Few punk bands have managed to stay this consistently furious – or this consistently relevant – quite like Rise Against.
Now, the Chicago punk veterans are officially heading back Down Under, today announcing a massive Australian and New Zealand headline tour for November and December 2026 alongside Boston Celtic punk icons Dropkick Murphys.
Rise Against – ‘Ricochet’
The run will see the two heavyweight acts tear through arenas and outdoor stages across Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth, alongside a New Zealand stop in Auckland and Christchurch.
But perhaps the most unexpected date on the entire run is happening somewhere a little less… conventional.
In one of the more delightfully chaotic festival announcements of the year, Rise Against and Dropkick Murphys will also headline the debut edition of Meltdown Festival in Gosford on the NSW Central Coast alongside Aussie favourites The Living End, Jebediah, RedHook and more.
Yep. Rise Against are officially playing Gossy.
The tour arrives as Rise Against continue rolling out their upcoming album Ricochet, with the band once again channelling the politically charged urgency and melodic hardcore intensity that’s defined them for more than two decades.
“Few bands have ever been as accurately named as the Chicago punk quartet,” the tour announcement reads.
“While fleeting styles and fashionable imitations have entered and exited vogue, Rise Against have remained a north star of artful resistance.”
Meanwhile, Dropkick Murphys arrive armed with their latest album For The People, continuing their long-running blend of rabble-rousing punk, Celtic folk influence and working-class heart-on-sleeve energy.
Together? This tour honestly feels like a masterclass in punk bands who’ve never really stopped meaning something to people.
And judging by the lineup alone, Australian crowds are probably about to lose their minds.
Suss the details down below.
Rise Against Australian Tour 2026
With Dropkick Murphys
- Thursday November 26 – John Cain Arena — Melbourne, VIC
- Saturday November 28 – The Entertainment Grounds — Meltdown Festival
- Sunday November 29 – Riverstage — Brisbane, QLD
- Tuesday December 1 – Sydney Opera House Forecourt — Sydney, NSW
- Friday December 4 – Red Hill Auditorium — Perth, WA
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 29 MAY AT 1PM LOCAL
Mastercard Presale: Wednesday 27 May 12pm – Friday 19 May 12pm local
Live Nation Presale: Thursday 28 May 12pm – Friday 29 May 12pm local
Further Reading
Rise Against Are Headlining A Brand New Heavy Music Festival On The NSW Central Coast
Hellbound II Lineup: Parkway Drive, Thy Art Is Murder + MORE
