Wanstock includes ‘The Romantics’ in 2026 lineup
Wanstock music festival is making a triumphant return in 2026 with an epic lineup featuring iconic rock bands for Sydney and Melbourne events. The festival will take place at the Shoppingtown Hotel in Doncaster, Melbourne, on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, as well as at Selina’s in Coogee, Sydney, on Friday, March 20. Among the stellar acts, US legends The Romantics will grace the stage in Melbourne alongside New Zealand icons Dragon, Aussie heroes 1927, Pseudo Echo, and more, while Sydney will see The Romantics, Choirboys, and Ventura deliver electrifying performances.
Born out of Geoff Wansbrough’s passion for the classic Aussie pub rock era of the 80s and 90s, Wanstock has grown into an annual celebration of top-tier musicians and emerging talent. This year’s lineup does not disappoint, with a mix of homegrown and international rock artists taking center stage. Tickets for Wanstock 2026 are currently available for purchase online.
Headlining Saturday’s lineup is the legendary THE ROMANTICS, a renowned American rock band with a career spanning nearly five decades. Fans can expect a high-energy show filled with hits like ‘What I Like About You’, ‘Talking In Your Sleep’, and ‘One In A Million’. The Romantics, featuring Wally Palmar, Coz Canler, Bruce Witkin, Joey Malone, and Mike Rizzi, are set to continue their global tour with an unforgettable performance at Wanstock.
Taking over the spotlight on Friday evening, 1927, a band formed in 1987, catapulted to fame with their debut album ‘…iSH’, which became the highest-selling debut album by an Australian artist. Their success continued with the release of their multi-Platinum second album ‘The Otherside’. With multiple Platinum records and a third self-titled album, 1927 has solidified their place as an iconic Australian band.
Returning to the Wanstock stage is Dragon, a band originating from New Zealand before making waves in Australia. Known for their distinctive progressive rock sound and hits like ‘Are You Old Enough’ and ‘April Sun in Cuba’, Dragon’s enduring popularity is a testament to their creative journey and musical innovation.
Geoff Wansbrough, the mastermind behind Wanstock, drew inspiration from the Woodstock Music Festival and his love for Australian rock music to create the festival. Each year, Wanstock aims to showcase classic acts, support emerging talent, and provide a fun-filled experience for music lovers. With a lineup stacked with talent, including The Romantics, 1927, Dragon, and Pseudo Echo, Wanstock promises two nights of unforgettable performances that will have the audience rocking out all night.