American rock legends the Foo Fighters have arrived in Launceston just hours before their historic performance at UTAS Stadium tonight.
The band touched down at Launceston Airport just after 2pm this afternoon, disembarking from their private jet before being whisked away in four black vans with a police escort.
Dedicated fans gathered at the airport fence hoping to catch a glimpse of the rockers ahead of their performance to 26,000 people – the largest concert ever hosted in Tasmania.
The show is expected to inject more than $7 million into Tasmania’s economy, with hospitality businesses preparing for their busiest weekend in years.
Hospitality Tasmania CEO Steve Old said the concert had created “a real buzz across the hospitality industry” in Launceston.
“Headline acts like the Foo Fighters bring energy and confidence and venues across Launceston are preparing for a very busy few days,” Old said.
Local businesses have been making arrangements since the concert was announced in December, increasing staff hours and bringing in casual workers to meet demand.
“It does highlight ongoing workforce pressures, but it also shows how adaptable and resilient hospitality businesses are when major events come to town,” Old said.
The state government invested $500,000 to secure the concert, with Launceston City Council contributing an additional $150,000.
Treasurer Eric Abetz previously stated the investment was expected to deliver an 11-to-1 return.
Tonight’s show marks the Foo Fighters’ first Tasmanian performance since 2015 and their first ever in Launceston.
