The good news is true – the world isn’t that cruel after all, because the Cruel World Festival is returning to Pasadena for the second year in a row. After last year’s meat-free, new wave paradise that saw headliners Morrissey, Blondie, and Bauhaus, Cruel World 2023 is again taking place at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena and boasts one of the best throwback lineups of the summer.
On Saturday, May 20th, Siouxsie Sioux, Iggy Pop, Billy Idol, Love and Rockets, Echo and the Bunnymen, Adam Ant, and more will headline the one-day festival that promises to be an unforgettable show. For Siouxsie, formerly of Siouxsie and the Banshees, this will be her first live performance in all of North America in 15 years. Likewise, for 80s/90s alt legends Love and Rockets, comprised of Bauhaus’ Daniel Ash, David J, and Kevin Haskins, this performance will be the first for the band since 2008.
Iggy Pop, formerly of the Stooges, most recently released his 19th studio album Every Loser and will no doubt play classic hits as well as new tracks from that record. Special guests may even be in store for Iggy’s set, as his last headlining festival performance in Southern California at 2018’s Cal Jam Festival featured Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme and Dean Fertita, and Arctic Monkeys’ Matt Helders in the live band. Billy Idol and Adam Ant, who haven’t released a new full-length record since before the pandemic, but have been touring regularly prove to be unmissable acts. Fans of Gary Numan that may have missed the English singer at his one stop to Pomona last summer will be able to catch him and tracks from his 2021 album here.
Echo and the Bunnymen, who were on Cruel World’s lineup last year but couldn’t play due to scheduling conflicts, have made the cut this year. They’ll pair wonderfully alongside fan favorites the Human League and Modern English; here’s to hoping there won’t be many time slot conflicts! See below for Cruel World Festival’s full lineup and details about purchasing tickets.
Tickets for Cruel World 2023 go on sale on Friday, January 27th at 12 pm PT at here, and include four ticket levels (GA, GA+, VIP, and Clubhouse), as well as payment plans and helpful hotel + pass packages.
