The Australian music festival scene has suffered a massive blow just three months out from the 2025 season, with Byron Bay heavy metal giants Parkway Drive forced to cancel their highly anticipated Park Waves festival.
A Dream Lineup Crushed by Economic Reality
Parkway Drive announced the devastating news to fans via social media on Tuesday, stating they "never imagined we'd have to write" such a post. The band's curated event was scheduled to hit 11 cities across Australia in February and March, kicking off at Perth's Langley Park on February 14, 2025.
The festival promised a stacked lineup, featuring fellow Australian heavyweights The Amity Affliction, alongside Northlane, Alpha Wolf, and Story Of The Year. In a statement, the band squarely blamed "the rising costs across our entertainment industry" for making the event financially unviable, despite exhausting all options to save it.
More Than Just a Concert: The Ultimate Fan Experience Lost
Park Waves was designed to be a comprehensive experience, far beyond a standard concert. Plans included a big top tent with circus performers, carnival rides, sideshow alley attractions, and a variety of food trucks, aiming to create a unique day out for fans of all ages.
Frontman Winston McCall had previously expressed huge excitement, calling the joint tour with The Amity Affliction "massive" and "mental." He highlighted in July that it marked the first time the two biggest heavy bands in Australian history would tour the country together, a dream years in the making.
Refunds and a Plea to Support Live Music
Parkway Drive confirmed that all ticketholders will receive full refunds. In their emotional statement, the band thanked fans for their support, acknowledging it is what keeps the live music culture alive during difficult times.
This cancellation adds to a growing list of Australian festival casualties, signalling a deepening crisis for the industry as operational costs – from production and logistics to insurance and artist fees – continue to skyrocket, outpacing ticket revenue.
