Chappell Roan's Fantasy Spectacle Steals Show at Perth Laneway Festival 2026
Chappell Roan's medieval fairytale vision burst into vibrant life on stage at Laneway Festival in Perth on Sunday, captivating thousands of fans with a dazzling display of camp, feminine energy and pop perfection. The Grammy-winning artist transformed Arena Joondalup's main stage into a gothic castle, setting the scene for an unforgettable evening of music and theatrics.
An Electric Atmosphere and Impeccable Performance
Excited fans adorned in pink cowgirl hats huddled together in anticipation as the suspense built just before 9pm. With flashing green lights and billowing smoke, the 27-year-old singer, born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, emerged in a pirate-inspired red and black Elizabethan outfit, her voluminous curly red hair flowing behind her. She launched into hits like Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl, Femininomenon, and After Midnight, her makeup shimmering with golden eyeshadow and maroon lips under the stage lights.
Roan's all-female band, dressed in eccentric outfits matching her drag-queen influenced style, jammed alongside her as she danced across the stage and ascended castle stairs. Addressing the crowd, she expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you for having me. You guys are so far away, that's okay. This is so awesome, I'm so grateful to be here." She also thanked her crew for supporting her through the gruelling festival circuit, admitting, "It's a really hard festival run for so many reasons."
Spectacular Production and Unforgettable Moments
The stage design and screen graphics mesmerised audiences, featuring circling dragons and dancing goblins that nodded to classic fantasy tales. During Hot To Go, fiery pyrotechnics erupted as fans performed signature letter dance moves. Roan also shared humorous anecdotes, revealing a wardrobe malfunction during her cover of Heart's Barracuda, joking, "I wasn't on the floor having a seizure. Bless it be, my nipple came out." She later debunked rumours about cosmetic enhancements, asserting, "Yes, it is my real a**."
Her 90-minute set concluded with My Kink is Karma and the fan-favourite Pink Pony Club, cementing her status as a pop princess not to be reckoned with. Despite minor audio issues noted by some, the creativity and pure good vibes left festivalgoers blown away, capping off Laneway's New Zealand and Australian run in spectacular fashion.
Surprise Appearances and Supporting Acts Shine
In a thrilling surprise, Robert Irwin joined American singer Role Model on stage as the celebrity "Sally" during the song Sally, When The Wine Runs Out. The wildlife warrior, dressed in his signature Australia Zoo khakis, danced enthusiastically, even doing the worm to the crowd's delight. Fans had anticipated his appearance after he posted an Instagram photo hinting at his Perth visit.
British singer PinkPantheress drew a massive crowd with her early evening set of viral hits like Illegal and Boy's a liar, leading some to argue she deserved a main stage slot. Fellow Brits Wet Leg brought indie rock energy with Rhian Teasdale rocking a lime green guitar and untamed pink and green hair, while Wolf Alice's Ellie Rowsell captivated with powerful vocals in a star-embellished white outfit, promising a return tour in December.
Laneway Festival Perth 2026 proved a triumph of talent and spectacle, with Chappell Roan's fantasy-inspired production standing out as a highlight of the event.
