Is the Cruel World Festival making a comeback in Spring of 2022, and more importantly, will it still involve Devo? Or for that matter, any other of the acts on its mind-blowingly impressive post-punk and new-wave-themed lineup?
On the 5th of June, 2021, the festival’s social media posted a teaser, with Devo’s Whip It as a soundtrack, showing a notebook with the Cruel World logo, “SPRING 22,” “GO FORWARD” and “MOVE AHEAD.” …Not to mention, a few stars for good luck?
Fingers crossed. The 80s alternative celebration, initially set to feature Morrissey, Bauhaus, Blondie, and Devo, teased a spring return, though at this point it’s not known who remains from the initial lineup. And what a roster! The 2020 festival was also set to highlight Echo & The Bunnymen, The Psychedelic Furs, Violent Femmes, The Church, The English Beat, Public Image Ltd., Gary Numan, Marc Almond, She Wants Revenge, Blaqk Audio, TR/ST, Cold Cave, Jay Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel, Berlin, Bad Manners, Missing Persons, London After Midnight, Drab Majesty, 45 Grave, Christian Death, The Meteors, Black Marble, Sextile, Softkill, and The KVB.
The Cruel World Festival was originally was to have taken place in May of last year at the home of the LA Galaxy: The Grounds at Dignity Health Sports Park, but after a COVID delay, the gathering got canned by promoter Goldenvoice.
(It’s not too late!)
Or via: