Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, John Butler Unite for 2026 Australian Tour

Key facts

• Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, and John Butler will tour Australia together in November 2026.
• The tour is named the SURFILMUSIC tour, linked to a documentary and soundtrack.
• Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne are the four confirmed Australian cities.
• Emily Wurramara will perform as a special guest in Sydney.
• Jack Johnson's 2003 album 'On & On' achieved six-times platinum status in Australia.
• The tour marks the first time the trio has performed together in Australia.
• Ben Harper and Jack Johnson first toured Australia together in 2003.

A Summer of Roots Music Legends

Three of the most significant figures in contemporary roots music are joining forces for a series of outdoor concerts at the close of 2026. Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, and John Butler, artists who have defined a generation of acoustic-driven, soulful sounds, will headline a monumental triple bill across Australia. This collaboration promises to be a major event for fans of the genre, offering a perfect accompaniment to the Australian summer. The tour, dubbed the SURFILMUSIC tour, draws its name from a forthcoming documentary that chronicles Johnson's multifaceted career. The film explores his journey from professional surfer to filmmaker and ultimately, to a multi-platinum musician. The accompanying soundtrack features original recordings of songs Johnson created while making surf movies with friends after college, some captured on a four-track recorder once owned by surfing legend Kelly Slater. This unprecedented joint venture brings together artists who have not only achieved individual success but have also shared significant moments in their careers. The shared history between Johnson, Harper, and Butler, coupled with their mutual admiration, forms the bedrock of this unique touring proposition.

A Dream Line-Up for Australian Audiences

Jack Johnson returns to Australia to headline this stacked triple bill, following a highly successful, sold-out run of dates in 2022. His laid-back acoustic balladry and knack for crafting pop hooks established him as a global superstar, particularly in Australia where his albums have frequently topped the ARIA charts. His 2003 album 'On & On' achieved a remarkable six-times platinum status locally. Joining Johnson is Ben Harper, a titan of roots music since his emergence in the mid-90s. Known for powerful tracks like 'Ground On Down' and 'Burn One Down,' Harper also achieved mainstream success with hits such as 'Steal My Kisses' and 'Diamonds On The Inside.' His reputation as a masterful live performer is well-established through numerous Australian visits. Rounding out this exceptional trio is Australian icon John Butler. At the height of his peers' popularity, Butler commanded significant attention with albums like 'Sunrise Over Sea' and 'Grand National.' His latest work, 'Prism,' is noted for blending the raw energy of his early busking days with a forward-looking musical direction.

Shared Histories and Future Collaborations

The connection between these artists runs deep, with a notable early encounter occurring in 2001. Johnson's first Australian tour saw him perform at Bluesfest just before his friend Ben Harper closed the festival. This year, Harper will reciprocate by joining Johnson's shows. Johnson himself has expressed a long-held desire for more musical collaboration with Butler. "Over the years, we’ve gotten to do some shows together and I’ve always wanted to do more music with John, so I’m excited to get to go and do a proper tour together," Johnson stated from his home in Hawaii. He also reflected on his enduring partnership with Harper: "Ben and I have toured so much together over the years; the very first time I came to Australia was with Ben." This tour represents the first time the three artists have performed together in Australia, a significant moment for fans of their shared roots rock and folk-rock sound. All three have commanded Australian airwaves and festival stages since the early 2000s, cultivating dedicated fan bases within the surfing community before achieving broader mainstream recognition.

Tour Dates and Special Guests

The SURFILMUSIC tour is scheduled to commence in November 2026, with four major Australian cities confirmed for performances. The tour opens at Brisbane’s Riverstage on November 7, followed by a show at Perth’s Kings Park on November 10. The series continues to Sydney’s The Domain on November 14, concluding at Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl on November 17. In Sydney, the lineup will be further enhanced by the presence of ARIA-winning Indigenous artist Emily Wurramara, who will join the proceedings as a special guest. Her inclusion adds another layer of artistic depth to an already stellar bill. Organizers anticipate significant demand for tickets, urging fans to secure their spots promptly. The concerts are proudly presented by Double J, a radio station that has long championed the artists and their respective genres.

A Surfer's Perspective on the Road

Beyond the music, Jack Johnson plans to leverage the tour's schedule to reconnect with his passion for surfing. Australia's renowned surf breaks offer a unique advantage, allowing for daytime activities that complement evening performances. "The nice thing about Australia is you can surf during the day and then do the show at night; in Europe you have to drive for hours to get a surf in," Johnson remarked. This integration of his two worlds—music and surfing—is a hallmark of his career and personal philosophy. Johnson also highlighted the band's flexibility, noting that they often forgo sound checks to pursue such enriching experiences. "Even if we don’t have a day off, our band is at the point where we skip sound checks a lot. It serves us as a band better to go and do something real fun during the day, to make these memories together as you play the show," he explained. This approach underscores a commitment to authentic experiences and collective memory-making on and off stage.

The bottom line

• Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, and John Butler will perform together for the first time in Australia in November 2026.
• The SURFILMUSIC tour is tied to a documentary and soundtrack exploring Jack Johnson's life and career.
• Concerts are scheduled for Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne.
• Emily Wurramara will be a special guest at the Sydney show.
• The tour celebrates the enduring influence and shared history of three prominent roots music artists.
• Johnson intends to balance touring with his passion for surfing in Australia.