XG arrives in Sydney with THE CORE tour and a concert at Qudos Bank Arena
Japanese music group XG will perform in Sydney on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, with the concert scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. at Qudos Bank Arena, now known as Afterpay Arena. The performance is part of their second world tour, "XG WORLD TOUR: THE CORE", through which the seven-member group presents its first full-length studio album and combines new songs with the hits that helped introduce them to international audiences. For concertgoers who enjoy a blend of hip-hop, R&B, pop and dance music, Sydney offers an opportunity to experience a repertoire built around powerful vocals, precise choreography and transitions between rap sections and melodic choruses.
The Sydney concert also marks XG's return to Australia following their performances in February 2025. At that time, the group performed at ICC Sydney Theatre, whereas this time they have chosen a significantly larger arena in Sydney Olympic Park. The difference in venues demonstrates how much the scale of their live performances has changed, and organisers are presenting the Australian concerts on the current tour as their biggest shows in the country to date. Tickets are on sale, and visitors who prefer a particular seating section or view of the stage are advised to secure their places early.
From Tippy Toes to THE CORE: how XG developed their own musical identity
XG, whose name now stands for Xtraordinary Genes, consists of JURIN, CHISA, HINATA, HARVEY, JURIA, MAYA and COCONA. The group debuted in March 2022 with the single "Tippy Toes" and distinguished itself from the beginning by performing songs in English and adopting an approach that is not restricted by traditional genre classifications. Their music alternates between hip-hop rhythms, prominent basslines, vocal harmonies and elements of contemporary R&B. This combination, accompanied by choreography that forms an important part of their identity, has attracted listeners from different musical backgrounds.
The songs "SHOOTING STAR" and "LEFT RIGHT" further expanded the group's international recognition. The former delivers more pronounced pop energy with rap sections, while the latter draws on a softer R&B sound and rhythms reminiscent of production from the transition between the 1990s and the 2000s. In subsequent releases, XG continued exploring contrasts: "WOKE UP" emphasises rap, "SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT" focuses on dance production, and "IS THIS LOVE" highlights the melodic side of their repertoire.
In November 2024, the mini-album "AWE" was released, earning the group its first appearance on the US Billboard 200 chart. Another important milestone followed on January 23, 2026, with the release of their first full-length album, "THE CORE - ζ Έ". The ten-track release includes "GALA", "ROCK THE BOAT", "TAKE MY BREATH", "NO GOOD", "HYPNOTIZE", "UP NOW", "O.R.B (Obviously Reads Bro)", "4 SEASONS" and "PS118", alongside the opening track "XIGNAL (The Intro)".
The album represents what the group calls X-POP, a musical identity that freely combines different genres. Rather than following the same formula for every song, "THE CORE" moves from prominent dance rhythms to more intimate vocal moments. This diversity is particularly important to the live concert experience: audiences can expect changes in tempo and atmosphere rather than an uninterrupted sequence of songs with identical dynamics.
Which songs are featured on the XG WORLD TOUR: THE CORE
For the Australian concerts, organisers have announced performances of "LEFT RIGHT", "WOKE UP", "HYPNOTIZE" and "ROCK THE BOAT", along with other songs from the group's repertoire. This confirms that the programme combines earlier hits with material from the latest album, although the complete running order for Sydney has not been announced in advance.
"HYPNOTIZE", one of the central tracks on "THE CORE", features a house rhythm, piano motifs and dreamy production. In a live setting, this material creates room for a different kind of energy compared with the more direct hip-hop approach of "WOKE UP". "ROCK THE BOAT" belongs to the group's current creative period, while "LEFT RIGHT" connects the new tour with the era in which XG gained a substantial part of its international audience.
The experience of the previous tour also provides valuable insight into how the group structures its performances. The live album "XG 1st WORLD TOUR The first HOWL Live", released in August 2025, documents a performance at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo. It features songs including "GRL GVNG", "HOWLING", "UNDEFEATED", "PUPPET SHOW", "SHOOTING STAR", "NEW DANCE" and "MASCARA". The recording demonstrates how XG connects different parts of its catalogue while maintaining transitions between intense dance numbers and songs that place greater emphasis on vocals.
It is important to distinguish that earlier live recording from the programme of the current tour. The older songs mentioned form part of XG's musical history, but their performance in Sydney is not guaranteed unless they have been specifically confirmed for the Australian concerts. Visitors wishing to become familiar with the group before the show can listen to "THE CORE" and then compare its sound with earlier tracks such as "LEFT RIGHT", "SHOOTING STAR" and "WOKE UP".
Why the Sydney concert is an important part of the second world tour
XG began its first world tour, "The first HOWL", in 2024. According to organisers, it included 47 performances in 35 cities and attracted approximately 400,000 attendees. The final concert took place on May 14, 2025, at Tokyo Dome before an audience of more than 50,000 people. Sydney was among the stops on that tour, with the group performing at ICC Sydney Theatre on February 14, 2025.
