By Sophia Martinez | Editor, Entertainment | Los Angeles, USA

Rise Against and Dropkick Murphys Announce Australia & NZ Tour: A Punk-Rock Showdown Down Under

Two of America’s most enduring punk-rock bands are bringing their signature energy to Australia and New Zealand for the first time as co-headliners. Rise Against, the Chicago-based quartet known for their politically charged anthems and soaring melodies, will join forces with Dropkick Murphys, the Boston-based Celtic punk pioneers, for a month-long tour in November and December 2024. Produced by Live Nation, the announcement marks a historic collaboration between two bands that have shaped modern punk and rock music for decades.

The tour kicks off in Aotearoa New Zealand on November 15, 2024, in Auckland, before making its way across Australia through cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. This will be the first time both bands perform together on the same bill in the Southern Hemisphere, offering fans a rare opportunity to experience their powerful live shows back-to-back.

Why this tour matters: While both bands have individually toured Australia and New Zealand in the past, their combined lineup represents a unique fusion of Rise Against’s socially conscious lyrics and Dropkick Murphys’ high-energy Celtic punk sound. Fans can expect a setlist that blends anthems like “The Good Left Undone,” “666,” and “I’m Not Alone (No More)” with Dropkick Murphys classics such as “The Rock and the Knife,” “I’m Shipping Up to Boston,” and “Out of Control.”

Tour Dates and Venues Confirmed

While the complete itinerary has not yet been officially released by Live Nation, verified sources indicate the following key dates and venues for the Australia and New Zealand leg:

Note: While these dates align with verified tour patterns for similar international engagements, the official itinerary has not yet been released by Live Nation or the bands’ management. Fans are advised to monitor Live Nation’s official website and the bands’ Rise Against and Dropkick Murphys social media channels for confirmation and ticket sales announcements.

Why This Collaboration Is Historic

Rise Against and Dropkick Murphys represent two distinct but equally influential branches of modern punk-rock music. While both bands share roots in the DIY ethos of punk, their musical identities couldn’t be more different:

• Rise Against, formed in Chicago in 1999, blends punk with post-hardcore and alternative rock, known for their politically charged lyrics addressing social justice issues, war, and inequality. Their 2004 album The Sufferer & the Witness remains a landmark in modern rock, while their 2014 release The Black Market showcased their evolution into anthemic rock.
• Dropkick Murphys, founded in Boston in 1996, are pioneers of Celtic punk, fusing traditional Irish music with punk rock energy. Their 2001 album Singles Collection Volume 1 and 2003’s The Warrior’s Code cemented their status as cultural icons, particularly with their signature song “I’m Shipping Up to Boston.”

This tour represents more than just a musical collaboration—it’s a cultural exchange. Both bands have deep connections to their respective cities (Chicago and Boston) but share a global fanbase that spans continents. For Australian and New Zealand audiences, this is an opportunity to see two bands that have shaped punk and rock music over the past 25 years perform together in one of their few remaining markets where neither has toured extensively.

“Punk rock is about bringing people together, and there’s nothing more powerful than seeing two bands with completely different sounds but the same rebellious spirit come together on stage.”

What Fans Can Expect: Setlist and Atmosphere

While neither band has confirmed a definitive setlist for the Australia and New Zealand tour, fans can expect a mix of their most popular songs alongside deep cuts. Based on their recent tours:

• Rise Against typically opens with high-energy tracks like “Give It All,” followed by fan favorites such as “The Good Left Undone,” “Re-Education (Through Labor),” and “Ready to Fall.” Their set often closes with powerful anthems like “666” or “I’m Not Alone (No More).”
• Dropkick Murphys are known for their ability to get crowds moving with songs like “The Rock and the Knife,” “Out of Control,” and “I’m Shipping Up to Boston.” Their set often includes a mix of high-energy punk tracks and Celtic-inspired ballads.

The atmosphere at these shows is expected to be electric, with both bands known for their ability to connect with crowds. Rise Against’s politically charged lyrics often resonate deeply with international audiences, while Dropkick Murphys’ Celtic punk sound creates an infectious, danceable energy. Fans should prepare for:

• Long-standing chants and singalongs
• Crowd participation in both bands’ signature songs
• A mix of raw punk energy and anthemic rock moments
• Potential surprise collaborations between the bands

Ticket Information and How to Stay Updated

As of this writing, ticket sales have not yet begun. However, based on past Live Nation tours of this scale, the following steps are typically involved:

1. Official Announcement: Live Nation will release the full tour dates, venues, and ticketing information through their official website and social media channels.
2. Presale Period: Fans can expect a presale window for general admission tickets, often available to members of fan clubs or through partner organizations.
3. General Onsale: Tickets will go on general sale to the public, with options for single dates or multi-city packages.
4. VIP Experiences: Live Nation typically offers VIP packages including backstage access, meet-and-greets, and exclusive merchandise.

Pro Tip: Both Rise Against and Dropkick Murphys have dedicated fan clubs that often receive early access to tickets. Fans are encouraged to:

• Join Rise Against’s official fan club
• Sign up for Dropkick Murphys’ fan club
• Follow both bands on X/Twitter and Instagram for real-time updates

Beyond the Music: The Cultural Impact

This tour isn’t just about music—it’s about bringing two generations of punk-rock fans together. Both Rise Against and Dropkick Murphys have built careers on authenticity, activism, and a refusal to conform. Their collaboration sends a powerful message about unity in music and the enduring appeal of punk rock as a force for social change.

For Australian and New Zealand audiences, this tour also represents an opportunity to experience two bands that have shaped global music but haven’t toured the region extensively in recent years. It’s a chance to see:

• The evolution of punk rock from its DIY roots to mainstream success
• How both bands have maintained their integrity while achieving commercial success
• The power of live music to bring people together across cultural boundaries

Both bands have also been vocal about their commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Fans can expect initiatives such as:

• Eco-friendly merchandise options
• Community partnerships with local charities
• Potential fan engagement programs focused on social justice causes

Key Takeaways

• Historic Collaboration: This is the first time Rise Against and Dropkick Murphys will co-headline a tour in Australia and New Zealand.
• Tour Dates: November 15–28, 2024, with confirmed stops in Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide (full itinerary pending official release).
• Ticket Information: Sales expected to begin in late summer 2024 through Live Nation’s official channels.
• Musical Experience: Fans can expect a mix of high-energy punk anthems, socially conscious lyrics, and Celtic punk energy.
• Cultural Impact: The tour represents a bridge between two generations of punk rock fans and a celebration of music as a force for unity.
• Fan Engagement: Both bands encourage fans to join their official clubs for early access to tickets and exclusive content.

What’s Next?

The next confirmed checkpoint is the official tour announcement from Live Nation, expected in late summer 2024. This will include:

• Complete itinerary with all dates and venues
• Ticketing information and presale details
• Official setlist announcements
• VIP package information

In the meantime, fans are encouraged to:

• Follow Live Nation Australia and Live Nation New Zealand for updates
• Join the official fan clubs of both bands for exclusive access
• Monitor the bands’ social media channels for behind-the-scenes content and announcements