Matchbox Twenty will finally return to Australia in February 2024 with their first dates down under since November 2012. Goo Goo Dolls will be coming along for the ride.
Last month, Matchbox Twenty founding members Rob Thomas and Paul Doucette appeared on The Plug podcast with Neil Griffiths and dropped the news that they were planning an Australian tour.
In the last two minutes of the podcast, Thomas and Doucette teased, “We will be boots on the ground in Australia next year… we’ll be bringing some good friends; that is happening.” You can check out the full podcast episode here.
The pair have made good on that tease, as today, TEG Van Egmond and Matchbox Twenty can announce an extensive 10-date Australian tour.
The band kick off their Australian tour in Perth on Tuesday, 13 February, before heading to Adelaide, Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, Wollongong, Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle, the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
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The Telstra pre-sale commences at 2 pm on Wednesday, 17 May, until 2 pm Friday, 19 May. The general public on-sale begins at 9 am local time on Tuesday, 23 May. Find tickets here and the full tour dates below.
Matchbox Twenty’s upcoming Australian tour is in support of their first album in over a decade, Where The Light Goes, which the band promises will be “another great batch of real, relevant, and relatable songs” via a press release. You can pre-order the album here.
“It’s so incredibly exciting to announce that Matchbox Twenty are heading over to entertain Australian audiences in February,” Christo Van Egmond, Managing Director of TEG VAN EGMOND, said in a statement. “Australia is the band’s second highest-selling market! So many fond memories are bound to resurface while hearing these two brilliant bands perform their classic songs live.
“Few acts have dominated the contemporary music landscape in this country, from the mid-’90s right through the 2000s, quite like Matchbox Twenty, and the same could be said for Goo Goo Dolls. A magical night is guaranteed.”
Matchbox Twenty singer Rob Thomas added, “You’d think that it would feel surreal being back on-stage fronting Matchbox Twenty after going solo, but it feels very comfortable, to be honest. It always feels comfortable if you dance with the date that you came with, and Matchbox Twenty is the date that I came with.
“Performing on stage with your mates that you’ve been in a band with for decades is such a privilege and it’s something we never take for granted, especially these days. Our Australian tour follows a massive 50-plus date US tour for Matchbox Twenty, so we’ll definitely be match-fit and ready to rock your socks off as well. It’s been way too long since I’ve seen all your Aussie faces. Already looking forward to February!”
Check out The Music‘s recap of the band’s last visit to Australia here.
2024 Australian Tour Dates with Goo Goo Dolls
Tuesday 13 February – RAC Arena, Perth
Thursday 15 February – Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena, Adelaide
Friday 16 February – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Saturday 17 February – Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley
Tuesday 20 February – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
Thursday 22 February – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
Friday 23 February – GIO Stadium, Canberra
Saturday 24 February – Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
Monday 26 February – Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast
Tuesday 27 February – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane