After eight years, the Mayhem is over. Mayhem Fest started as an alternative to Ozzfest and eventually pushed the festival out of business. But now, it looks as if it suffers the same fate.
After disappointing ticket sales this year, and a big PR mistake by co-founder Kevin Lyman insulting metal, which resulted in backlash from headliners and bands not even on the tour, John Reese, the other co-founder of the fest confirmed that this was the last year for the festival. In two Facebook postings, Reese wrote his thank yous and then wrote 2015 was the last year ever for the festival:
So amazing to have THE KING on the last mayhem evah. What a class act
Posted by John L. Reese on Sunday, August 2, 2015
Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival 2015 comes to an end. After spending 8 calendar years of passion and one full year…
Posted by John L. Reese on Sunday, August 2, 2015
This leaves a pretty large void in the summer touring market for metal. Will the promoters launch a new branded tour in its place or will another promoter come along to take charge for a new festival? I guess we have to wait and see.
Metal Injection has been a media sponsor of the tour since its inception and we are sad to see it go, but thankful to them for bringing us so many great acts over the years. What was your favorite Mayhem Fest?
