Messed!Up
Few bands have mastered the art of combining melodic punk-rock urgency with a message quite like Rise Against. This November and December, the Chicago quartet return to Australia and New Zealand, bringing more than two decades of punk rock riffs, anthemic choruses and socially conscious songwriting to stages across the region.
Led by vocalist Tim McIlrath, Rise Against have built their reputation on music that refuses to sit quietly in the background. From the anthemic punch of Siren Song of the Counter Culture and The Sufferer & the Witness to the politically charged intensity of Endgame, the band have consistently channelled frustration, resistance and hope into songs that resonate far beyond the mosh pit.
Tracks such as “Savior”, “Prayer of the Refugee” and “Give It All” have become staples of their catalogue, combining relentless guitar work with choruses made for thousands of voices singing in unison. Their 2025 album Ricochet continues that tradition, confronting the tensions of modern life with the urgency and conviction that have defined their career.
Now, Rise Against are ready to bring that uncompromising spirit back to Australasia. With Dropkick Murphys joining selected dates, the tour promises a formidable collision of punk-rock energy, working-class attitude and full-throttle live performance. Expect a set spanning fan favourites and newer material, delivered with the intensity of a band that still has plenty to say.
And Auckland, get ready to raise your voices. On 24 November, Rise Against bring their high-voltage live show to Spark Arena, giving New Zealand fans the chance to experience the band’s blend of melodic hardcore and punk-rock anthems up close. From the cathartic sing-along of “Savior” to the unrelenting drive of “Prayer of the Refugee”, expect a night built on soaring choruses, pounding rhythms and the collective energy of a crowd that knows every word. For a band whose music has always championed resistance and solidarity, Spark Arena is set to become a meeting point for punk-rock passion and collective release.
For longtime followers and newcomers alike, Rise Against’s return is an invitation to turn up the volume, raise your voice, and experience punk rock with both a purpose and a pulse.
Tour dates
- 21 November at Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch
- 24 November at Spark Arena, Auckland
- 26 November at John Cain Arena, Melbourne
- 28 November at The Entertainment Grounds (Meltdown), Gosford
- 29 November at Riverstage, Brisbane
- 1 December at Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney
- 4 December at Red Hill Auditorium, Perth
