Leather jackets and livers are essential at this annual gathering of punk rock tribes. It feels like attending a family reunion if Mom and Dad had septum piercings and revered Pabst Blue Ribbon as a source of comfort.
These Vegas-area music fests provide unique genre experiences from metal to EDM and punk rock music. Many events sell out or have waitlist options available so make sure to plan accordingly.
When We Were Young Festival
When We Were Young outwitted all expectations and proved emo was never just a passing fad. Over 80,000 self-described “elder emos” flocked to the Las Vegas Festival Grounds over two days of pop punk, hardcore, nu metal and related genres that brought back fond memories of Warped Tour in its glory days.
The lineup featured many legacy bands of emo’s first wave, as well as some young acts that have come on strong since. This was an intelligent decision by organizers as it ensured something for all and prevented it from feeling like a reunion show.
One of the highlights of the weekend was seeing so many familiar faces come back together and rock out together. Pierce the Veil singer Vic Fuente even invited one of his fans up on stage for an encore performance of “Pass the Nirvana”.
Blink-182 and Green Day headlined this event, each showing they still possess energy after nearly ten years apart. Blink-182, led by Tom DeLonge who recently addressed his public battle with depression, delivered energetic performances that brought fans out in droves for “Knowledge” and “Operation Ivy.”
Some common challenges associated with music festivals were encountered at this year’s, such as lines for food, water, merchandise and bathrooms; but credit to organizers for being well prepared by providing enough staff and resources for such an enormous event.
The event’s main downside was the heat. Temperatures reached 90s and caused discomfort under direct sunlight. Many fans left after Black stage headliner ended, leaving many dehydrated and exhausted by night’s end despite attempts by bands to compensate. Unfortunately, nothing can be done against such extreme conditions.
Sick New World Festival
Sick New World Festival kicked off its inaugural event this May in Las Vegas, a city with a longstanding love of rock music. This inaugural festival showcased hard rock/alternative artists who lean toward nu metal, along with industrial, gothic and hardcore genres as well. Produced by C3 Presents–known for organizing Lollapalooza and Shaky Knees among others–this show boasted one of its strongest lineups to date, boasting System Of A Down and Korn headlining headliners this time around!
At this year’s Sick New World Festival, many of the bands will showcase early 2000s nu metal sounds like System Of A Down and Korn; however, their presence will only be highlighted by household names such as Helmet, Kittie and A Perfect Circle from established acts as well as emerging ones like Wage War and Code Orange; there will also be gothic/industrial acts including Loathe Killing Joke Drain Front 242 etc.
Sick New World Festival offers fans a fantastic opportunity to see some of the most sought-after nu metal groups. Coal Chamber, KMFDM and She Wants Revenge all performed here before alongside Evanescence and Chevelle among many others – offering enough variety that fans could potentially see virtually all bands they want in one day!
The inaugural Sick New World Festival featured an impressive lineup that included System Of A Down, Bring Me The Horizon and Alice In Chains as headliners; in addition to Lamb of God, Danny Elfman Bad Omens Sleep Token Knocked Loose as other major acts. It was like Ozzfest and 90s Lollapalooza had their wedding and had a child!
Rock in Rio USA
After its highly successful inaugural run in Brazil, Rock in Rio festival returned to Las Vegas for its second weekend, in partnership with SFX Entertainment, Eike Batista’s IMX, MGM Resorts International and Yucaipa Companies. Staged over two weekends at City of Rock venue – featuring acts such as Metallica, No Doubt, Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars; plus plenty of glitz and spectacle including themed “Rock Street” faux-neighborhoods and an enormous Ferris wheel that offered views over all events – with attendees enjoying two weekends of live rock music performances at City of Rock venue!
Under low attendance figures, the show was still generally successful. Backbone worked closely with organizers to ensure everything from tents and fencing to sound and lighting were ready for opening weekend and subsequent show days ran smoothly; audio quality was clear while sightlines were excellent given the size of the arena and high-profile corporate tie-ins.
Rock in Rio USA was still an enjoyable music festival despite its low opening weekend numbers, offering a varied and eclectic lineup that veered sufficiently away from standard radio fare to keep audiences intrigued. Headline acts included No Doubt, Linkin Park/Hollywood Undead from Los Angeles/Linkin Park from Brazil plus menacing Brazilian metal band Sepultura as well as actor/screamer Taylor Momsen with her searing band The Pretty Reckless from Taylor Momsen herself!
Ed Sheeran’s acoustic set was also an absolute joy, with his voice towering above the buzz of the crowd. His band was tight and energetic; Sheeran managed to keep their attention even though they were performing in an arena larger than any of his previous headlining tours.
Charli XCX and Jessie J gave equally dynamic performances; though their names may not have been as familiar to audiences, their presence still made an impactful statement. Joss Stone closed out Rock in Rio USA with an energetic set that included covers of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell on You” and Grand Funk Railroad’s “Some Kind of Wonderful.” Her set was the ideal way to launch Rock in Rio USA into its second weekend.
Las Vegas Punk Festival
The Las Vegas Punk Festival is a two day event featuring punk rock bands. Held at the festival grounds near Circus Circus Hotel & Casino, each day of this festival offers different lineups with food vendors and merchandise tables present; moreover, there are multiple stages and stages filled with bands which make this an event for fans of punk music of all ages! The Las Vegas Punk Festival welcomes all attendees.
This year’s lineup differs drastically from last year’s more polished, emo-driven 2022 edition, when Green Day and Blink 182 took to the stage as headliners; instead it moves further toward pop-punk from 2000-01, featuring headliners X and At The Drive-In as headliners, as well as performers like the Offspring, New Found Glory Yellowcard Rise Against Something Corporate Saves the Day Motion City Soundtrack 30 Seconds to Mars (yes Jared Leto band!).
Crazy and the Brains got things started at this year’s festival with an engaging performance on the side stage. Playing songs about pizza delivery and depression with infectious energy, Crazy and the Brains truly captured the crowd’s hearts with their performance.
One of the highlights of the night came when All Time Low’s Alex Gaskarth joined Avril Lavigne onstage for a cover of Blink-182’s ‘All The Small Things.’ The song seemed to capture exactly what this festival represents; music should be fun and playful, which it certainly was for most of this weekend’s events.
Las Vegas Punk Festival promises to be an amazing event with an all-star lineup and great local shows to discover. Visit their website for ticketing information!