It’s hard to name a more iconic Australian live music venue than the Sydney Opera House. In fact, I dare you. And while the Concert Hall, Utzon Room and other architecturally stunning indoor spaces have their merits, a show on the Opera House forecourt – out in the air, with views across the harbour – is beyond special.
Last year, the Sydney Opera House On The Steps series brought some of Australia’s most beloved musicians to the Opera House forecourt, with Crowded House, Troye Sivan, Missy Higgins and Tina Arena performing outside of the country’s most famous building, as well as global acts including Two Door Cinema Club, Declan McKenna and Glass Animals.
For anyone lucky enough to attend, the On The Steps shows were a highlight of Sydney summer 2024 – gorgeous amber sunsets and joyful crowds gathered on the Mayan-temple-inspired steps to see their favourite artist perform in front of one of the world’s most beautiful city skylines. Now, the organisers have confirmed that On The Steps is coming back for 2025, with this year’s line-up looking better than ever.
The first act confirmed to light up the steps for the 2025 summer season will be the iconic Scottish rock band Franz Ferdinand, who will be performing a one-off show on Wednesday, December 3. Franz Ferdinand’s forecourt show will be the first time they’ve performed in Australia since 2018, when they brought their distinct breed of post-punk indie rock on a tour around the country.
Next up, the hugely talented British songwriter/ hip-hop artist/ lyrical genius Loyle Carner will bring his poetic brilliance to the forecourt on Thursday, December 4 – his first Sydney show since his 2023 tour.
A personal favourite, Byron-born alt-pop angels Parcels will perform two huge forecourt shows on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7. Parcels will be followed by a one-off show from American singer and songwriter d4vd on Tuesday, December 8.
On Tuesday, December 9, Ruel will bring his infactious brand of pop to the steps, followed by Aussie icon Jimmy Barnes on December 10.
Other confirmed acts for this year's series include SIX60, The Living End, Urzila Carlson, Boy & Bear and Kirk Franklin.
The On The Steps program is set to bring 50,000 music lovers to the Opera House forecourt for two magical summer weeks.
We’ll announce more acts when they’re released. You can stay up-to-date and book tickets over here.
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