The Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, known for their unique funk-rock sound and high energy performances. There has been speculation recently that the band may be planning a tour of Australia, with a possible show in Sydney. While not confirmed, there are several signs pointing to an Australian RHCP tour announcement in the near future.
Previous Tours Down Under
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have toured Australia multiple times before, most recently in 2017 as part of their The Getaway World Tour. They performed shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth on this run. Prior to this, they also toured Australia in 2007, 2004, 2001, 2000, and 1999. The band has clearly enjoyed performing for Australian audiences in the past.
Recent Social Media Hints
The official Red Hot Chili Peppers social media accounts have been dropping hints about an Australian tour announcement. On October 10th, they posted a photo on Instagram of the band with kangaroos, with the caption “Just hanging out down under.” Fans quickly picked up on this being a tease for tour dates in Australia. There have also been other vague posts referencing the land down under.
Leaked Tour Rumors
Industry insiders and music journalists have reported that the Chili Peppers are planning a major stadium tour of Australia for 2023. The band is said to be locking down dates for shows in all the major markets. While not 100% confirmed, these reports lend credence to the idea that the RHCP will be touring Australia soon.
Likelihood of a Sydney Show
If the Red Hot Chili Peppers do announce an Australian tour for 2023, what are the odds that Sydney will get a show?
Sydney is a Major Market
As Australia’s largest and most populous city, Sydney is a critically important market for any major touring artist. The greater Sydney metropolitan area has over 5 million residents, making it by far the biggest city in the country. It’s very likely the band would play at least one show in Sydney to reach as many Aussie fans as possible.
Venue Availability
Sydney has several stadium and arena class venues capable of hosting a Red Hot Chili Peppers gig. This includes ANZ Stadium (83,500 capacity), Sydney Cricket Ground (48,000), Qudos Bank Arena (21,000) and more. With multiple 50,000+ capacity venues, Sydney has the infrastructure to make hosting a RHCP show possible.
Previous Sydney Shows
On their last Australian tour in 2017, the Red Hot Chili Peppers played 2 huge shows in Sydney at ANZ Stadium. Their previous tours also always included Sydney stops. Given the city’s track record of selling out RHCP shows, it seems very likely they’ll come back.
Potential Dates
If the Red Hot Chili Peppers do confirm a 2023 tour of Australia including a Sydney show, when could it take place?
Early 2023 Seems Likely
Industry rumors suggest the band will tour Australia in early 2023. This means the tour could kick off anywhere between January and April. Summer stadium shows are common for big bands down under. The weather is nice and students are on holiday, making for prime touring conditions.
Avoiding Date Conflicts
When scheduling an Australian stadium tour, you want to avoid date conflicts with the cricket and Australian Rules Football seasons. This eliminates Oct-Nov and March-Sept. That leaves Dec-Feb or April onward as the most likely options. The reported “early 2023” timeframe fits well.
Length of Tour
For a full scale Australian stadium tour, the Red Hot Chili Peppers would probably want to spend a couple months down under. Most big rock bands play 5-10 shows in the major cities when they tour Australia. Add in travel days and that requires 6-8 weeks minimum. So the tour could last for much of early 2023.
City | Venue | Potential Dates |
---|---|---|
Sydney | ANZ Stadium | February 5, 8 |
Melbourne | MCG | February 12, 15 |
Brisbane | Suncorp Stadium | February 20, 23 |
Adelaide | Adelaide Oval | February 26, March 1 |
Perth | Optus Stadium | March 5, 8 |
New Music
Another factor pointing to a 2023 Australian tour announcement is the likely release of new Red Hot Chili Peppers music next year. The band has been back in the studio recording new songs with returning guitarist John Frusciante.
First Album with John in 16 Years
Frusciante last appeared on a RHCP album in 2006 before leaving the band. His return in 2019 marked the first time in 16 years the classic lineup of Flea, Anthony Kiedis, Chad Smith and Frusciante has been intact. Fans are eager to hear what they come up with.
Touring a New Album
Bands typically tour new albums upon their release or in the following months. If the Red Hot Chili Peppers put out a new record in early 2023, it lines up well with touring Australia around that same time. They could break in the new songs down under.
Perfect Timing
Between the reports of an Aussie tour in early 2023 and rumors of a new album being prepped, the timing works out for both to coincide. The band can release the new music then take it on the road for Australian fans.
