Recounting our trip to the inaugural Sick New World festival in Las Vegas on May 13, 2023, was an adventure in itself. Fueled by our love for bands like Chevelle, we joined thousands for this massive music event. Navigating the vibrant, yet challenging landscape of a desert music festival required planning and perseverance. This sick new world vegas review dives into the highs and lows, offering insights for anyone considering future editions of this unique gathering. Get ready for a breakdown of the experience, from scorching heat to unforgettable performances.
Huge crowd gathered for the Sick New World Vegas music festival
Experiencing Sick New World Vegas: The Environment
Attending a music festival in Las Vegas presents unique challenges, primarily due to its desert location. The heat was undoubtedly the most discussed aspect of Sick New World 2023. While I personally appreciate sunny, blue skies, prolonged exposure was difficult. This necessitated frequent trips to designated cooling areas, impacting the ability to see every desired band. As the sun set, however, the weather became truly pleasant, offering a much-needed reprieve.
Navigating the festival grounds felt like being part of an enormous, moving entity. Estimates suggested up to 80,000 attendees, and it certainly felt like it. This massive turnout directly translated into long lines for almost everything – from food vendors to water stations. While the free water stations were a crucial positive, the queues could become significant, especially later in the day. Waiting for treats like shaved ice felt eternal under the intense sun, highlighting the need for patience.
The Costs and Value at Sick New World Vegas
Beyond the initial expense of tickets, flights, and accommodation, the costs inside the Sick New World Vegas festival grounds were substantial. Festival pricing is notoriously high, but Las Vegas seemed to elevate it further. A simple lunch of three small tacos cost nearly $20. Shaved ices were $8 each, and bottled water, even the trendier “Liquid Death,” was $5-$20 depending on if you bought it from a vendor or a thirsty person.
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While expensive, the availability of food and drink vendors offering a variety of options, including vegan choices, was a plus. The sheer cost, however, was a constant reminder that festival conveniences come at a premium price. The relief of finally getting cold water after hours in the heat sometimes made the high price feel momentarily justified, a testament to the necessity of staying hydrated in the desert climate.
Water that looked like beer made us almost cool.
Sound Issues and Timing: The Music Experience
For a music festival, the quality of the sound is paramount. Unfortunately, Sick New World Vegas had inconsistent sound experiences in 2023. The sound for bands like Papa Roach was good, but frustratingly, the sound for Chevelle, a primary reason for our attendance, was subpar from our location. Whether due to wind, stage setup, or our position, it was a letdown, though it didn’t completely diminish the enjoyment of seeing them live.
Reports also emerged of significant technical difficulties affecting other bands. Sevendust reportedly had their set cut drastically short due to power loss, and Ice T’s band also faced sound problems. The tightly packed schedule, with many bands getting only 30 minutes, left little room for resolving these issues. This timing constraint was a major point of complaint for many, as it meant shorter sets for beloved bands and lost opportunities when technical problems arose.
Crowd Dynamics and Safety Concerns
The immense crowd at Sick New World Vegas raised genuine safety concerns for some attendees. At one point, attempting to get closer to the main stage for Papa Roach, the density of people was overwhelming. The inability to move freely, even far from the front, highlighted the potential risks in such packed environments. The comparison to tragic events like Astroworld felt uncomfortably real in those moments of intense crowding.
Prioritizing safety, we opted to stay further back for the most densely packed stages. For Chevelle, we arrived early to secure a decent spot off to the side, allowing for a quicker exit if needed. While there were reports of individuals needing medical attention due to heat and dehydration, the overall feeling was that safety personnel and medical staff were present and helpful, which was a positive note amidst the crowd concerns. The medical tent personnel were noted as being particularly kind and efficient.
Highlights and Lowlights: Bands at Sick New World Vegas
The lineup at Sick New World was a major draw, featuring many bands that have been favorites for decades. Seeing multiple beloved artists in one place was a dream come true. However, the scheduling conflicts inherent in a one-day, multi-stage festival meant missing some acts we were eager to see, such as Sevendust, Stabbing Westward, and Body Count, whose set times clashed with Chevelle’s.
Our personal highlights included powerful performances from Papa Roach, Korn, and, of course, Chevelle. Yet, the standout act that ultimately defined the experience was System of a Down. Having seen them years ago in a less inspiring performance, their set at Sick New World was phenomenal. Playing for nearly two hours, they were energetic, tight, and the sound was excellent. This performance was particularly impactful as it was my son’s first concert, and System of a Down left a lasting impression on him.
Was Sick New World Vegas Worth It?
Initially, the challenges – the heat, the crowds, the costs, and the sound issues – led me to question if the festival format was still for me, especially compared to seated shows of the past. However, the overall experience, capped by System of a Down’s incredible set, fundamentally shifted my perspective. While I might not undertake the significant travel effort every year, the inaugural Sick New World Vegas delivered enough memorable moments and outstanding performances to make it a worthwhile experience. The confirmation that we are returning for Sick New World 2024 with VIP tickets underscores this sentiment – the positives, particularly the music itself, outweighed the negatives.
A view of the Las Vegas strip from a hotel room near the festival.
Chevelle’s set, though short at only six songs (plus “Sleep the Deep”), was still a highlight, even if we wished for more. For fans of the bands featured, Sick New World Vegas offered a unique opportunity to see a stacked lineup. It was a fantastic trip overall, filled with the energy of live music and the unique backdrop of Las Vegas.
Chevelle’s Sick New World Set List
For those curious, Chevelle’s performance included six songs from their extensive catalog, plus “Sleep the Deep.” Given their discography, fans are always left wanting more, and this felt especially true with the compressed festival set times.
Did You Attend Sick New World 2023?
We’d love to hear about your experience at Sick New World Vegas. What were your favorite moments? Did you face similar challenges with the heat or crowds? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
P.S. Connecting with Bands
In a fun side note related to the bands at Sick New World, I tested out Chevelle’s AI chatbot. Trying to check into the concert via the bot in Las Vegas resulted in a rather amusing, dismissive response – it even called me “bruh”! It’s a unique way bands are connecting with fans, adding another layer to the concert experience. I plan to try it again at a future show.
Screenshot of a conversation with the Chevelle Mia AI chatbot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sick New World Vegas
Q: When and where is the Sick New World festival held?
A: Sick New World is a music festival held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The specific dates vary year to year, but the 2023 festival took place on May 13.
Q: What kind of music is featured at Sick New World Vegas?
A: The festival primarily features bands from the nu-metal, alternative metal, industrial, and alternative rock genres, often showcasing popular bands from the late 90s and early 2000s.
Q: Was the heat a major issue at Sick New World 2023?
A: Yes, the heat was a significant challenge at the 2023 festival held in Las Vegas in May. Attendees needed to stay hydrated and seek shade frequently.
Q: Were there free water options available?
A: Yes, the festival provided free water refilling stations throughout the grounds, which were essential for managing the heat.
Q: How crowded was Sick New World Vegas?
A: The festival was heavily attended, with estimates suggesting up to 80,000 people. This led to significant crowds and long lines for various services and stages.