Despite the gloomy weather and nonstop drizzle at this past weekend‘s Cruel World music festival in Pasadena, the energy could not have been brighter. Fans of post-punk, new wave, and all things alternative gathered from all over the U.S. (and world) for a day full of music, food, and nostalgic fun. Unlike the weekend prior, at Cruel World’s very bright and bubbly sister, music festival, Just Like Heaven, where temperatures reached 100°, the weather at Cruel World was rather suited for its darker sounds. Gray skies, chilly 60° temps, and intermittent drizzle kept fans in the “I’m only happy when it rains” mood.

To quote, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), “What the fuck is up with this British weather?!”

Fans at Cruel World 2025 in Pasadena, CA by Lilly Duran

With such a stacked lineup of incredible acts, both from the past and present day, it was no easy feat to see all the bands our hearts desired. Between running through the Bermuda Triangle that was the Lost Boys, Sad Girls, and Outsiders stages, we found ourselves splitting sets more often than not (OMD vs She Wants Revenge, Devo vs Garbage, Death Cult vs Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds). It would have been a lot harder had the sun been out and blazing, but thankfully, Cruel World was in full gloom. Needless to say, we’re pretty sure everyone (especially Gen X), was feeling like this the next morning.

Here are photos of the bands we saw at Cruel World, from early afternoon sets to the main event with New Order.

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