Soundwave Festival promoter AJ Maddah says California punk rock veterans Rancid are not returning to Australia. The promoter has long been vocal about his desire to book the band for Soundwave, reportedly attempting to secure them every year only to be consistently turned down.
After one of Maddah’s many Twitter followers asked point blank if the band would be making an appearance at the 2015 instalment of the promoter’s beloved hard rock and punk festival, Maddah replied definitively and without further explanation, “No. They’re not coming back to Australia.”
Rancid last toured Australia back in 1998 and Maddah has said that he’s been trying to book the punk rock favourites for 10 years running. After stating that he would try again this year, Maddah was asked in June whether he had “any luck with Rancid this year,” replying, “Have a guess :(”
During an interview with FasterLouder back in May 2009, bassist Matt Freeman and drummer Branden Steineckert reportedly wouldn’t give any definite answers as to whether the band would return for an Australian tour, with a report in 2010 alleging they “repeatedly deflected the question.”
In the meantime, Australian fans continue to pray for a Rancid tour of Down Under, even setting up Facebook accounts to rally fans together. The band themselves are currently gearing up to release their eighth studio album, Honor Is All We Know, which is expected to drop sometime this year.
UPDATE 08/07/14 9:47am: Drummer Branden Steineckert has since responded, saying he himself is disappointed that the band aren’t retuning to Australia this year and that he will “keep fighting for it as always”.
Despite saying he once cornered the band at Lowlands Festival in Holland and “literally begged them” to tour Australia, Maddah responded to Steineckert with a thank you, signalling that there is no bad blood between them.
Watch: Rancid – Last One To Die
Gallery: Soundwave 2015 Lineup Updates
@frenchyyy90 @Rancid no. They're not coming back to Australia.
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) July 6, 2014
@_carelesss_ have a guess 🙁
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) June 23, 2014
@jarrodcocker I try every year.
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) February 28, 2013
@Yrgodsnt4me @rhodsey13 @timtimebomb Sadly it looks that way. I have tried my best every year for the last 10 years 🙁
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) November 5, 2013
No Rancid for #SW2012 🙁
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) September 29, 2011
@musicfeeds @Rancid I once cornered them at Lowlands Festival in Holland and literally begged them…
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) July 7, 2014
@scott_cusack @murphy_kitten I feel it too! I want to go to Australia so bad!!
— Branden Steineckert (@801PUNX) July 7, 2014
@mos2016 @iamnotshouting @frenchyyy90 I agree. Huge disappointment. I want to go to Australia so bad!! I'll keep fighting for it as always
— Branden Steineckert (@801PUNX) July 7, 2014
@801PUNX @mos2016 @frenchyyy90 Thankss Branden! 🙁
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) July 7, 2014
Soundwave 2015 Gallery W/E 06/07/14
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Rancid
Rancid: After trying for 10 years and having no luck once again, Maddah has claimed that Rancid “[are] not coming back to Australia.” -
CoC
Corrosion of Conformity: Though Maddah says he would consider them if they got in touch, a new headline tour likely takes them out of the running. -
VansWarpedTourLogo
With Warped Tour AU now out of the picture, Social Distortion, We The Kings, Emily's Army, The Wonder Years, and Architects are now in the running for SW only. -
Area7
Area 7: Maddah agrees that they would be great to see at SW15. -
Deftones
Deftones: Maddah says they're "worthy" of a spot. -
EVERCLEAR 2011 COLOR
Everclear: Asked if they're in with a chance, Maddah said "Yep." -
Parkway Drive By Adam Elmakias
Parkway Drive: "Happy to have them. The rest is up to them," says Maddah. -
RANCIDcoWarnerBros
Rancid: He's been trying for 10 years, and it looks like no dice once again. -
Red Hot Chili Peppers 13
Red Hot Chili Peppers: After a follower told Maddah they "want chilli willi," he replied only with a smile. -
The Bronx
The Bronx: There's a chance you'll see them at SW 2015, according to Maddah. -
TheGaslightAnthem Photo 1 CreditAshleyMaile
The Gaslight Anthem: Maddah says he's "working" on bringing them out. -
Adaytoremember
A Day To Remember: Not happening, "they did it last year!" -
Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper: According to Maddah, "most of his fans are old and do not want to go to a festival." -
Badreligion
Bad Religion: Maddah says they would be "most welcome." -
Brand New 506f8951b0e5f
Brand New: "Definitely not SW. Working on a headline tour," says Maddah. -
Buriedinverona
Buried In Verona: They're "possible." -
Deadlettercircus
Dead Letter Circus: "Worthy of a place on SW!" says Maddah. -
Devilwearsprada
The Devil Wears Prada: "TDWP maybe," said Maddah. -
Everytimeidie
Every Time I Die: Asked if there's a chance for SW15 or a tour, Maddah said, "Yeah. Quality band!" -
Karnivool
Karnivool: Maddah deems them "worthy." -
Killdevilhill
Kill Devil Hill: "Maybe..." says Maddah. -
Manchesterimg04hires
Manchester Orchestra: No chance for SW, "headline tours are in the works." -
Mushroomhead
Mushroomhead: "Let's get you back here for a tour next year!" Maddah told the band. -
Neurosiscustom Bb9a8505491fbeb2d2fb222f99d28ffe5d9bfa82 S6 C30
Neurosis: First-ever Australian headline tour likely takes them out of the running. -
New Found Glory
New Found Glory: Maddah said he'd check in with guitarist Chad Gilbert, who said, "We are always down!" -
Scarthemartyr
Scar The Martyr: No chance, says Maddah. -
Shihad
Shihad: "Worthy of a place on SW!" says Maddah. -
Storyoftheyearmaverickrecords1
Story Of The Year: "Not this time," says Maddah. -
Sydonia 11
Sydonia: Plans appear to be in motion. -
The Smith Street Band 2014
The Smith Street Band: Maddah's "definitely open to that idea." -
This Wild Life1
This Wild Life: Maddah says he would consider them. -
Twelvefoot
Twelve Foot Ninja: "Worthy of a place on SW!" proclaims Maddah.
