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I attended the very first SXSW music festival in 1987 and was a regular participant until 1998, a good dozen years. It was already getting out of hand by 1997 and had peaked. At least for me and most Austin locals. It was fun and amazing the first 5 years though. I saw so many amazing bands, played a few stages, and made some great friends in bands just getting started. It was a music festival that provided a lot of opportunities.

The music side was definitely in decline by 2002 and film and then tech events were added to boost interest. It also boosted ticket prices, in the form of badges you could flash at the door. The event became too expensive for the average person or band to attend. The first few years a badge ran from $20-50 to get in anywhere. They were over $250 by 1998, but you could still pay under $10 at the door to see a hot, new band from Denmark or Japan, or Brooklyn.

At one point the festival averaged over 2000 bands, plus the unofficial shows hosted by locals for bands that couldn’t get in the main festival. By 2020 it had fallen down to barely 1000 and film, tv and tech events had taken over. The price for a get in anywhere badge was over $2000.

SXSW isn’t dead, but since the founders sold it off to an entertainment corporation several years ago it’s no longer a music festival, and will continue as primarily a film and television production.

I lived in Austin in the late 90s and, at least for myself and the scene I hung out in, SXSW always sucked and was to be avoided like the plague.

Dr Tony Balls wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 17, 2025 7:12 am

I lived in Austin in the late 90s and, at least for myself and the scene I hung out in, SXSW always sucked and was to be avoided like the plague.

It was overblown by ‘97 and going downhill. Anyone local started abandoning it by then if not the year before. I think 1996 was the last year I thought it was worth it.

There was definitely some local hate and backlash for SXSW by 1998. I think the alternative South by So What started that year? It had stopped being a festival for local and up and coming bands to a music industry event for established artists and the prices had in creased 10x.

My friends got taken to SXSW care of Sony, must have been early 00s, after signing with them. They were flown over & told to enjoy themselves & everything was on the company card.

6 months later after the label decided not to release their album they were dropped & invoiced for all expenses, including every single beer & pizza in Austin.

sal paradise wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 17, 2025 9:33 am

Classic.

Telliot wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 17, 2025 10:31 am

sal paradise wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 17, 2025 9:33 am

Classic.

Always read the small print.

Telliot wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 17, 2025 10:31 am

sal paradise wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 17, 2025 9:33 am

Classic.

We’re not hearing a single

I've been twice, 2013 and 2017 I think, had a blast both times but - paid for by UK music industry grants, and the best bit was just being in Austin really.

This year I've barely seen anyone talking about it, definitely feels done for now, and I doubt many overseas bands are going to bother trying for visas etc next year given the state of things.