The highly anticipated Cruel World festival has unveiled its 2025 lineup, and it promises to be a nostalgic and electrifying celebration of post-punk, new wave, and goth music. Headlining the event are the iconic bands New Order and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, two acts that have left an indelible mark on the music landscape.
Taking place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Brookside at The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, the one-day festival will feature a diverse array of acts that will transport attendees back to the vibrant musical era of the 1980s. The lineup includes DEVO, Garbage, Madness, The Go-Gos, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), She Wants Revenge, Alison Moyet, Buzzcocks, Nation of Language, and Stereo MCs, among others.
One of the most exciting aspects of the 2025 lineup is the reunion of 'Til Tuesday. The band, known for their hit song 'Voices Carry,' will perform with their original lineup for the first time in 35 years. This reunion marks a significant moment for fans who have been eagerly awaiting a return to the band's classic sound.
Another highlight of the festival is the revival of Death Cult by The Cults Ian Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy. This performance will feature songs from their original discography, offering fans a unique opportunity to experience the band's early material in a live setting.
The Cults Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy have been instrumental in shaping The Cults sound over the years. Their decision to revive Death Cult is a testament to their dedication to preserving the legacy of their early work and providing fans with a fresh perspective on their music.
Garbage, another headlining act, has been a staple in the alternative rock scene since their formation in the early 1990s. Known for hits like 'Stupid Girl' and 'Only Happy When It Rains,' Garbage brings an energetic and dynamic performance that is sure to captivate audiences.
Madness, another iconic band from the UK, will also be performing at Cruel World 2025. With their unique blend of ska and new wave, Madness has been entertaining fans for decades with hits like 'Our House' and 'The Prince.' Their live shows are always high-energy and full of infectious rhythms.
She Wants Revenge, an American darkwave band known for their moody and atmospheric soundscapes, will also be making an appearance at the festival. Their music often explores themes of love, loss, and existential crises, creating a hauntingly beautiful experience for listeners.
Alison Moyet, a British singer-songwriter famous for her work with Yazoo and her solo career, will bring her distinctive voice and style to the festival. With hits like 'Only You' and 'All Cried Out,' Moyet is sure to deliver a memorable performance that showcases her versatility as an artist.
Buzzcocks, a pioneering punk rock band from Manchester, England, will also be part of the lineup. Known for their catchy hooks and energetic live performances, Buzzcocks have been an influential force in the punk scene since their formation in 1976.
Nation of Language, an American post-punk band from New York City, will add their unique blend of synth-heavy sounds and poetic lyrics to the festival. Their music often explores themes of technology-induced alienation and social commentary.
Stereo MCs, a British hip-hop group known for their eclectic blend of genres including hip-hop, rock, and electronic music, will also perform at Cruel World 2025. Their live shows are often characterized by their high-energy beats and engaging stage presence.
Chelsea Wolfe, an American singer-songwriter known for her darkwave and gothic rock soundscapes, will bring an eerie yet captivating atmosphere to the festival. Her music often explores themes of nature, mysticism, and personal transformation.
Tickets for Cruel World 2025 will go on sale starting Friday, October 25th at 11:00 a.m. PT via the festivals website. Past attendees can register for a presale that begins on October 24th at 11:00 a.m. PT. Payment plans are available for those who want to secure their spot early.
For those interested in attending this unforgettable event but havent had the chance to purchase tickets yet, registration for the presale is now open. This ensures that fans can secure their spot before the general public sale begins.
Cruel World 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of post-punk and new wave music. With its diverse lineup featuring iconic bands like New Order and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds alongside reunions like Til Tuesday and unique performances like Death Cults revival, this festival is set to captivate audiences from all over.
For more information about Cruel World 2025 or to register for the presale, visit Cruel World Fest. Dont miss out on this opportunity to experience some of the most influential acts in music history live on stage.
