In what’s shaping up to be a monumental third annual Cruel World festival, set for May 11, 2024, at the picturesque Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, the lineup reads like a who’s who of new wave and post-punk royalty. Headliners Duran Duran, riding the wave of their sixteenth studio album “Danse Macabre,” are set to bring a hauntingly melodious energy to the stage.
The festival boasts a robust roster, including the likes of Interpol, Blondie, and Simple Minds, who are poised to deliver performances resonating with both nostalgic charm and contemporary relevance. Placebo and Soft Cell are also on the bill, promising to blend their quintessential sounds with the festival’s eclectic atmosphere.
Notably, Ministry will revisit their roots, performing tracks from “With Sympathy” and “Twitch,” offering a glimpse into their formative synthpop and 80s industrial sound. Gary Numan, another pioneer of the genre, is slated to perform his groundbreaking album “The Pleasure Principle,” ensuring a journey through the synthesizer-driven landscapes of the late 70s.
Adding to this rich tapestry of sounds, Tones on Tail, featuring Daniel Ash and Kevin Haskins of Bauhaus and Love and Rockets fame, are set to be a special guest.
Also gracing the stage is DREAMCAR, the supergroup amalgamation of AFI’s Davey Havok and members of No Doubt, whose new wave renditions add a contemporary twist to the genre.
With a lineup that spans the gamut from The Jesus and Mary Chain to The Mission UK, and from The Stranglers to French Police, the festival is more than just a concert; it’s a cultural touchstone that encapsulates the spirit of an era. It’s a convergence of the past and present, a celebration of the enduring impact these bands have had on music and culture.
As tickets go on sale this Friday, fans can now visit the festival’s website to register for passes, ensuring they don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime gathering of musical legends.
Register here to gain access to passes, which go on sale December 8th, 2023, AT 12PM PT
Here is the full lineup:
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