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

AC/DC did it first in 1988, R.E.M. did it second 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 stage Down Under for the first time in eight years, kicking off their Motel Du Cap World Tour at RAC Arena on February 17.

“That’s great company; R.E.M., Kylie Minogue and Good Charlotte. I love it,” Joel told PerthNow.

Admitting they often sneak in and out of Australia to visit friends and family — even when not touring — the brothers labelled it their “home away from home”.

And while the decision to launch from the west coast was a logistical one, it’s also a place the band members have formed a spiritual connection over the years.

“I love Perth, we’ve been to Perth a bunch,” Benji said.

“When you stand on the beach in Perth, there’s a different energy. It feels like one of the most peaceful places on the planet.”

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

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, they have hinted their families are very 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