Crowded House To Perform At Australian Open 2026 Opening Ceremony

If the Australian Open already feels like Melbourne’s unofficial national holiday, it’s about to get even more iconic. Crowded House have been confirmed as the headline performers for the 2026 Australian Open Opening Ceremony, set to go down at Rod Laver Arena on January 17.

The beloved rock veterans will take centre court to officially kick off the tournament, soundtracking the start of two solid weeks where Melbourne collectively pretends they understand tennis draws and seedings. Frontman Neil Finn shared his excitement in a statement, saying the band are “delighted” to be opening the tournament – and that sharing the night with tennis royalty is “an honour beyond words”.

And yeah, the tennis royalty bit is doing some heavy lifting. The ceremony will also feature a star-studded appearance from legends including Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt, who’ll be taking part in a special exhibition dubbed the Battle of the World No.1s. Casual.

Crowded House’s appearance continues the Australian Open’s long-standing tradition of pulling serious musical weight alongside the sport. In the lead-up, AO Live Opening Week will feature sets from Hot Chip, Elderbrook, Cassian, and a DJ set from The Presets. Then, as the tournament hits its business end, the closing days will bring performances from The Kid LAROI, Spacey Jane, The Veronicas, Peggy Gou, Reneé Rapp and more.

Tickets for Australian Open 2026 – including all live music events – are on sale now. Whether you’re there for the tennis, the tunes, or just the excuse to sink overpriced cocktails in the sun, one thing’s for sure: January in Melbourne is shaping up to be a very full house.

AO LIVE OPENING WEEK 2026 LINE-UP

Tuesday, January 13

Hot Chip (Live)

with Milo Eastwood & O Honey

Wednesday, January 14

Elderbrook

with Juno Mamba, Samantha Loveridge & Jordz

Thursday, January 15

Cassian

with Willo, OLIIV & bellxsxs

Friday, January 16

The Presets (Live)

with RONA., Harvey Sutherland (DJ set) & Post Percy

AO OPENING CEREMONY

Saturday, January 17

Crowded House

AO LIVE 2026 LINE-UP

Wednesday, January 28 — 5–9pm AEDT

The Kid LAROI

• Special guests

Thursday, January 29 — 5–9pm AEDT

Spacey Jane

• Special guests

Friday, January 30 — 5–9pm AEDT

The Veronicas + Sofi Tukker

• Special guests

Saturday, January 31 — 2–7pm AEDT

Reneé Rapp

AO Women’s Final — 7.30pm

Sunday, February 1 — 2–7pm AEDT

Peggy Gou

Special guests

AO Men’s Final — 7.30pm

Further Reading

triple j’s Hottest 100 Of Australian Songs: The Complete List

Crowded House Release New Single ‘Teenage Summer’

“Dad Wanted It To Feel Like A Band Again”: Liam Finn On The New-Look Crowded House