Crowded House Revealed as the inaugural AO Opening Ceremony Act

The Kiwi legends will take to the stage at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on January 19.

New Zealand icons Crowded House have been announced as the musical act performing at next year’s inaugural Australian Open (AO) Opening Ceremony.

Taking place at Rod Laver Arena on January 19 ahead of the AO, Crowded House will kick off the evening with a rocking performance of their best songs.

They will be followed by a unique competition hailed as the “Battle of the World No.1s” that sees six-time champion Roger Federer, two-time AO champ Andre Agassi and Aussie legends and Grand Slam champions Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt battling it out on the court.

“Crowded House are delighted to be appearing on Rod Laver Arena to mark the opening of the Australian Open, and to share the evening with legends of the game is an honour beyond words,” Crowded House lead singer Neil Finn said.

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Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley believes Crowded House are the perfect choice for the AO Opening Ceremony.

“We wanted to find a music act for the AO Opening Ceremony that is just as iconic as the players who will hit the court, and Crowded House are exactly that,” he said.

“They are a globally successful band, and we couldn’t be more excited to see them perform live on Rod Laver Arena in what will be an incredible first for the AO.”

Crowded House will join a huge lineup of incredible musical acts performing as part of AO 2026, including UK electronic act Hot Chip, superstar DJ Peggy Gou, rapper The Kid LAROI, indie group Spacey Jane and more.

Tickets to all the Australian Open 2026 events are on sale now via ticketmaster.com.au.