Setlist Expectations
If the Red Hot Chili Peppers do embark on an Australian stadium tour in 2023, what songs might they play? Here are some predictions:
The Hits
As a band with decades of iconic hits, the RHCP will absolutely play their smashes like “Under The Bridge,” “Californication,” “Scar Tissue,” “Can’t Stop,” and “Give It Away.” Australian fans would riot if they didn’t.
New Songs
The band will surely want to debut new music from their upcoming album on the tour. If there is a lead single released ahead of time, they’d probably make that a staple of the setlist. A handful of other new tracks seem likely as well.
Fan Favorites
The hardcore Chili Peppers fans will want to hear some deeper cuts and beloved album tracks. Songs like “Soul to Squeeze,” “Suck My Kiss,” “Parallel Universe,” and “Warped” seem plausible.
Covers & Jams
The band often works covers and extended jams into their live show. Possibilities include tributes to inspirations like David Bowie, Prince and George Clinton. Flea’s trumpet solos and Chad’s drum jams are also crowd-pleasing moments to look out for.
How Quickly Will Shows Sell Out?
If the Red Hot Chili Peppers announce a 2023 Australian stadium tour, how quickly could we expect the Sydney show to sell out?
Immediately
Given the band’s massive popularity in Australia and how long it’s been since their last visit, tickets will likely sell out immediately. Diehard fans who have been anticipating this tour for years will snap up seats straight away.
Other Cities Provide a Blueprint
On the Chili Peppers’ 2017 tour, their Sydney shows at ANZ Stadium sold out instantly. Dates in Melbourne and Brisbane also went fast. This precedent suggests any 2023 Australian tour will see immediate sell outs.
Demand Far Outstrips Supply
If the band plays one or two shows in each city, the limited number of tickets will make turnout massive. Based on the pent up demand, they could easily sell out two full nights at ANZ Stadium. The supply of seats won’t come close to meeting demand.
How Much Will Tickets Cost?
Assuming an announcement is made soon, how much can fans expect to pay for tickets to the hypothetical Sydney concert?
Look to 2017 for Guidance
The last time the RHCP played Sydney in 2017, the ticket prices were as follows:
– General Admission Floor: $199
– Reserved Seating Lower Bowl: $149
– Reserved Upper Bowl: $99
Price Inflation Since 2017
Factoring in price inflation of 10-15% since 2017, a similar pricing structure today would be:
– General Admission Floor: $220-$230
– Lower Bowl Reserved: $165-$175
– Upper Bowl Reserved: $110-$115
Higher Demand Could Mean Higher Prices
However, given the massive demand and sold out status, the band could potentially charge more this time around:
– General Admission Floor: $250+
– Lower Bowl Reserved: $200+
– Upper Bowl Reserved: $150+
The table below summarizes the estimated ticket prices:
Section | 2017 Prices | Inflation Adjusted | 2023 Forecast |
---|---|---|---|
GA Floor | $199 | $220-$230 | $250+ |
Lower Reserved | $149 | $165-$175 | $200+ |
Upper Reserved | $99 | $110-$115 | $150+ |
How to Get Tickets
For diehard RHCP fans who want tickets to the hypothetical 2023 Australian tour, what’s the best strategy to secure seats?
Fan Club Presales
The band’s official fan club often gets first access to tickets via presales. Join the fan club in advance and be ready when the presale window opens. Set calendar alerts so you don’t miss it.
Ticketmaster
The main ticket seller for most stadium shows is Ticketmaster. Have an account set up in advance with your payment info locked in for fast checkout. Be logged in right as tickets go onsale.
Be Ready Right at Onsale
Have the Ticketmaster app open and be refreshing constantly the minute tickets are scheduled to go onsale. With seats selling instantly, you need to be ready the second they become available.
Buy Immediately
Once you get tickets in your cart, purchase them without hesitation. Don’t wait around or they could get snagged by someone else while you’re deliberating. Check out fast and secure your seats.
Don’t Give Up
Keep trying if you don’t succeed at first. Keep refreshing and don’t hesitate to snap up any tickets that become available. Persistence and dedication will pay off!
Conclusion
While not guaranteed, there are strong signs indicating iconic rock band the Red Hot Chili Peppers will tour Australia in 2023. This includes rumored new music early next year and years having passed since their last Aussie tour. If announced as expected, the band would very likely play multiple shows in Sydney given the city’s stature as Australia’s biggest market. Tickets would sell out instantly based on their popularity down under. By joining the fan club and being ready on Ticketmaster, dedicated RHCP fans will have their best shot at seats for this long-awaited stadium spectacular.