Soundwave 2016 has officially been cancelled, bringing down the curtain on the Australian music festival.
Promoter AJ Maddah announced the news after days of speculation via twitter (@iamnotshouting), saying:
“I am devastated to have to announce the cancellation of Soundwave 16 due to poor ticket sales. I am very sorry. I tried my best. #SW16“
“Thank you to all the fans, bands and people who supported the event for the last 12 years. i wish we could have ended it on a better note.”
The cancellation of SW16 and the subsequent end of the festival puts a dark cloud over the scene in New Zealand.
Despite companies like ODR Productions and Isaac Music bringing a number of international acts over, New Zealand always profited from Soundwave.
The first example that springs to mind is 2012 - System of a Down with the Dillinger Escape Plan and A Day To Remember played New Zealand shows as side dates to Soundwave.
Not to mention a couple of years of WestFest.
The fact that Soundwave is now a thing of the past is quite frankly terrifying. Our local promoters will have to work a truckload harder to convince international bands that it is worth their while to visit us.
As many of us are aware, it’s quite pricey to tour, and to get gear down this far via plane is more expensive still.
I know I’m just a guy who’s somewhat slack on keeping you updated with what’s going on in our scene, but I put it to you the fans - when we do get these bands into our country, do whatever you can to get along to the shows.
Without you, there is no scene.