Live, in Photos: Cruel World 2025 with Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, New Order, Garbage, and More

EventsLive, In Photos

Live, in Photos: Cruel World 2025 with Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, New Order, Garbage, and More

Devo, OMD, Nation of Language, ’Til Tuesday, Provoker, Mareux, and more from the annual celebration of all things new wave, goth, and post-punk in Pasadena.

Words: FLOOD Staff

Photos: Kevin Allen

May 20, 2025

Goldenvoice’s annual celebration of all things post-punk, goth, alt-rock, and new wave returned to Pasadena this past weekend—along with appropriately gloomy and rainy weather—for the the fifth edition of Cruel World. It was quite the contrast to the heatwave that enveloped the Just Like Heaven festival just days before, but proved to be a glorious setting for the multiple generations of goths, punks, and music heads that descended upon Brookside at the Rose Bowl to witness a staggering lineup of ’80s and ’90s darkwave and alternative pioneers (New Order, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Garbage, Madness, OMD) along with many of their new-school descendants (Nation of Language, Provoker, Mareux, Chelsea Wolfe).

New Order closed out the festivities with a fantastic hit-packed set, but it was hard for anyone to top the majesty of Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds’ spellbinding performance before them. Earlier, fans had to make the tough decision whether to catch Garbage’s early-evening appearance or new wave icons Devo at the same time across the fest grounds on the Sad Girls stage, which had even singer Shirley Manson torn. “We are so gutted that we’re playing at the same time as one of our hero bands,“ she remarked from the stage. “We’re amazed that you’re here. Thank you so much.”

Somehow, FLOOD photographer Kevin Allen managed to capture images from both of their competing sets, as well as shots from thrilling performances by Stereo MC’s, OMD, Provoker, Nation of Language, Aimee Mann’s reunion with ’Til Tuesday for their first performance together in 33 years, and—not to be outdone—synthpop pioneers Blancmange’s first North American show in 39 years.

Check out a sampling of highlights (and energy domes) from the day below.