We aren’t clowning around, The Bamboozle Festival is back! The beloved emo and pop music celebration is making its return in 2023, nearly 11 years after its last event in 2012.
The show was laid to rest because of internal issues and creative differences between the founder John D’Esposito and House of Blues. However, the festival’s return comes just in time for their 30th anniversary.
“We’re back. The clowns are safe and home where they belong. 2023 can’t come soon enough.“ said D’Esposito.
Whispers of the festival’s revival began in February after the company started to creep its way back on social media. They first posted a video of a Bamboozle Festival poster on Twitter with the caption, “the calm before the storm.”
the calm before the storm. #bamboozlefestival pic.twitter.com/pkuMPssdHr
— Bamboozle Festival (@BamboozleFest) February 1, 2021
Later, other cryptic posts emerged, “🖤 Emo’s not dead🖤,” declared the page in March.
🖤Emo’s Not Dead🖤 #bamboozlefestival #2023 pic.twitter.com/YWtp6hkDsY
— Bamboozle Festival (@BamboozleFest) March 9, 2021
It wasn’t until May 4 that the official announcement came. The festival will return to its New Jersey stomping grounds between May 5th and 7th of 2023. The show originally took place in Asbury Park and the Meadowlands, but an exact venue has yet to be announced.
Performers are also a mystery at the moment, however. Bamboozle reminded us of the good ole times when bands and artists like My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Lil Wayne, and Demi Lovato hit the stage.
— Bamboozle Festival (@BamboozleFest) May 4, 2021
“To all the fans, I assure each and everyone of you that the 2023 Bamboozle will not only re-create our legacy but will move it forward for our next generation to experience,” wrote D’Esposito on Facebook.
He went on to say that over the years he’s come up with great ideas for the show from rides, wrestling, vendors, and more. It’s safe to say Bamboozle is coming back stronger than ever.
D’Esposito goal is to grow the show’s legacy and make sure it sticks around for years to come.
“I hope to pass the baton to my children and have them take over once I’m ready to step aside. This is a family business, always will be – that will never happen again,” said D’Esposito.
While ticket information is yet to be released, we do know they will hit the market before the holidays. D’Esposito announced on Facebook that there will be a holiday pre-sale and tickets will arrive to buyers in a special holiday box.
For upcoming Bamboozle news make sure to tune into Linc’s Special Guest, a podcast hosted by D’Esposito’s son Lincoln. The podcast has yet to air but is coming this spring. It has been dubbed “The Bamboozle Podcast” and will be posted on the festival’s website.
coming this spring 🌸 hosted by lincoln d’esposito & the bamboozle crew 🎙️ #bamboozlefestival #lincsspecialpodcast pic.twitter.com/x3vQP9LC5k
— Bamboozle Festival (@BamboozleFest) February 5, 2021
