Soundwave 2015 is upon us once again. This time around, Australia’s premier hard rock, heavy metal, and punk rock festival will be coming back with a brand new expanded format (this year’s event takes place over two days) and one hell of a lineup.
Covering everything from pop punk, to black metal, the Soundwave 2015 lineup is packed with huge names, including headliners Slipknot, Soundgarden, Faith No More, and The Smashing Pumpkins, notable up-and-comers, awesome locals, and iconic veterans of the scene.
But if you’re still struggling to make a decision as to whether you should don the black T-shirt and head out this weekend (or next) to throw your corna high in the air, here’s 10 reasons you should definitely grab Soundwave tickets this year.
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1. It’s The Last Ever Adelaide Event
Yes, if you’ve heard the sad news, you’ll know that promoter AJ Maddah recently confirmed that 2015 would see the last ever Soundwave descending upon the South Australian capital. After what the promoter described as “pathetic” ticket sales, Maddah has declared it unfeasible to bring an event the magnitude of Soundwave back to Adelaide each year.
The city has been the source of many a headache for the promoter, including battles over noise restrictions with the local council. However, Maddah has promised to make it one hell of a farewell event, so if you’re local or feel like a road trip, make sure you’re there for the last ever Adelaide Soundwave event.
2. Lots Of Locals
For those of you who were hoping to see some more local talent on the Soundwave lineup this year, organisers have certainly delivered. The festival recently added four up-and-coming Aussie bands — I, Valiance, Bare Bones, A Ghost Orchestra, and Columbus — as part of their annual Triple J Unearthed competition, with the bands set to play their respective hometowns.
There’s also a few notable Aussies on the touring lineup, including The Bennies, King Parrot, Confession, Tonight Alive, Ne Obliviscaris, Area 7, and more.
3. First Ever Two-Day Event
As many of you know, this will be the first two-day event in Soundwave history. Not only does this mean that fans will get to experience two days of awesome metal, punk, and hard rock performances, but there’s a whole lot of fringe benefits that come with staging a two-day festival.
According to Maddah, spreading the packed lineup over two days means there will be less clashes, fewer stages, and a general streamlining of your festival experience (which we’ll get to in a moment). Of course, if you just can’t handle 48 hours of non-stop heavy music…
4. But, You Can Just Get A One-Day Pass
Fans who just want to see a few bands or just want to experience one day of Australia’s premier heavy music festival are able to purchase a one-day pass. The lineup has been split rather evenly over the two days, with one day headlined by Faith No More and Soundgarden, and the other topped by Slipknot.
Each day has plenty for fans of every genre and will obviously come in at a lower price than enjoying both days of Soundwave’s new two-day format. Just make sure you double check who’s headlining which day in your city.
5. Expect More Signings Than Ever
According to Maddah’s beloved Twitter account, not only will Soundwave 2015 give fans a chance to meet their favourite lineup artists and get the odd T-shirt or album signed, the promoter has promised that this year will see “more [signings] than ever” (likely due to the minimisation of clashes).
Maddah previously stated that “everyone, besides Slipknot, is invited to do signings” — as having Slipknot in the signing tent would result in “fucking pandemonium“ — which means you have a good chance of getting some one-on-one time with your favourite acts.
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6. Perth Fans Have Been Taken Care Of
…actually, fans just about anywhere in the country that isn’t part of the Soundwave tour route are catered for. “Soundwave Festival 2015 is happy to announce travel packages are now available. Book your flights and hotel accommodation together to receive 5% off,” a statement on the Soundwave 2015 website reads.
“Packages are available for all shows from all over Australia.” That’s right, Perth-based Soundwave fans can hop on a plane for a discounted price and make their way to a city of their choice to enjoy Soundwave 2015.
7. The Festival Has Been Streamlined
As we previously mentioned, a two-day lineup comes with certain perks. Besides more Soundwave-y goodness, you also get a much more enjoyable festival experience, logistically speaking.
“Putting the lineup across two days enables us to minimise clashes; give bands longer sets, better staging, production and infrastructure. I am also hoping that this will give fans better value for money and a less stressful day,” Maddah tweeted back when it was first announced that Soundwave would be converting to its new format.
8. This Will Be Your Last Chance To See Some Bands
For Aussie fans of industrial heroes Ministry and Virginia rockers Conditions, this will be your last chance to see these two incredible acts. Ministry announced back in March 2013 that their latest album, From Beer to Eternity, would be their last, with the band planning to break up following their current album cycle.
Meanwhile, Conditions previously made a pact with Maddah, promising that they would not officially disband until they hit up Soundwave. While the band rocked their final US show last year, Soundwave will serve as their final farewell.
9. There’s Something For The Older Crowd
As well as the debut of their new format, Maddah confirmed last month that this year’s Soundwave instalment will feature an all-new ‘Comfort Zone’, where older punters can go to relax after a hard day of rocking out.
This exclusive area, which will reportedly feature some lush accoutrements, including “[a] massage service, good coffee and cake, good wine” and, perhaps most importantly, “lux serviced toilets”, which will be available to punters 30 and up. Think of it as kind of a “reverse daycare but with more amenities”.
10. Uh, Faith No More?
Few bands command the kind of respect that Faith No More do. Led by the inimitable Mike Patton, Faith No More are the epitome of trailblazers and one of the most unique bands of the modern era. Having officially split 1998, the band reunited in 2009 for a tour that, as the band themselves admitted, “sort of petered out”, and no new material ever materialised.
The band are now back and in full force, recently announcing the upcoming release of a new album, Sol Invictus, and debuting two new singles, ‘Motherfucker’ and ‘Superhero’.
Soundwave Festival 2015
Saturday, 21st February & Sunday, 22nd February 2015
Bonython Park, Adelaide, South Australia
Tickets: Soundwave
Saturday, 21st February & Sunday, 22nd February 2015
Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria
Tickets: Soundwave
Saturday, 28th February & Sunday, 1st March 2015
Olympic Park, Sydney, New South Wales
Tickets: Soundwave
Saturday, 28th February & Sunday, 1st March 2015
RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane, Queensland
Tickets: Soundwave
