Pandemonium organisers have unveiled a hoodie which will be offered as partial compensation to dissatisfied ticket holders.

The festival came under fire last month when national media reported the event was cancelled.

Organisers denied those reports, however soon announced major revisions would see half the original line-up scrapped.

A Facebook group has been rife with complaints with thousands of ticket holders demanding a refund to the festival they no longer want to see.

Organisers came to the party with three options for full-paying general admission ticket holders:

• One complimentary ticket
• A partial refund of $70
• A one-off Pandemonium hoodie valued at $100 (not available at merch stands)

What would you choose: a free hoodie, an extra ticket or a partial-refund of $70? Email us at editor@yelo.live

VIP ticket holders can also have drinks vouchers, gourmet pizza, and a T-shirt.

Other changes saw the Gold Coast festival on April 27 moved from Doug Jennings Park to Broadwater Parklands.

While the Sunshine Coast event on April 28 has been changed to Eatons Hill, instead of Sandstone Point.

Note: Blondie was never scheduled to play at Sandstone Point and won’t be at Eatons Hill.

The line-up they were promised:

Across two stages acts included: Alice Cooper, Blondie, Placebo, Deep Purple, Wheatus, The Psychedelic Furs, Dead Kennedys, Gang Of Four, Wolfmother, Cosmic Psychos, Gyroscope, Palaye Royale, and Petch.

First-release tickets sold for $265.

The new line-up:

Across one stage acts include: Alice Cooper, Psychedelic Furs, Wheatus, Wolfmother, Palaye Royale, and Cosmic Psychos.

Tickets are $190, except for at Eatons Hill (no Blondie) which are $165: https://tickets.pandemonium.rocks.

Your rights to a refund

Australian Consumer Law has guidance on refunds for festivals and events:

“Consumers have rights if a business fails to deliver what they promised. If a festival or event doesn’t go ahead or has major changes, you can seek a refund. It’s important that consumers know their rights and where to go for help.”

Some customers say they have secured a refund from their banks, so ticket holders are asked to check if they can get a refund this way.

Do you think the new Pandemonium constitues a “major change”? Let us know editor@yelo.live

Promoters defend festival changes

“We have been hard at work ensuring we deliver events that provide fans with the best possible experience and we extend our thanks to those who have patiently waited for our good news,” organisers say.

“We acknowledge the current state of the Australian economy and the cost of living crisis, of which we’re constantly reminded of by the media.

“This cost of living crisis has impacted the live music touring industry significantly and forced many other festivals and tours sadly, to cancel.

“Pandemonium is not one of those and despite aforementioned national issues our festival is moving forward.”

Organiser Andrew McManus has also been accused of posting a VIP sale update for Eatons Hills using a Blondie song, even though the star entertainer won’t be playing there.

And in other post he is seen responding to firey Instagram comments about him.

Rumours of a cancellation

Pandemonium Festival organisers were forced to address rumours that their festival was cancelled.

A second social media post was added calling out the media for “reckless reporting”:

Comments have since been turned all Pandemonium social media posts.

The festival was also scrutised for selling two-for-one promotional tickets, meaning those already with tickets missed out on the discount.

Revellers demand answers

Despite their announcement, several music lovers have expressed their concerns.

Local musician Mars Madex said: “Can you explain what’s going on then?”

Other punters pointed out that Deep Purple no longer listed the festival as part of their upcoming tour schedule.

While @punkalbumoftheweek said: “Something dodgy is afoot! Will get cancelled in a few weeks. This promoter is useless. Not to be trusted. You have been warned.”

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,” he says.

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.”

Read the News.com.au investigation of Andrew McManus.

Another one bites the dust

Several music festivals have been cancelled in Australia this year, including Groovin The Moo, which cited low ticket sales and the economic squeeze.

Groovin The Moo was expecting 35,000 music revellers to Sunshine Coast Stadium on May 5.

Nambour drummer Bailey Walker, from Dellacoma, Sailing In Space, The Justus Trio and Banned From The Club, said festivals 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.”

Have your say

Was it all just a publicity stunt? Do you have tickets to Pandemonium? Email us: editor@yelo.live