In a thrilling development for rock-fans and nostalgia seekers alike, two powerhouse bands from the mid 2000s era—Wolfmother and Red Hot Chili Peppers—have confirmed a joint North American tour in 2026, during which they’ll perform their beloved mid-aughts rock classics in full.
A Shared Celebration
Wolfmother, the Australian rock outfit known for driving riffs and heavy, retro-inspired groove, originally released their acclaimed self-titled debut in 2005, packed with songs like “Woman” and “Joker & the Thief”. Meanwhile the Red Hot Chili Peppers—still one of the most enduring bands of their scene—spent the mid-2000s consolidating a funk-rock legacy, with albums that rapidly became staples.
Though neither band has publicly confirmed performing exactly their full 2005-2007 albums on this tour, the announcement states clearly that they “will perform their mid-aughts rock classic in full” as part of the tour’s unique attraction.
Tour Details and What to Expect
According to listings, Wolfmother’s 2026 North American schedule has already many dates lined up. Meanwhile the Chili Peppers’ 2026 global tour dates have been announced with North American legs kicking off in 2026.
On this tour, fans can expect:
- Each band performing a full-album (or full era) set of their mid-2000s material—meaning Wolfmother would revisit their 2005 debut or its era, and RHCP might dig into their mid-2000s catalog of funk-rock hits.
- The two bands sharing the bill, possibly with alternating headlining sets, special joint performances or encores together.
- A production scaled for arenas and major venues, capturing both the nostalgia of the mid-2000s rock moment and the energy of present-day live rock performance.
Why This Tour Matters
This is not simply another “greatest hits” nostalgia run. By committing to perform full sets of mid-aughts albums or eras, the bands are inviting fans to deeply re-experience — perhaps for the first time live in full — the albums that defined a key moment in rock history.
For Wolfmother, whose debut represented a revival of riff-heavy rock in the mid-2000s, this is a way to both honour their starting point and deliver something immersive for long-time fans. For the Red Hot Chili Peppers, this reflects the band’s willingness to embrace the era in which they reached huge visibility, while also leaning into live presentation as a craft.
Beyond that, the pairing of these two acts brings together somewhat different flavours of rock: Wolfmother’s straight-ahead high-energy hard rock meets RHCP’s funk-inflected, groove-driven, experimental rock. That contrast makes for an exciting live night of variety and intensity.
What to Know Before You Go
- Tickets will likely sell quickly; both bands have dedicated fanbases and the novelty of “full-album set” format increases demand.
- Check venue size and location: since many North American dates are already listed for Wolfmother’s tour leg in June/July 2026.
- Expect generous setlists: full-album sets generally mean the band performs every track from a chosen period, then likely some bonus songs.
- Be prepared for collaboration moments: though not officially confirmed for every show, joint appearances or surprises seem likely given the nature of the pairing.
- Show up early: there may be support bands, and merging two major acts means longer showtime; plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts
For fans who came of age watching Wolfmother hardest-rock their way through 2005 and beyond, and for longtime supporters of the Red Hot Chili Peppers who remember their mid-2000s peak with songs that defined a generation—this tour offers a rare, full-length revisitation of that era. By performing their mid-aughts classics in full, both bands are giving long-time fans a chance to experience something deeper than a “best of” night—they’re offering a full throwback, live-and-in-your-face.
If you like, I can check for exact confirmed setlists for the tour, and provide a tentative list of cities and ticket links for North America. Would you like me to do that?
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