Pandemonium Festival organisers are denying rumours that their festival has been cancelled.

Updates on their Instagram account on Friday afternoon say “Pandemonium is NOT cancelled”.

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

They then turned off their platform’s comment sections.

Australian news media was in a swirl yesterday, with Channel 9 Gold Coast kicking off the buzz that Pandemonium was being axed, despite tickets still available.

Channel 9’s national news TV broadcast continued the story, saying low ticket sales were responsible.

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

Revellers remain unconvinced

Despite their announcement, several music lovers expressed their concerns.

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

Other punters pointed out that Deep Purple did not list 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.”

A steep ticket price

Tickets to Pandemonium at Sandstone Point continue to sell for $265.

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 isn’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 Andrew McManus at www.news.com.au.

Another one bites the dust

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

Local musicians were shocked when that 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.”

Have your say

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