Pandemonium Rocks Festival Locks In New Sydney Venue

New rock and metal music festival Pandemonium Rocks has locked in a new venue for its Sydney date ahead of the event taking place on ANZAC Day – Thursday, 25 April.

In case you missed it, NSW Premier Chris Minns declared last week, “There's not going to be a rock concert in the middle of the city on ANZAC Day.” His announcement came in response to RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge sharing concerns about the event being held at its previously booked venue, The Domain, to Ben Fordham on 2GB.

Bainbridge said, “RSL NSW understands the music promoter has offered a portion of ticket sales to veteran's charities to gain support for the concert. But ANZAC Day is not for sale.”

In a statement, Pandemonium Rocks Festival organisers Apex Entertainment said,

Pandemonium festival organisers Apex Entertainment are working collaboratively with the NSW State Government on a solution pertaining to the location of Pandemonium Sydney, scheduled for Thursday, April 25, in Sydney, NSW.  

“We’ll issue an update very soon, and thank you for your patience.

Today, the announcement has arrived: Pandemonium Rocks Sydney will still be held on 25 April but at Cathy Freeman Park in the Sydney Olympic Park Precinct. The venue change was decided after talks with key organisations amidst concern over the event’s proximity to the ANZAC Day service at the nearby Hyde Park.

Apex Entertainment CEO Andrew McManus said in a press release:

This concert has been six months in the planning and is one of many events, both cultural and sport, that are taking place across the country on April 25.

“It is disappointing that despite our best efforts to present the event in what we believe is an appropriate manner, there has been kickback from certain circles”.

“This is not an ANZAC Day concert; it is an event that is taking place on the public holiday of April 25th, as are many other events.

McManus added, “We’ve put together a brilliant line-up of iconic rock’n’roll acts that is set to deliver an amazing day of music, no matter what the location.”

Pandemonium Rocks will open its gates at 11:30 am AEDT with bands performing across two stages. For fans who already held tickets for the Domain, your tickets remain valid for the venue change.

The Sydney edition of Pandemonium Rocks is set to have members of veteran charity Wounded Heroes on site, with $10 from each ticket for the Sydney date donated to the organisation. Top Blokes, a charity that works to prevent youth suicide, will be on the ground on the Gold Coast. Tickets for Pandemonium Rocks festival are on sale now.

The inaugural event is spearheaded by Alice Cooper, Blondie, Placebo and Deep Purple. They’ll be joined by Wheatus, Dead Kennedys, The Psychedelic Furs, Gang Of Four and Palace Royale.

On the local front, Pandemonium Rocks has locked in Gyroscope, Cosmic Psychos and Wolfmother. In addition to the international acts mentioned above, the festival is introducing Thai solo artist Petch.

PANDEMONIUM ROCKS 2024

Saturday, 20 April: Caribbean Gardens, Melbourne

Thursday, 25 April: Cathy Freeman Park - Sydney Olympic Park Precinct, Sydney (ANZAC Day Holiday) NEW VENUE

Saturday, 27 April: Doug Jennings Park, Gold Coast

Sunday, 28 April: Sandstone Point Hotel, Bribie Island*

*Blondie not performing