Pandemonium Rocks Festival: 'There Might Be Alterations'

26 March 2024 | 5:36 pm | Dan Cribb

“Finalising festival logistics has taken longer than anticipated."

Pandemonium Rocks poster

Pandemonium Rocks poster (Source: Supplied)

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Pandemonium Rocks Festival has shared an update with punters after slamming reports on Friday that it had been cancelled.

In a statement this afternoon, organisers reiterated that “Pandemonium will proceed this April”.

“Whilst there might be upcoming alterations, we can assure you that our festival dates remain in place,” they said.

“Finalising festival logistics has taken longer than anticipated. We expect that in the next 48 hours we will be sharing an update with complete information. 

“We appreciate your concerns, rest assured our focus is centred on bringing to all the best event possible.

“Watch this space for up to date and factual Pandemonium festival information. We sincerely thank all of you for your patience.”

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Last week, rumours of Pandemonium’s cancellation began when a Nine News report claimed that the festival had been canned.

The festival responded by assuring fans that it had not been cancelled and urged people to not take “news from unverified reports”.

They later turned the comments off on that post, due to “reckless reporting, and the wilful proliferation of misinformation, rumours and conspiracy surrounding the festival”.

At this stage, the inaugural event will be held next month at Melbourne’s Caribbean Gardens, Sydney’s Cathy Freeman Park in the Olympic Park Precinct, the Gold Coast’s Doug Jennings Park, and Bribie Island’s Sandstone Point Hotel.

The line-up sports the likes of international rock, alternative, punk and heavy metal superstars, including Alice Cooper, Blondie, Placebo, Deep Purple, Wheatus, Psychedelic Furs, Dead Kennedys, Gang Of Four, Palaye Royale, and newcomer Petch.

On the local front, the festival – led by promoters Apex Entertainment – has booked in Wolfmother, Cosmic Psychos and Gyroscope.

In January, Pandemonium was struck with controversy, with the Sydney leg of the festival occurring on ANZAC Day. It was originally set to be held at The Domain, but it ended up moving locations.

At the time, NSW Premier Chris Minns declared, “There's not going to be a rock concert in the middle of the city on ANZAC Day.” His announcement came in response to RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge sharing concerns about the event being held at its previously booked venue to Ben Fordham on 2GB.

Bainbridge said, “RSL NSW understands the music promoter has offered a portion of ticket sales to veteran's charities to gain support for the concert. But ANZAC Day is not for sale.”

After explaining the change in venues, Apex Entertainment CEO Andrew McManus commented, “We’ve put together a brilliant line-up of iconic rock’n’roll acts that is set to deliver an amazing day of music, no matter what the location.”

Alice Cooper and Blondie are set to headline sideshows in Newcastle.