Lorde's 2026 "Ultrasound" Tour Adds Dates Due to High Demand in Australia

Lorde's "Ultrasound" tour in Feb 2026 has added more Australian dates because of massive presale demand. This is her biggest tour yet.
By Newsroom | Music, Australia |

Tour Demand Outstrips Expectations, Prompting Additional Dates

Lorde's upcoming "Ultrasound" World Tour in February 2026 has seen significant demand, leading to the addition of extra shows in major Australian cities. The artist, Ella Yelich-O'Connor, is scheduled to perform in Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Initial ticket presales for the tour in Sydney and Melbourne were so strong that additional dates were announced before general ticket sales even began. This surge in demand contrasts with past challenges, as Lorde herself has spoken about the impact of lower-than-expected attendance at previous arena shows.

Context: Past Challenges and Present Ambitions

Lorde, now 28 years old, has previously expressed vulnerability regarding past tour experiences. In an interview, she recalled seeing "massive drapes" covering empty seats during her 2017/2018 Melodrama arena tour, an experience she described as causing "such damage." This past difficulty appears to inform her current approach to touring.

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Her upcoming "Ultrasound" tour, in support of her fourth album, "Virgin", is positioned as a significant undertaking. Dates have been added due to "huge presale demand," with new shows announced for Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena and Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena. This tour is being described as her "biggest tour of her career" generally, with sold-out shows already noted in international venues like Madison Square Garden in New York City and the O2 Arena in London.

Performance: Veteran Status Meets Ongoing Development

Reviews of Lorde's recent Melbourne performance at Rod Laver Arena on February 21, 2026, highlight a duality in her stage presence. The show is described as "slightly ragged," suggesting an intentional rawness rather than a polished perfection. This is interpreted as Lorde "letting us in on her rebuild." At 29 years old, the artist is seen as both a seasoned performer, having been active for thirteen years and released three albums, and someone who is "still figuring it out."

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The live review noted that the performance felt like "they’re setting up for an arena show, rather than delivering it," which is presented as a deliberate choice to foster a more intimate connection with the audience. This approach aligns with Lorde's expressed desire to subvert the traditional concept of an arena show.

Audience Connection: "All In" Fanbase

Lorde has characterized her fanbase as highly dedicated. She noted in an interview that she "don’t really have many casual fans", stating that her audience is "sort of all in or you don’t care, which I really love." This suggests a strong connection built on shared understanding and loyalty, which may contribute to the fervent demand for her current tour. The reported huge demand for tickets further supports this notion of a committed following.

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Artistic Expression: Subverting Arena Spectacle

Lorde's approach to the "Ultrasound" tour appears to involve a deliberate reimagining of the arena concert experience. While incorporating elements like a treadmill and a large fan, the show is also described as containing "poetry" and "magic." She has also spoken about minimal outfit changes performed on stage and her previous struggles with stage fright, noting a current comfort level that is empowering. This suggests an artistic intention to move beyond conventional large-scale performances, focusing instead on a more personal and layered presentation.

Conclusion: A Tour Reflecting Artistic Growth and Audience Loyalty

The "Ultrasound" World Tour in 2026 marks a significant moment in Lorde's career. The high demand for tickets, evidenced by the addition of multiple shows in Australia, indicates a strong and dedicated fanbase. This current success stands in contrast to past experiences with arena tours where attendance was lower. Critically, Lorde's live performances are being perceived as a blend of her established presence as a veteran artist and a continuous process of artistic exploration. The "ragged" yet intimate nature of her shows suggests a deliberate choice to connect with her audience on a deeper level, potentially subverting expectations of a traditional arena spectacle. The tour's success, both commercially and critically, points to an artist navigating her evolution with authenticity and a deep understanding of her audience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Lorde add more dates to her "Ultrasound" tour in Australia in February 2026?
More show dates were added in Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne because ticket presales were very high. This shows a lot of people want to see her perform live.
Q: What is Lorde's "Ultrasound" tour in February 2026 about?
This tour is for her fourth album, "Virgin." It is described as her biggest tour ever, with shows already selling out in places like New York and London.
Q: How did Lorde's past tours compare to the demand for the "Ultrasound" tour?
In the past, Lorde had shows where not many seats were filled, which she found upsetting. The "Ultrasound" tour has much higher demand, with extra shows added before general tickets even went on sale.
Q: How is Lorde's performance style described during her February 21, 2026 show in Melbourne?
Her show at Rod Laver Arena was called "slightly ragged" but also intimate. It felt like she was showing her personal growth, making the audience feel closer to her.
Q: Why does Lorde think her fans are so dedicated?
Lorde believes she does not have many casual fans. She says her audience is either "all in" or not interested, which she likes because it means her fans are very loyal and connected to her music.