Another important breakthrough took place between the two Australian visits. In 2025, XG performed at the Coachella festival in California, closing the programme on the Sahara stage during both festival weekends. Performing before festival audiences, which are not made up exclusively of fans of a single artist, gave the group a different kind of international exposure.
The current "THE CORE" tour began in February 2026 with concerts in Japan. Organisers confirmed sold-out performances in cities including Yokohama, Osaka and Nagoya, and the tour expanded to other markets throughout the year. The Asian and Australian sections of the schedule include Bangkok, Manila, Melbourne, Sydney and Taipei.
The Australian leg includes a performance at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on October 12 and a concert in Sydney two days later. After Sydney, the next scheduled stop is Taipei Arena, where XG will perform on October 17. Sydney therefore falls between the group's return to Australia and the continuation of the Asian leg of the tour, making it an important stop for audiences wishing to experience the group in a large indoor concert venue.
Qudos Bank Arena, now Afterpay Arena: what visitors can expect at the venue
The concert will take place at 19 Edwin Flack Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park. The venue, which operated for years under the name Qudos Bank Arena, now operates as Afterpay Arena. The name change does not affect previously announced concerts, and both names continue to appear in information about the tour.
The arena opened on November 6, 1999, and was built for the Olympic and Paralympic Games held in Sydney in 2000. The venue can accommodate up to approximately 21,000 people, depending on the event configuration. The actual number of seats available for the XG concert will be determined by the stage layout, production arrangements and audience seating sections.
Unlike the theatre where the group performed during its previous visit to Sydney, the arena accommodates a larger concert format. It also changes the way the performance is experienced: sections closer to the stage make it easier to follow individual movements and interactions between the members, while more distant stands provide a better overview of the complete choreography. Different positions in the venue create different balances between sound, the view of the stage and the feeling of closeness to the performers.
This is especially important for a group whose performances depend equally on vocal delivery and precise group dancing. In songs such as "WOKE UP" or "HYPNOTIZE", the visual coordination of all seven performers is just as important to the performance as the music itself. Tickets should therefore not be chosen solely according to distance from the stage, but also according to whether visitors prefer a closer view of the performers or a broader perspective on the entire production.
How to reach Sydney Olympic Park and avoid transport difficulties
Sydney Olympic Park is located west of central Sydney and is one of the city's principal complexes for sporting events, concerts and large gatherings. Rail transport is a practical option for visitors travelling from other parts of the city, particularly because the concert takes place in the evening, when additional road congestion may occur.
Transport for NSW recommends taking trains to Olympic Park station. The regular connection operates via Lidcombe station, where trains to Olympic Park depart from platform 0. The arena is within walking distance of Olympic Park station. Passengers can use an Opal card or make contactless payments with an eligible bank card or mobile device.
The following information is useful when planning the journey:
- Address: Afterpay Arena, formerly Qudos Bank Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, Australia.
- Rail: the nearest station is Olympic Park, with regular connections via Lidcombe.
- Buses: the area is served by routes 525, 526 and 533, offering different directions and transfer options.
- Car: parking reservations are recommended in advance, no later than the previous day if spaces are still available.
- Taxi: one of the nearby taxi ranks is located on Herb Elliott Avenue, close to the Pullman hotel.
- Return journey: visitors should check the last evening departures and any possible changes to rail services before the concert.
For October 14, Transport for NSW has also announced works on sections of the rail network, including changes affecting the T1, T2, T3, T5 and T6 lines during the evening. Some trains will operate according to amended timetables, and replacement bus services are planned on certain sections. It is therefore advisable to plan not only the journey to the venue but also the return trip, especially for those staying away from Olympic Park.
Drivers should anticipate possible delays on the M4, Parramatta Road, Homebush Bay Drive and Concord Road. Traffic management measures may include temporary closures of local roads to ensure safer movement for pedestrians and public transport. Reserving a parking space in advance is a considerably more reliable option than searching for available parking immediately before the performance begins.
Concert start time, door opening and visitor regulations
The XG concert in Sydney is scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. local time. According to the schedule published by promoter Frontier Touring, doors open at 6:30 p.m., while Transport for NSW's event information lists 6:00 p.m. Because the published schedules are not fully consistent, visitors are advised to check the latest announcements from the organisers and the venue before departing.
Transport for NSW expects the programme to finish at approximately 10:30 p.m., although this should be regarded as a planned time for transport coordination rather than a guarantee of the concert's exact ending time. Visitors should allow sufficient time for security screening, ticket verification and finding their seating sections.
Tickets are available electronically and can be accessed through the application and user account associated with the purchase. Visitors attending in groups are advised to prepare tickets for everyone in advance. Inside the arena, visitors must use the seats specified on their tickets, and all attendees, regardless of age, must have their own valid ticket. Children aged 15 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Special attention should be paid to bags and luggage. Backpacks are not permitted regardless of size, and the regulations for this event restrict the bags that may be brought inside. Ticketing information specifies a stricter size limit of approximately 20 x 15 centimetres, so the safest option is to bring only a small bag containing essential personal belongings and check the current entry conditions before arrival.
