The Cruel World Festival is scheduled for May 11 at Pasadena’s Brookside at the Rose Bowl venue, featuring headline performer Duran Duran along with an assortment of other acts, from 1980s new wave mainstays to newer artists.
The Goldenvoice event lineup includes Interpol, Blondie, Simple Minds, Placebo, Soft Cell, Adam Ant and more to be announced. Ministry will perform songs from “With Sympathy” and “Twitch,” while Gary Numan will offer his live rendition of “The Pleasure Principle.”
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Performers such as Jesus and Mary Chain, Heaven 17, The Stranglers and Tones on Tail will be captivating goths of all ages, new wavers, punks and original scenesters.
Duran Duran’s recent release, “Danse Macabre,” features interpretations of songs like “Paint It Black,” “Ghost Town,” and “Psycho Killer.”
The supergroup Dreamcar, comprising of AFI’s Davey Havok and No Doubt’s Tony Kanal, Tom Dumon and Adrian Young, will also offer their take on the new wave genre.
The 2023 edition witnessed rousing performances from Billy Idol, Gang of Four, Love and Rockets and more — and featured a dramatic ending as Iggy Pop’s set ended early amid a lightning storm. Numan, Pop and Siouxsie returned the next night to complete their set, making it a two day darkwave celebration.
Passes for the festival will go on sale Dec. 8 at noon PT at cruelworldfest.com, including access to the Clubhouse pass.
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