This summer, Mayhem Fest wrapped up its 2015 tour in Dallas, Texas. But it seems that this was the festivals last show, ever.
After disappointing ticket sales this year, and a poorly handled PR mistake by co-founder Kevin Lyman which resulted in backlash from the festival’s headliners and from bands not even on tour, the festival’s co-founder John Reese issued this statement via Facebook:
Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival 2015 comes to an end. After spending 8 calendar years of passion and one full year of my life on the road with the festival, tonight is a very emotional night. All I know is we have all tried our damned hardest to make Mayhem a home for artists, a platform for bands to increase their fan base and a place where people feel welcomed.
There are so many people to thank but most of all I want to thank my family who complete me and I owe everything to. I love you with every fiber of my being Elenie Hovartos Reese, Kelsey Reese, Kylie Reese and Nicolette Reese.
A very very special thank you goes to Jason May Nick Allen Chelsea Coffey and Mike Kelso without you it never would of happened.
The Mayhem lifers Ray Picard, Keri Lee, Joey Perez, Andy Lee, Benjamin Layden, Mike Terrazas, Strati Hovartos and Perry Johnson.
Thank you to every single band who have performed and the amazing mayhem crew people who have ever been out with us thank you thank you thank you.
To Perry LaVoisne, You are my brother and I cherish our friendship and the fact that we have fought together so many fucking times.
KL and DE ….blood sweat and tears.
WITH EVERY END THERE IS A NEW BEGINNING.
Mayhem Fest has been around for eight years, and leaves a pretty large void for metal festivals in the United States. Since it’s inception, it’s had bands of various genres such as Slipknot, Disturbed, Avenged Sevenfold, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax, Cannibal Corpse, Behemoth and more. It’s sad to see the festival go, and begs the question as to whether another festival will rise to take its place?
