Two decades after reshaping the Australian hip hop landscape with their seminal third album, “The Sun Never Sets,” the influential collective The Herd has announced a comprehensive national tour to commemorate its 20th anniversary. The highly anticipated “The Herd Tour,” celebrating “The Sun Never Sets 20th Anniversary Tour,” will see the band performing across seven Australian cities in February 2026, offering fans a chance to relive a landmark moment in the nation’s music history. This marks a significant event in Australian hip hop tour history.
The Herd Tour: A Defining Album in Australian Music
Released in October 2005, “The Sun Never Sets” marked a significant turning point for The Herd. The album not only achieved mainstream recognition, earning ARIA and J Award nominations, but also cemented the band’s reputation as one of Australia’s most potent and politically outspoken musical acts. It was during the creation of this record that singer Jane Tyrrell was introduced as a featured vocalist, her distinctive voice becoming integral to The Herd’s evolving sound. Tyrrell would later become a permanent member of the group, further solidifying the sound that would be showcased on The Herd Tour.
The album’s lyrical content boldly tackled controversial and timely themes, including anti-racism, decolonisation, anti-war sentiments, and environmentalism. Released amidst the social reverberations of the Cronulla riots, tracks like “National Holiday” and “We Can’t Hear You” served as powerful commentary on the prevailing social and political climate of early 2000s Australia. This willingness to engage with complex issues, combined with compelling production and a unique musical approach, positioned The Herd at the forefront of socially conscious music, a hallmark of The Herd Tour.
“The Sun Never Sets” Tour Details: The Herd Tour Dates
The “The Sun Never Sets 20th Anniversary Tour,” a key part of The Herd tour dates, is scheduled to commence on February 5, 2026, in Thirroul at Anita’s Theatre. The tour will then proceed to Sydney (Factory Theatre, February 6), Brisbane (The Triffid, February 7), Perth (Magnet House, February 13), Adelaide (The Gov, February 14), Melbourne (170 Russell, February 20), and conclude in Hobart (Altar, February 21). Audiences can expect a full performance of the iconic “The Sun Never Sets” album, alongside cherished fan favourites from The Herd’s extensive discography, making this Australian hip hop tour a must-see.
Tickets will be available via presale on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 10 am local time, with general public sales commencing Friday, November 7, 2025, at 10 am local time. The tour is proudly presented by Destroy All Lines, a testament to the enduring appeal of The Herd.
The Herd’s Enduring Legacy and The Herd Tour
Formed in Sydney in 2001, The Herd distinguished themselves early on by employing a full live band format, a rarity for Australian hip hop acts at the time. Their ensemble included MCs Ozi Batla, Urthboy, and Berzerkatron, backed by musicians handling beats, guitars, piano accordion, bass, and more, creating a dynamic and rich sonic tapestry. This fusion of hip hop’s rhythmic foundations with live instrumentation allowed them to deliver powerful performances that resonated deeply with audiences, a key feature of The Herd Tour.
Beyond their own musical output, core members of The Herd were instrumental in nurturing the Australian independent music scene through their label, Elefant Traks. Founded to release music that existing labels wouldn’t touch, Elefant Traks became a respected platform for a generation of artists, including Urthboy, Hermitude, and Horrorshow, before its closure in 2024. The label’s farewell tour in 2024, featuring The Herd, played to sold-out crowds at prestigious venues like the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne Recital Centre, underscoring their significant contribution to Australian hip hop.
An Iconic Cover and Continued Relevance on The Herd Tour
“The Sun Never Sets” also gave rise to one of triple j’s most memorable “Like A Version” performances. The Herd’s rendition of Redgum’s classic anti-war song “I Was Only 19 (A Walk In The Light Green)” struck a chord nationwide. This cover, later included on an re-issue of the album and featuring John Schumann himself, was certified ARIA Gold and made a unique impact by charting in the triple j Hottest 100 in both 2005 and again in 2023. It remains the only song from the 2000s to reappear in the latter countdown, testament to its lasting power and the band’s ability to connect with contemporary issues, a connection powerfully felt during The Herd Tour.
Reflecting on the album’s impact, founding member Kenny Sabir (aka Traksewt) noted that “The Sun Never Sets” was a pivotal moment, opening doors to major festivals for the group – a significant achievement for a hip hop band on an independent label back then. He recalled experimenting with time signatures and pushing lyrical boundaries, acknowledging that while the results were sometimes met with “awkward crowd dancing,” it was all part of their artistic journey leading up to this commemorative The Herd Tour.
Jane Tyrrell, whose voice became a hallmark of The Herd’s sound after her contributions to “The Sun Never Sets,” has also forged a successful solo career. Her involvement in the album marked the beginning of a significant chapter for both her and the band, contributing to their unique blend of sharp lyricism and captivating melodies. Her presence on stage during The Herd Tour will undoubtedly be a highlight, celebrating The Sun Never Sets anniversary.
The 20th-anniversary tour for “The Sun Never Sets,” a central event in The Herd tour dates, is more than just a celebration of an album; it’s a recognition of The Herd’s enduring impact on Australian culture, their fearless social commentary, and their pioneering spirit in the hip hop music genre. As the songs from “The Sun Never Sets” are brought back to life, they serve as a powerful reminder that the issues they explored remain as relevant today as they were two decades ago, making this Australian hip hop tour a must-see event for fans and music enthusiasts alike, a true reflection of the enduring power of Elefant Traks’ influence.
