Live Nation is turning up the spotlight on emerging talent with the launch of Next On, a brand-new program giving developing artists across Australia and New Zealand the chance to perform on iconic stages—without the usual financial barriers that keep so many from getting their break.
Rolling out during Aus Music Month and kicking off in 2026, Next On will take over some of the region’s most beloved venues—including Melbourne’s Palais Theatre (On The Stage), Brisbane’s The Triffid and The Outpost, Thirroul’s Anita’s Theatre, Adelaide’s Hindley Street Music Hall, and Auckland’s Tuning Fork—handing the keys directly to rising artists.
LIVE NATION PRESENTS – NEXT ON
Palais Theatre – On The Stage, Melbourne
The Triffid, Brisbane
The Outpost at Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
Anita’s Theatre – King’s Room, Thirroul
Divide, Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide
Tuning Fork, Auckland (NZ)
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The concept is simple but powerful: no venue hire fees, no production costs, no marketing spend, and artists keep 100% of their ticket and merch revenue. Each month, a curated lineup of local talent will step into the spotlight with full Live Nation support behind them, from professional photography to exposure across LN and Moshtix’s channels—reaching more than six million fans.
For artists who’ve built their careers from sticky-floored pubs and word-of-mouth crowds, the impact could be enormous. ARIA Hall of Famer Kate Ceberano knows firsthand how transformative those early gigs can be.
“Those early stages teach you everything—how to test your material, how to win an audience, and how to build a fan base… Giving young artists the chance to stand on iconic stages early, to find their voice and confidence in the right environment, is invaluable,” Ceberano says.
ARIA darling Missy Higgins echoes the sentiment: “When you’re starting out, what you need most is a chance… ‘Next On’ delivers that.”
Iconic rocker Tim Rogers adds his own philosophy to the mix: “To engage with an artist as they begin makes you… part of the experiment. You are not just an audience. You were involved, and joined the community.”
For artists like Teenage Joans—who’ve already felt the impact of Live Nation support overseas—the program is a full-circle moment. “Support like this can genuinely change the path for new bands,” they say.
And for rising songwriter Seb Szabo, who grew up watching shows at the Palais, the chance to step onto that same stage so early in his career is “incredible.”
Live Nation ANZ Senior Vice President Touring Mark Vaughan says the intention is clear: “We’re handing over the keys—giving artists the stage to own, and fans the story to tell… fans can say, ‘I saw them here first.’”
Applications for Next On are now open.
For more information or to apply, visit livenation.com.au/nexton.
