Five American Rock Festivals We Want to Bring to Australia
Five US Rock Festivals we yearn to see in Australia (that may not be on your radar)
It’s astonishing to think, but it has been a whole decade since the Soundwave Festival crumbled into a pit of debt, uncertainty, and grime. Indeed, the only serious contenders that have emerged to potentially fill its void are Good Things and Knotfest. While these festivals can be satisfying for a short time, lasting no more than twelve hours, their predecessors like Big Day Out or Alternative Nation in the 90s faced a similar fate. Perhaps trying to extend the festival over two days was Soundwave’s downfall.
As a former British resident, one of the aspects I miss most about the UK is its rock festivals: Reading, Download, even Glastonbury. Europe also boasts festivals like Hellfest and Wacken, just a short trip away. However, while Australia attracts major international rock bands for tours without trouble, our rock festival scene pales in comparison to Europe and the US when it comes to multi-day events. Despite being approximately 25% larger in terms of area, the US holds almost 13 times the population, many of whom thirst for heavy sounds. So, due to our relative detachment on the planet and the costs of bringing enough high-profile bands to fill a four-day event, Aussie metalheads can only watch overseas festival lineup announcements with envy, wishing for their own four-day extravaganza with multiple stages, intense band clashes, and a unique festival camping atmosphere.
Thus, AU Review presents five US rock festivals that we would love to see happen here.
Welcome to Rockville
Taking place at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida on May 15-18, Welcome to Rockville holds the title of the largest rock festival in the US, thanks to its massive seating capacity of over 100,000 seats. With four days, five stages, and a lineup of 152 bands, the potential clashes are enough to cause heart palpitations from 15,000km away. Whether it’s Rob Zombie or Bodycount, Korn versus Bad Omens, or Good Charlotte up against Killswitch Engage, difficult choices will be minimalized through a stage rotation system.
Reports from past editions suggest excellent organization, with amenities like free water stations, lockers, pass-outs for campers, shaded areas, as well as numerous food and beverage stalls. Being an all-ages event, alcohol sales are restricted to those over 21 years old. Additionally, the festival provides ADA viewing platforms for individuals with disabilities and collaborates with the Living The Dream foundation to support terminally ill fans. There’s also Soberville, a supportive initiative for attendees who prefer enjoying the festival soberly. All in all, it appears to be a fantastic event, offering more outdoor metal excitement in four days than Australia has witnessed in the last decade.
Sonic Temple Arts & Music Festival
Taking place in Columbus, Ohio from May 8-11, Sonic Temple shares many artists with Welcome to Rockville, albeit with one key distinction – Metallica. The legendary band headlines two out of the four nights on the main stage, delivering non-repeating sets each night. Other prominent acts like Ministry, Suicidal Tendencies, and GWAR ensure a diverse lineup that will intrigue attendees. In addition to musical offerings, the festival promises unique experiences such as art installations and exhibits inspired by rock music’s intensity. With a Dive Bar on site and a whiskey bar dedicated to BLACKENED, a unique bourbon/rye blend enhanced by Metallica’s music, boredom will be a foreign concept at Sonic Temple 2025.