Good Charlotte: American rock stars to launch world tour in Perth in February 2026

R.E.M. did it first in 1995, and Kylie Minogue followed in February this year — now Good Charlotte are poised to join the exclusive club of major musical acts to have launched world tours in Perth when the American rockers arrive in February 2026.

Fronted by twin brothers Joel and Benji Madden, the pop-punk band will return to the Aussie stage for the first time in eight years, kicking off their Motel Du Cap World Tour at RAC Arena on February 17.

With singular shows to follow in Brisbane, Bendigo, Sydney, and Auckland, Aussies fans will be some of the first in the world to experience their eighth studio album live following the project’s August release.

“Australia is such a special place to Good Charlotte and to me personally, it feels like a home away from home in many ways, and we can’t wait to head back there for some big shows,” Joel Madden said.

“It’s been far too long since we’ve spent time with our Aussie fans, we’re all in for a big treat.”

The band will be supported by American alternative rock export Yellowcard, and Australia’s Kisschasy.

Good Charlotte’s local success is punctuated by the group’s six albums to have penetrated the ARIA top 25, and a whopping 12 singles in the ARIA top 40.

In 2015, the band formed a tighter connection with local audiences when Joel served as a judge on The Voice Australia, with his brother joining him in the role the following year.

Recognised for their anthemic noughties hits, including Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, and I Just Wanna Live, Good Charlotte’s return to music follows a hiatus used to pursue other projects.

However, they promise to perform plenty of nostalgia-inducing tunes to satisfy long-time fans.

In recent times, the enduring rockers’ have embraced themes of family and contentment in their music as they depart from the underdog tag that launched their careers.

With Joel sharing two children with fashion designer Nicole Richie, and Benji sharing two with Hollywood actress Cameron Diaz, the brothers have hinted their families are likely to make the trip Down Under with them.

The touring four-piece features Paul Thomas on bass and Billy Martin on guitar and keyboards, complementing Joel Madden as lead vocalist and Benji Madden on guitar and back up vocals.

Good Charlotte is yet to announce any other global tour dates.

Good Charlotte’s 2026 Australia and New Zealand tour dates

February 17 — RAC Arena, Perth

February 19 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane

February 21 — Bendigo Racecourse, Bendigo

February 25 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney

February 27 — Auckland Domain, Auckland