, local businesses and the wider Hunter. She said Newcastle had shown promoters it could fill McDonald Jones Stadium for major concerts and that talks were continuing about more international acts visiting the city in 2026.