Dua Lipa, Drake, Metallica: The biggest music acts touring Sydney in 2025

Australia has become the hottest destination for the world’s best performers, with stars including Dua Lipa, Metallica and Drake set to hit our shores in 2025. See the full list.

Zara Powell

2 min read

January 14, 2025 - 9:03AM

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Australia has become the hottest destination for the world’s biggest stars, with an electric line-up of artists set to hit the stage in 2025, alongside an expected economic boost.

Among the top acts heading Down Under are Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, Drake, Metallica, and our very own Kylie Minogue.

With this influx of high-profile artists, Australia’s economy is set to benefit significantly, as displayed by the success of Taylor Swift’s seven concerts in February 2023 which generated more than $300m nationwide.

Just three days of performances contributed an estimated $135m (+20 per cent) to Sydney’s CBD, compared with the previous month.

Dua Lipa performing at the 2024 Glastonbury Festival. Picture: Samir Hussein/WireImage

Rapper Drake at a game between Houston Rockets and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Picture: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

RMIT University associate professor of finance Angel Zhong confirmed that economic trend was expected to persist, with short-term boosts anticipated for both the overall economy and the tourism sector.

“There is always a shoot and boost because fans travel interstate as well as internationally from near countries to the capital cities, but it is only in a short-term nature due to high interest rates,” Dr Zhong told Confidential.

“Especially with the cost of living, people are actually sacrificing their expenses in other areas, for example using home brand groceries to save and splurge for concerts.”

Kylie Minogue performing in Morocco last June. Picture: Abu Adem Muhammed/Anadolu via Getty Images

Billie Eilish at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Picture: Frazer Harrison / Getty via AFP

Dr Zhong estimated the average concert goer spends $500 per concert for overall expenses.

NAB executive Paul Riley said the arrival of big international acts was not only exciting for fans, but also a major win for local economies in capital cities.

“It’s … the entire experience — dining before a show, shopping for merchandise and exploring the city’s vibrant night-life,” Mr Riley said.

“Times have been tough for many this year, but Australians are still putting funds aside to ensure they can enjoy the things they love.”

Jeff Ament and James Hetfield of Metallica. Picture: Getty Images via AFP

Other artists among the list of visitors to Australia are Oasis, Tyler Childers, Chris Stapleton, Gracie Abrams, Lil Yachty, and Alec Benjamin.

Jesse Wilcox, 24, who has gained a following for his accurate tour predictions on TikTok, is forecasting more big names to grace Sydney in the coming year, including Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, and Kid Cudi.

American country singer-songwriter Luke Combs. Picture: supplied

Gracie Abrams performing at Madison Square Garden. Picture: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

“I make my predictions based on Easter eggs the artists post on social media as well as their other world tours. After someone tours America and Europe it’s likely there will be an Aussie tour, especially if there is demand for it,” Mr Wilcox told The Daily Telegraph.

“I’d say my predictions are pretty accurate, I knew straight away Drake was coming after small clues, and after Taylor Swift’s concert I am pretty confident Sabrina (Carpenter) will be announcing something for 2025.”