Australian news media is reporting that the Pandemonium Festival has been cancelled, yet promoters are still selling tickets.

Channel 9’s national news TV broadcast reported on Thursday that organisers were forced to pull the pin on the festival due to low ticket sales.

The festival came under fire last week for selling 2-for-1 promotional tickets, meaning those already with tickets missed out on the discount.

Promoter known for dodgy dealings

A Yelo contact says promoter Andrew McManus is “known to bait and switch if ticket sales dive”.

“I paid $130 each for two tickets to see Cheap Trick at his Gold Coast show at Southport and the weekend it was on (at Southport Sharks) tickets were $25 each.”

News.com.au reported in 2022 that McManus was found guilty for perverting the course of justice in 2017.

He avoided jail time, with the judge handing out 20 months of community service.

And in 2019, McManus landed in hot water again as CEO of One World Entertainment, after Covid-19 postponed, and eventually shut down, the Under the Southern Stars (UTSS) tour he was promoting.

“Hundreds of Australians claim they are owed a refund and dozens have lodged complaints with consumer affairs departments across NSW, Queensland and Victoria.

“News.com.au knows of several cases going to tribunals and some people believe they are owed thousands.”

A steep ticket price

Tickets to Pandemonium at Sandstone Point were selling for $265 at time of print (March 21, 9pm).

A-list acts Alice Cooper, Blondie, Placebo, Deep Purple and Wheatus are billed to play at the world-class rock festival on April 28. 

If that wasn’t enough, check out the full line up: The Psychedelic Furs, Dead Kennedys, Gang Of Four, Wolfmother, Cosmic Psychos, Wheatus, Gyroscope, Palaye Royale, and Petch.

Read the News.com.au investigation of Pandemonium promoter Andrew McManus at www.news.com.au.

Another one bites the dust

Groovin The Moo was cancelled earlier this year, also citing low ticket sales amid the economic squeeze.

Local musicians were shocked when the festival was cancelled just months from its scheduled Birtinya chapter.

The Sunshine Coast Stadium Precinct was expecting 35,000 music revellers on May 5.

A vicious cycle for ticket sales

Nambour drummer Bailey Walker, from Dellacoma, Sailing In Space, The Justus Trio and Banned From The Club, said festivals like Groovin The Moo were too reliant on early ticket sales.

“I think this is just the latest example of the vicious cycle between punters who can’t afford the commitment months in advance and event organisers who can’t afford to run the event if people don’t buy tickets earlier than two days beforehand.

“Who know how we break this loop.”

More to come.