The Wallflowers are preparing to make their debut Down Under with a landmark tour that celebrates three decades of their breakthrough record. Announced by promoter Love Police, the five‑date run will see the band play the entirety of “Bringing Down the Horse” at each stop, marking the album’s 30th anniversary. In addition to this special set, fans will hear a complete rendition of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ “Long After Dark”, a tribute to a formative influence on frontman Jakob Dylan.
Tour Details and Dates
The Australian leg kicks off on Friday, December 4, 2026 at Melbourne’s Palais Theatre. The following night, December 5, the group moves to Thirroul’s Anita’s Theatre. On Sunday, December 6 they will take the stage at Sydney’s Liberty Hall. The tour continues with a Tuesday, December 8 show at Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall and wraps up on Wednesday, December 9 at Adelaide’s Hindley Street Music Hall. Each venue has been selected to offer an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere for the celebratory performances.
Album Celebration: “Bringing Down the Horse”
Released on May 21, 1996, “Bringing Down the Horse” propelled the Wallflowers into mainstream success, peaking at number four on the Billboard 200 and earning quadruple‑platinum certification in the United States. In Australia the record achieved gold status and reached number nine on the ARIA chart. The lead single “One Headlight” became the band’s signature anthem, topping multiple Billboard rock charts simultaneously and garnering two Grammy Awards in 1998 for best rock song and best rock performance by a duo or group with vocals. The track later appeared at number 58 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 greatest pop songs. Beyond the hit, the album features fan‑favorites such as “6th Avenue Heartache,” “The Difference,” and “Three Marlenas.” By performing the record in full, the Wallflowers aim to give both longtime supporters and new listeners a complete, nostalgic experience of the work that defined their early sound.
Tribute to Tom Petty: “Long After Dark”
Each concert will also feature a full playback of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ 1982 album “Long After Dark.” The Wallflowers have cited this record as a pivotal influence on Jakob Dylan’s songwriting and vocal approach. Dylan himself inducted Petty into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, underscoring the deep respect between the two artists. Including this tribute allows the band to honor the musical lineage that shaped their own artistic direction while offering audiences a rare, back‑to‑back showcase of two seminal 80s‑90s rock albums.
Jakob Dylan’s Legacy
As the son of legendary folk icon Bob Dylan, Jakob Dylan has led the Wallflowers for more than thirty years, steering the group through evolving musical landscapes. Outside of the band’s catalog, he appeared in the 2018 documentary “Echo in the Canyon,” collaborating with Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Beck, Cat Power, Norah Jones and Regina Spektor. His song placements span film and television, notably the Wallflowers’ cover of “Heroes” for the 1998 Godzilla soundtrack. Recent touring highlights include supporting Eric Clapton on the guitarist’s 2025 U.S. run, following earlier stints with Clapton, the Who and the Rolling Stones. This extensive background adds weight to the upcoming Australian shows, promising a performance rooted in both heritage and contemporary relevance.
Ticket Information
Presale for Love Police promoters begins on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, with general admission opening on Friday, August 28. Fans are encouraged to secure tickets early, as the limited‑run nature of the tour and the unique album‑in‑full format are expected to generate strong demand across all five cities.
Commemorative Journey
The Wallflowers’ inaugural Australian tour represents more than a simple concert series; it is a commemorative journey that intertwines the celebration of a defining album with a heartfelt nod to one of rock’s enduring influences. By delivering “Bringing Down the Horse” and “Long After Dark” in their entirety, the band offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience two landmark records live, framed by Jakob Dylan’s storied career and the enthusiastic backing of Love Police. Music lovers across Melbourne, Thirroul, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide can look forward to December 2026 as a milestone month for live rock in Australia.
