Bringing together goths, lovers of the 1980s and all-around appreciators of music, the Cruel World music festival made a return to the Pasadena Rose Bowl on Sat., May 17.
As soon as the doors opened at 11:30 in the morning, a sea of black clothing and eager festival goers poured into the Brookside area at the Rose Bowl.
With over 25 artists on the line-up and three stages across the venue, fans were kept busy as they raced back and forth between their favorite sets all day long. Fans were also provided with further entertainment in the form of food stands, vendors, merchandise tables, and even unique photo opportunities, which were available throughout the venue.
Actors
The first bands took the stage at roughly noon, and it was not long before thousands of people roamed the outdoor area. The first few hours of the festival were seemingly dedicated to the gothic dark wave scene. Bands like Actors, Provoker, and Mareux performed as fans tuned in and danced to their synth rhythms.
By the end of Mareux’s set, a slight drizzle soon turned into a heavy rainfall. However, the gloomy weather was the perfect setting for the music. As the rain continued to pour, some fans crammed together under tents in an effort to keep dry, while others embraced the unexpected forecast and continued dancing in their rain-soaked clothing.
Mareux
By 4:25 p.m., the rain had lessened, and fans rushed from their shelter under the tents to the main Outsiders stage to see ‘Til Tuesday perform for the first time in almost 35 years. Known for their new wave hits like “Voices Carry” and “What About Love,” ‘Til Tuesday became a defining band of the 1980s and eventually birthed the solo career of songwriter Aimee Mann. Seeing the band perform their most popular songs and reunite for the first time since 1989 was a truly special experience for everyone in the audience.
Til Tuesday
Across the venue, on the slightly smaller Sad Girls stage, the cult-classic DJ-turned-post-punk band, She Wants Revenge, performed an intoxicating set of their best hits. Halfway through the performance, lead singer Justin Warfield disappeared from the stage for a moment before returning with a special guest. Bassist of AFI, Hunter Burgan, took the stage with a saxophone in hand and joined the group with a cover of “Sister Europe” by the Psychedelic Furs, paying homage to the late Mars Williams. She Wants Revenge also took the opportunity to perform a new song for the first time, “Black Wax, My Love,” which the crowd adored.
She Wants Revenge
After their last song ended, the Dutch pioneers of dark wave music, Clan of Xymox, took the spotlight just a few feet over at the “Lost Boys” stage. Fans gathered around the stage, twirling and thrashing to the moody rhythm of their dark wave tunes.
Clan Of Xymox
At around 7 p.m., fans were faced with a difficult choice of either watching the rare reunion of the 1990s alternative band, Garbage, on one side of the venue or traveling to the opposite side for the performance of the legendary new wave classic, Devo. Both audience areas were flooded with excited fans. The crowds were so packed that it became difficult to maneuver through the venue.
During Devo’s performance, it was clear that the band stayed true to their playful and iconic roots. From the fun visuals in the back to the banter from Mark Mothersbaugh and Bob Casale, it was an all-around explosion of pure fun and energy. The audience jumped around and sang along to every lyric of their beloved classics like “Whip It,” “Uncontrollable Urge,” and “Girl U Want.” As if the crowd couldn’t love them anymore, it was not long before the band members pulled out their iconic red energy dome hats and yellow jumpsuits, transporting the band and the audience back to 1980.
DEVO
As Devo was rallying a roaring crowd across the Rose Bowl, Garbage was in the midst of a powerful rock performance. Lead singer Shirley Manson stepped on stage in an elaborate green ruffled outfit. It was the perfect indicator of her unapologetic boldness and powerful voice. Garbage took the main stage, and hundreds of festival goers surrounded the grassy area to hear the band perform.
At around 8:15 p.m., the influential Australian native singer-songwriter, Nick Cave, took the main stage. Wearing his iconic suit and slicked-back hair, Cave delivered a captivating and hypnotic performance as he slowed the festival’s pace to perform his set, accompanied by an orchestra. Cave and his band proved a nice blend of old hits and newer releases in his set, which seemed to please the enormous crowd.
Finally, at 9:40 p.m., the sun had fully set, and although tired, soaked, and freezing, fans made their way to the Outsiders stage for the performance that they had been waiting for. Formerly known as Joy Division, British new wave legends, New Order, stepped out. Since they were the final performance of the night, all remaining festival goers crowded to the stage, making it the biggest crowd of the night and taking up almost a quarter of the entire outdoor venue. Accompanying strobe lights added the perfect effect to their music. And as New Order played their adored hits like “Age of Consent” and “Blue Monday,” fans also danced with their eyes closed, truly taking in the moment, making the scene almost an emotional affair. Perhaps it was the older generation or just the pure enjoyment of the music, but phones were a rare sight during the performance.
New Order
Overall, the Cruel World Festival brought together thousands of music lovers on one special day. With gothic favorites from bands like Mareux and She Wants Revenge to nostalgic dance party jams from classics like Devo and New Order, the Cruel World Festival had something to offer for everyone.
All photos by Sam Pittman
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