'We had to prove ourselves': Guns N' Roses show stadium has found its aim

McDonald Jones Stadium venue manager Dean Mantle said the success of the Elton John and Paul McCartney concerts in 2023 was "critical" in building the business case to bring US rock bands the Foo Fighters and Guns N' Roses to Newcastle.

It was announced on Friday morning that Guns N' Roses are the latest international act to be secured for Turton Road next summer.

The Gunners will perform on Tuesday, December 8, less than a month after fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Famers the Foo Fighters grace the stadium stage on Thursday, November 12.

Overwhelming demand for the Dave Grohl-fronted band led to the Foo Fighters show selling out within hours last week.

Demand for Guns N' Roses tickets is likely to be similarly fierce. While frontman Axl Rose performed at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre in 2013 under the Guns N' Roses name, the classic-era line-up, which features iconic lead guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan, has never played in the Hunter.

Slash and McKagan are both in the December line-up.

Mr Mantle said the success of two sold-out Elton John shows in January 2023, followed by Beatles legend Paul McCartney in October 2023, strengthened Venues NSW's pitch for the Foo Fighters and Guns N' Roses.

"We had to prove ourselves," Mr Mantle said from the McDonald Jones Stadium's western grandstand with a red Guns N' Roses banner painted on the turf below.

"Like anything, we had to prove it could be done and we smashed it out of the park, not only as a venue but also as a town.

"Newcastle got behind it. The Hunter got behind it and they continue to do that.

"We've proven ourselves to the big promoters. They're well and truly behind us and I have no doubt this won't be the last time we're standing here."

Securing Guns N' Roses, whose era-defining rock hits include November Rain, Paradise City and Welcome To The Jungle, was an 18-month to two-year process.

Turton Road's fourth and most recent concert was American pop star Pink in February 2024 and Mr Mantle said there had been several major shows that had fallen at the final hurdle since.

"It's a little heartbreaking, some of the names that have almost played here in that period," he said.

"Again, the industry is cyclical. Some of the artists want to play major cities; others want to play regional towns or a combination of both.

"You can never pick it. Ultimately it's up to the artist.

"The likes of [promoters] Frontier Touring and Live Nation have us well and truly on the map; Newcastle has been cemented and the stadium has been cemented as a destination for live music.

"We'll keep plugging away. You might see other seasons when we don't get it, but hopefully we'll continue to at least get one or two a year from now on."

Venues NSW is understood to be in advanced discussions with a third international act to perform in Newcastle next summer.

Mr Mantle refused to give any clues.

"There's a lot of work going on in the background and negotiations going on," he said.

"I'm really positive that we'll have someone shortly.

"I can't confirm it just yet, but it's looking very promising that we might be able to attract another artist for this summer season.

"Likewise, those conversations will continue for early 2027 and late 2027."

State Member for Newcastle and avid music fan, Tim Crakanthorp, said, "Forget coal; the new rock we're exporting out of Newcastle is rock'n'roll," and he expected the Guns N' Roses concert to sell out quickly.

"No doubt we'll do that again, just like we sold out the Foo Fighters in very quick time very recently," Mr Crakanthorp said.

City of Newcastle Labor councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the Guns N' Roses show was "a reward to the city for their commitment" to supporting the previous concerts.

"This will sell out in a heartbeat," Cr Winney-Baartz said.

"Just like Foo Fighters has. It's showing time and time again that we are able to host these big events and building the case for us to have amazing venues in the city here in Broadmeadow.

"Also really importantly, a reward for Novocastrians and people from the Hunter because it brings the most amazing vibe to this city when we have events like this here."

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