Big Time Rush is coming back to Australia.
Set to play every Nickelodeon-era hit, and new music that deserves far more credit than it gets, their In Real Life Worldwide tour lands in Australia next March. When it comes to priorities on their return, Big Time Rush band member Kendall Schmidt knows exactly what he's after.
Asked what Aussie snack or drink he's tracking down first, he grins: "I'm really excited to drink Australian coffee again."
After last year's sold-out run – read our review of their Brisbane concert – this tour feels less like a reunion lap and more like a multi-generational jam session that blurs the line between TV nostalgia and pop legacy.
Alongside that lightness comes reflection; when the band revisit certain tracks, time and perspective have reshaped their meaning. "Some songs feel cheesy, especially the ones we didn't write, but playing them now is just fun.
"'Cover Girl' is different though. I wrote that around 19, about a girl not realising how incredible she is. Now I'm singing it with my wife and little baby girl in the crowd. . . it means so much more today."
For Kendall, another song that takes on new weight is 'City Is Ours'. "There's a lyric in 'City Is Ours': 'Cars beep, beep when they pass us by.' If I could, I might redo that line," he admits, "but Big Time Rush is what it is.
"We've had our struggles with people thinking it feels too young or carrying a certain stigma. The truth is, we don't care. We love the band, we love the music, and clearly the people showing up love it too. I feel honoured to be part of that."
From screen to stage, for the first time, Katelyn Tarver ('Jo') and Stephen Kramer Glickman ('Gustavo') join as special guests. "They're both insanely talented. Katelyn's always been such a wonderful singer. Stephen's got a Broadway background.
"Honestly, it's like having your best friends open for you. We've been talking about this forever."
Yes Rushers, Kendall teases the infamous "turd song" will make an appearance: "I shouldn't say when, but trust me, it's happening."
Some things remain untouched. Take the 'Boyfriend' choreography. "We've left it as is. Classic and true. We're still working with Ivan Koumaev, our choreographer from day one. He just gets us." However, not everything has stayed frozen in time. 'Worldwide' has evolved into a nightly ritual, a moment where four lucky fans get pulled onstage.
If you're wondering how to standout to become their worldwide girl? "Great sign, and amazing energy. Sometimes I spot someone earlier in the show, other times it's pure vibe," admits Kendall.
For new fans, Kendall suggests a three-song crash course. "'Till I Forget About You', 'Boyfriend', and one of our new songs. One of the most underrated things about us is our new music. We don't need to prove anything; we just make what feels right."
If he could collaborate with anyone in Australia? No hesitation. "Tame Impala. 'Elephant' is my favourite song. That'd be wild."
As the tour approaches, Kendall is clear on the Big Time Rush legacy he wants to leave. "That we've got it. I'm certainly not old. We've been doing this for a long time. After ten years, and getting back together, people's lives change, but we all stayed really sharp.
"There were growing pains getting back together, but I just think we're locked in. I hope people think that was a sick phase of Big Time Rush."
For Rushers, whether you grew up with the Nickelodeon series or jumped on board during their resurgence, In Real Life Worldwide tour is set to deliver it all: the throwback memories, the new music, the dance moves, and all the moments in between.
Big Time Rush 2026 Tour Dates
Tue 17 Mar - ICC Sydney TheatreFri 20 Mar - The Riverstage (Brisbane)
Sun 22 Mar - Margaret Court Arena (Melbourne)
