The City of Greater Bendigo has officially embraced its role as Australia's premier destination for musical acts whose Wikipedia pages include the phrase "returned from hiatus" and "cult following."
The announcement comes as pop-punk veterans Good Charlotte prepare to perform at Bendigo Racecourse next month, supported by Yellowcard and Kisschasy.
"We're thrilled," said Mayor Cr Tom Prince. "When an act reaches a certain point in their career - and I want to be very clear that this is a compliment - they start to consider Bendigo."
The concert is part of the Victorian government's $38 million Regional Event Fund, which has also brought Lenny Kravitz to Mildura and ZZ Top to Bendigo in recent years.
"The criteria are quite simple," said Tourism Minister Steve Dimopoulos. "We look for artists who were massive between 1997 and 2007, who still have a loyal fanbase, and who are realistic about venue sizes."
"It's actually a smart move," said music industry analyst Rebecca Chen. "You've got three different fanbases, all now in their late 30s, with disposable income, who can't stay up past 11 p.m. and are craving some nostalgia. Bendigo is perfect because there's accommodation, parking, and no one has to deal with Melbourne traffic."
White Hills resident Kim Hutchins said she was "absolutely losing her mind" about the announcement.
"I had their poster on my wall in Year 10," she said. "I never thought I'd see them live. I also never thought I'd see them live at a racecourse five minutes from where I grew up, but here we are."
Hutchins said she had already arranged childcare and warned her kids not to touch her eyeliner.
Concert promoter Pat Nintendo-Sega said Bendigo is becoming a key stop on the touring circuit for a certain type of artist.
"It's the Goldilocks zone," he said. "Too big for a country pub. Too small for Rod Laver. Just right for Bendigo."
Good Charlotte frontman Joel Madden said in a statement that Australia "feels like a home away from home" and that the band "can't wait to head back for some big shows."
He did not clarify whether he was aware that the Bendigo show was at a horse racing track.
But nothing says punk like the faint smell of hay and old betting slips.
"I'm sure he knows," said one event organiser, who asked not to be named. "I mean, someone would have told him."
Tickets for the Bendigo show went on sale in October and are still available. Tickets for the Sydney show sold out in 14 minutes.
"That's fine," said Cr Prince. "We prefer a relaxed crowd. People who know all the words. People who need to sit down between sets. Bendigo people."
The band will reportedly stay at the Oval Motel and perform a surprise acoustic set at the doughnut van at Lake Weeroona. A visit to the Sunday market at the Prince of Wales Showground is also on the itinerary.
At press time, the City of Greater Bendigo had submitted an expression of interest to host Hoobastank, Crazy Town, and M2M as part of a proposed 2027 "Wait, They're Still Together?" festival.
Early promotional materials confirm every ticket will include one free existential crisis and a commemorative glow stick.