The arena operates as a cashless venue, meaning an appropriate card or mobile payment method is required to purchase food, drinks and other products. Arriving on time also makes security checks easier, especially for visitors attending this venue for the first time.
Concert merchandise, ALPHAZ and additional fan experiences
Alongside the concert programme, XG has published information about merchandise sales at its Australian performances. In Sydney, an outdoor merchandise outlet is scheduled to open at 3:00 p.m., while sales inside the arena begin at 5:30 p.m. Payment by credit and debit cards, as well as contactless methods, is planned. Product availability may vary between cities, and quantities are limited.
This arrangement is important for visitors wishing to purchase concert clothing or accessories before most of the audience begins entering the venue. Arriving earlier allows more time to browse the merchandise selection, although it does not guarantee that every product will be available.
The group has a recognisable fan community known as ALPHAZ. During previous tours, the connection between this community and the performers was an important part of the concert experience, from singing together to using distinctive illuminated accessories. For the current Australian performances, XG has specifically stated that the Bluetooth function of the "XG OFFICIAL LIGHT STICK Ver.1" will not be used for wirelessly controlled effects. The light stick can still be used in its standard operating mode.
Certain categories of VIP tickets include additional benefits, such as early entry, access to merchandise purchasing and a pre-show soundcheck experience. These benefits depend on the conditions of the particular package and do not automatically apply to all attendees.
Who will particularly enjoy an XG concert
XG attracts several different groups of listeners. For fans who have followed the group since "Tippy Toes", "SHOOTING STAR" and "LEFT RIGHT", the concert offers an opportunity to compare the earlier repertoire with the musical direction of "THE CORE". Audiences who discovered the group through "WOKE UP" can expect stronger rap moments, while listeners who enjoy contemporary dance-pop may be particularly interested in "HYPNOTIZE" and other tracks from the current release.
The concert also appeals to followers of the Korean and Japanese pop scenes, as well as enthusiasts of American R&B and hip-hop. XG differs from acts that present themselves through a single musical genre. Vocal passages can be distinctly melodic, while rap performances bring a different rhythmic energy. These alternating approaches allow even visitors unfamiliar with the entire discography to recognise differences between individual songs.
The seven members, their distinctive vocal qualities and their shared choreography will play an important role on stage. Previous concerts have shown that XG builds its programme not only around individual hits but also around the way those songs are connected into a cohesive performance. The earlier live recording from Tokyo Dome is particularly useful for listeners wishing to become familiar with the group's performance style before attending the Sydney concert.
Tickets and preparations for the concert evening in Sydney
For visitors planning to travel from other Australian cities or overseas, the most important consideration is coordinating tickets, accommodation and transport in advance. Sydney Olympic Park is not the same as the central city concert district, so the distance between a hotel and the arena can significantly affect the organisation of the evening. Accommodation near rail connections to Lidcombe or Olympic Park may make travel easier, particularly given the announced evening rail works.
When selecting tickets, visitors should pay attention to the seating plan. Those who primarily wish to see facial expressions and individual performances by the members will prefer different positions from those who want a complete view of the choreography and the performers' formations on stage. Special VIP benefits should be checked separately, as a standard ticket does not automatically include access to additional experiences.
Before leaving, it is useful to prepare the electronic ticket, charge a mobile phone, check the permitted bag size and save the return travel plan. Train passengers are advised to check evening service announcements once more. For those arriving by car, parking reserved in advance and extra time allowed for entering Sydney Olympic Park can eliminate many organisational difficulties.
Tickets for XG's Sydney concert are currently on sale. The performance at Afterpay Arena combines the group's recognisable songs with music from "THE CORE", while arriving early allows visitors to complete security checks, find their seats and, if interested, visit the merchandise outlets before the programme begins without rushing.
Sources:
- XG (xgalx.com) - Sydney concert schedule, group members, history, discography, THE CORE album tracklist and information about Australian concert merchandise sales.
- Frontier Touring (frontiertouring.com) - Australian tour schedule, concert start time, announced songs, previous performances, return to Australia and information about the first world tour.
- Afterpay Arena (afterpayarena.com.au) - concert date and location, venue name change, entry conditions, payment arrangements and visitor regulations.
- Transport for NSW (transportnsw.info/events/2026/10/xg) - train and bus access, parking, planned schedule, transport works and travel after the concert.
- Ticketek Australia (premier.ticketek.com.au) - electronic ticket information, age restrictions and bag regulations.
- XG (xgalx.com/en/xg/tour/thefirsthowl/) - previous world tour schedule and the performance at ICC Sydney Theatre.
- XG (xgalx.com/en/xg/news/detail.php?id=1127079) - The first HOWL Live concert album and documented repertoire from the previous tour.