If you decided to “take it slow” to secure your chance to see acts like our own Amelia Murray, a.k.a. Fazerdaze, right in UoA’s backyard, you might feel a “little uneasy.”
Tāmaki Makaurau’s Laneway Festival ’23 sold out in the record time of three hours, with all 13,000 tickets sold during pre-sale and general release.
Compared to when people were desperate to sell their tickets in 2020 after headliner Rüfüs Du Sol pulled out at the last minute, Aucklanders were much keener this time around to pay $159.90 or more to smoke weed in Albert Park.
The touring music concert is returning on Auckland Anniversary Day, 30 January, after a three-year hiatus due to Covid-19 restrictions and border closures.
“We’re so happy that Laneway hasn’t been forgotten by Aotearoa music fans during our time away,” said the festival’s Executive Producer Julian Carswell, following what they described as an unprecedented demand. “Absence really does make the heart grow fonder.”
This year’s festival will be headlined by international acts Haim, Joji, and Phoebe Bridgers, with a supporting line-up of local artists, including Chaos in CBD and The Beths.
First-year student Liam Hansen was one of the lucky people to get their hands on a ticket to what is looking to be the music event of the summer.
“It’s my first year being able to go to Laneway. I figured tickets would go almost immediately due to the two and a half years of hype. I’m very excited for Phoebe Bridgers, Yard Act, and Slowthai, alongside great local acts like Dartz and Fazerdaze.”
Tuva’a Clifton, told Craccum he made sure to get tickets immediately when general release opened, after hearing they sold 8000 in the pre-sale.
“I’ve never been to Laneway before. I bought tickets because everyone else was.”
Biology, Psychology, and Politics student Stella Huggins said she got tickets quickly to see Phoebe Brigers and Fred Again.
“I love to be a sad girl with Phoebe and a party girl with Fred Again.”
Those who missed out on tickets can join the Ticketek waitlist to hear about re-sale opportunities and additional ticket releases. Or you could just do some high jump practice—to get the stamina to dance the day away after paying for a ticket, obviously.