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Cruel World Fest with Gary Numan, Billy Idol, and more

May 20, 2023  ·  Brookside at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA Brookside at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA

Cruel World Fest
May 20
Cruel World Fest
Past Concert

LineUp

The Vapors, a UK New Wave band from Surrey, formed in the late 70s. Discovered by The Jam's Bruce Foxton, they toured in 1979. Known for "Turning Japanese," which hit UK No. 3 and Billboard Top 40, from their debut "New Clear Days." Their second album "Magnets" included "Jimmie Jones." They disbanded in 1982, but reformed in 2016, still performing.
Martha Davis, from Berkeley, joined The Motels, hitting it big with hits like "Only the Lonely" and "Suddenly Last Summer." The band achieved gold record status with their unique sound. After brief breakup, Davis went solo and later reformed The Motels.
Molchat Doma, formed in 2017 in Minsk, Belarus, blends post-punk, new wave, and synth-pop, known for their cold yet danceable sound and goth ethos. The trio, renowned for their brutalist album art, achieved global fame and later relocated to Los Angeles. Their music reflects a distinct style and meaning, capturing the digital pulse of the '90s with dark dancefloor anthems.
Iggy Pop, born in Michigan, prefigured '70s punk and '90s grunge, known for iconic albums like Lust for Life and The Idiot. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Stooges in 2010 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. His collaboration with Josh Homme on Post Pop Depression earned a Grammy nod. Iggy's film work includes the Golden Globe-nominated "Gold" and contributions to "Good Time," which won at Cannes.
Formed in Colchester, England, Modern English gained fame with "I Melt With You," a New Wave classic featured on 1982's *After the Snow*. They evolved from dark post-punk to a more commercial sound. They were featured twice by BBC's John Peel and collaborated with producer Hugh Jones. The band continues to create and tour.
British new wave band ABC, led by Martin Fry, gained fame in the early '80s with hits like "Poison Arrow" and "Look of Love." Known for their synth-driven pop and theatrical style, they topped charts with their debut album and found success on MTV and in the US market.
Billy Idol, born in the UK, is a punk rock pioneer known for hits like “Rebel Yell” and “White Wedding.” With 40 million albums sold, he became an MTV megastar.
Austin's Urban Heat, led by Jonathan Horstmann, is known for fiery live shows and '80s-inspired darkwave anthems. They've wowed major festivals like SXSW, Cruel World, and ACL, with tracks like "Seven Safe Places." Their introspective lyrics and dynamic performances are captivating audiences globally.
Echo & the Bunnymen, formed in Liverpool, meld dark post-punk with psy-rock. Fronted by Ian McCulloch and guitarist Will Sergeant, they gained fame with hits like "The Killing Moon" and "Lips Like Sugar." With albums like *Ocean Rain* and *Meteorites*, they've charted in the UK and US. Despite drummer Pete de Freitas' death, McCulloch and Sergeant's bond endured. Known for cinematic soundscapes, they've collaborated with producer Youth and earned critical acclaim for their moody, introspective style.
Adam Ant, born Stuart Leslie Goddard in London, was a key figure in the new wave scene. Known for theatrical style and glam-tinged pop, he led Adam and the Ants to popularity with hits like "Stand and Deliver." Later transitioning to a solo career, his debut album featured the hit "Goody Two Shoes." Collaborating with Marco Pirroni, Ant's music influenced artists like Nine Inch Nails and Suede. Despite challenges, including mental health issues, he made a comeback with tours and new music, solidifying his impact on alternative rock.
The Human League, formed in Sheffield, England in 1977, became synth-pop pioneers with hits like "Don't You Want Me" and "Human." Known for infectious melodies and electronic rhythms, they collaborated with producers like Giorgio Moroder and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Their influential style left a lasting imprint on synth-pop and electronic music.
Gang of Four, a highly influential rock group, impacted bands like RHCP, U2, and R.E.M. Their angular rock style influences artists like Franz Ferdinand and Nine Inch Nails, while Frank Ocean sampled them on his "Blonde" album. Pharrell praised them in major publications.
Riki, born in California, is a synth-pop artist known for her ethereal sound, blending 80s new wave and Italo with electronic beats. A talented dancer, she captivates audiences with her hypnotic live performances, merging music and movement seamlessly.
Boy Harsher, formed by Jae Matthews and Augustus Muller in Savannah, GA, produces dark electro-pop with minimal beats and sensual vocals. Known for hits like "Pain," their debut, they've gained a cult following since 2014. Their 2019 album "Careful" explored synth pop, while in 2022, they released "The Runner," a film they wrote and scored.

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