News - Live Nation announces first round of Next On artists to play NZ and Australia - 3rd February 2026
Live Nation today unveils the first artists selected for Next On, a new initiative designed to champion developing talent by providing access to iconic stages, meaningful industry support, and the chance to keep 100% of ticket and merchandise revenue.
Mohi
The inaugural Next On showcases will roll out across Live Nation venues in the coming months, spotlighting a new wave of talent and giving audiences the chance to discover artists at a pivotal moment in their careers.
Each artist will perform on a rent-free stage, with access to production and marketing support, creating the conditions for artists to reinvest in their craft and growth, while focusing on what matters most: connecting with fans and building momentum.
Michelle Lucia, Senior Vice President Product & Innovation at Live Nation APAC, said, “Next On is about creating opportunities at the moments that matter most in an artist’s journey. These artists are ready for the room, ready for the audience, and ready for that next step. We’re proud to be backing them with the platform, support and momentum to help them take that next step.”
LIVE NATION PRESENTS – NEXT ON (FIRST ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT)
MOHI – The Tuning Fork, Auckland (NZ) – Friday April 10th 2026
MOHI is an award-winning Māori neo-soul artist from Henderson, West Auckland, whose music weaves te reo Māori, traditional storytelling, and contemporary soul. His debut album The Flowers That Grow From Concrete Pavements is out now and has been a major success. In 2024, MOHI won Best Te Reo Māori Album and Best Male Artist at the Māori Music Awards, and received nominations for Best Māori Artist and the Mana Reo Award at the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards. Don’t miss one of Aotearoa’s most exciting voices live!
Tickets available here: https://www.tuningfork.co.nz/nexton
Peach Fuzz – Palais Theatre – On The Stage, Melbourne – Tuesday March 10th 2026
Peach Fuzz are a four-piece indie rock band from Naarm/Melbourne, known for raw songwriting, gritty garage-rock edge, dual vocal melodies and anthemic choruses. Fresh off the release of their EP Isn’t It Obvious? and a sold-out hometown show at Howler, the band have built momentum through high-energy live performances, festival appearances and national radio support. With a growing national profile, Peach Fuzz are fast developing as one of Melbourne’s most exciting rising acts.
Tickets available here: https://www.palaistheatre.com.au/nexton
Robert Mortimer – Anita’s Theatre – King’s Room, Thirroul – Friday March 27th 2026
Robbie Mortimer is a fast-rising Australian country rock artist blending classic storytelling with modern edge. Raised on a farm in regional NSW, his breakout tracks Blow The Speakers and You Got That Love charted in the CountryTown Top 50, with You Got That Love reaching #1 on CMT. A 2025 CountryTown Breakthrough Artist nominee and former PBR Tour Entertainer of the Year, Robbie has performed at major festivals including CMC Rocks and Gympie Muster and continues to build strong national momentum.
Tickets available here: https://www.anitastheatre.com.au/nexton
More artists, dates & venues will be announced in the coming weeks.
Across New Zealand and Australia, venues will open their stages to developing artists, unlocking new opportunities and bringing fans closer to the next big thing.
To apply for Next On, visit here: https://www.livenation.co.nz/nexton or https://www.livenation.com.au/nexton
