Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, John Butler Announce Australian Tour

Key facts

• Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, and John Butler will tour Australia together in November 2026.
• The tour includes shows in Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne.
• The tour is named the SURFILMUSIC Tour, linked to a new documentary about Jack Johnson.
• Ben Harper first toured Australia with Jack Johnson in 2003.
• John Butler is an Australian icon with a career spanning over twenty-five years.
• Emily Wurramara will perform as a special guest in Sydney.
• Jack Johnson has sold over 25 million albums worldwide.

A Summer of Roots Music Descends on Australia

Three of the most influential names in contemporary roots music are joining forces for a landmark Australian tour at the close of 2026. Jack Johnson, the multi-platinum Hawaiian artist, will headline a monumental triple bill that promises to usher in summer with a series of outdoor performances. This marks Johnson's return to Australia following a highly successful, sold-out run in 2022. The tour, dubbed the SURFILMUSIC Tour, is intrinsically linked to a forthcoming documentary of the same name. This film chronicles Johnson's remarkable journey from professional surfer to filmmaker and globally recognized musician. The tour also coincides with the release of a new soundtrack featuring original recordings from Johnson's early surf movie projects. Fans can anticipate hearing beloved tracks from Johnson's extensive catalogue, which spans over two decades and includes hits like 'Better Together' and 'Flake'. He will also showcase new material from the SURFILMUSIC soundtrack, a project co-scored with Hermanos Gutiérrez.

A Dream Line-Up of Musical Titans

Sharing the stage with Johnson will be Californian folk-rock titan Ben Harper, a Grammy Award-winning artist known for his searing guitar work and soulful vocals. Harper, who first toured Australia with Johnson in 2001, will perform solo and acoustic sets. His extensive discography includes anthems such as 'Burn One Down' and 'Steal My Kisses'. Rounding out this extraordinary triple bill is Australian music legend John Butler. A significant figure in the roots music scene since the early 2000s, Butler's albums like 'Sunrise Over Sea' and 'Grand National' have achieved multi-platinum status in Australia. His latest album, 'Prism', has been noted for blending his early 'one-man band' energy with a forward-looking sound. This collaboration represents a rare convergence of artists who have each commanded airwaves and festival stages in Australia for years, finding initial traction within the surfing community before achieving mainstream success.

Tour Dates and Locations Announced

The SURFILMUSIC Tour is set to kick off on November 7, 2026, at Brisbane's Riverstage. The tour will then proceed to Perth, with a performance at Kings Park on November 10. Subsequent dates include Sydney's The Domain on November 14, and the tour will conclude at Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl on November 17. In a special addition for the Sydney show, ARIA-winning Indigenous artist Emily Wurramara will join the lineup. Wurramara is recognized for her inspiring vision and contributions to music. Organizers are strongly advising fans to secure tickets promptly, anticipating significant demand for all scheduled dates.

Johnson's Australian Connection and Musical Evolution

Jack Johnson's relationship with Australia is deep-seated, with his first tour in 2001 marking a pivotal moment. It was during this period that he first crossed paths with John Butler, further cementing his ties to the Australian music landscape. Johnson expressed his long-held desire to undertake a more extensive tour with Butler, noting the unique synergy they share. "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 frequent collaborations with Ben Harper, recalling their initial Australian tour together. The SURFILMUSIC documentary and soundtrack explore Johnson's artistic evolution, tracing his path from a promising surfer to a filmmaker and a multi-platinum recording artist. The soundtrack itself draws from early four-track recordings made with friends, inspired by songs he created for surf movies like 'Thicker Than Water' and 'The September Sessions'.

Beyond the Stage: Surfing and Philanthropy

Beyond his musical endeavors, Johnson remains an avid surfer, and he plans to take advantage of Australia's renowned surf breaks during his downtime between shows. He contrasts this with touring in Europe, where accessing surf spots often requires extensive travel. "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. He also highlighted the band's flexibility, often skipping sound checks to pursue enjoyable daytime activities that foster shared memories. Johnson's career achievements extend beyond his commercial success, which includes over 25 million albums sold worldwide and a BRIT Award for International Breakthrough Act in 2006. He has also been nominated for two Grammy Awards. Notably, since 2001, Johnson has channeled over $40 million to charitable causes through album and tour proceeds, underscoring a significant commitment to philanthropy.

The bottom line

• Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, and John Butler will embark on a joint Australian tour in November 2026.
• The SURFILMUSIC Tour includes stops in Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne.
• The tour is connected to a new documentary and soundtrack chronicling Jack Johnson's career.
• This marks a rare occasion for these three prominent roots musicians to perform together in Australia.
• Jack Johnson has a long-standing connection to Australia, including previous tours and a history of philanthropic efforts.
• Tickets are expected to be in high demand for the multi-city concert series.