Cruel World Festival 2023 Through a Polaroid Lens
In the heart of sunny Pasadena, California, on May 20th, 2023, music enthusiasts gathered under the clear skies, eagerly anticipating a sonic journey through time. The Cruel World Music Festival had returned to the iconic Rose Bowl, promising a nostalgic trip into the world of new wave, post-punk, and gothic rock. 2023’s lineup was nothing short of legendary. Photographer Wil Foster of RockCandy Photo, frequent Auxiliary contributor, captured this essence of new wave revival with his Polaroid camera and shared his experience attending the festival.
Gary Numan at Cruel World Festival 2023 photographed by Wil Foster of RockCandy
A first-hand account of Cruel World Festival
As a photographer with an obsession for capturing raw emotions and the essence of live performances, I knew I couldn’t miss this event. This would be the second year, I was able to witness this, and felt even more pressure to capture it in a more organic way. I knew the risk of simplifying my set up, everything could go wrong. But at heart I am a punk and gave all commonsense the middle finger and headed into one of the biggest festivals of the year with only a polaroid camera, 10 packs of film, and a small point and shoot film camera. Probably one of the stupidest things I have done as a professional photographer. I wanted it to be real, out there for all the mistakes to be seen. I wanted to capture the people and the bands as they were, hot, blurry, and imperfect… but also beautiful!
In the photo pit at Cruel World Festival 2023
A Polaroid by Wil Foster
The festival’s eclectic lineup featured a blend of established legends and emerging talents, capturing the true spirit of the new wave, goth era. The stage was set, and the atmosphere was electric as the first notes filled the air. The festival grounds were buzzing with energy from the early hours. Music fans of all ages donned their best 80s-inspired attire, paying homage to the era that defined the new wave and goth movement. Neon-colored clothing, wild hairstyles, and vintage band T-shirts were in abundance. Not forgetting the sea of black leather and studded jean jackets another successful Black Celebration.
Attendees at Cruel World 2023
A Polaroid by Wil Foster
I couldn’t help but reflect on the power of music to transcend time. Cruel World 2023 had been a journey through the past, yet it felt more alive and relevant than ever. It had transported us back to an era of new wave magic, and I was grateful to have witnessed it. A timeless memento of a night filled with music, memories, and a powerful sense of belonging. It was a wild adventure. As I spread out all the images that I had shoved into my pockets and camera bag throughout the day, I hope I pulled it off, and what I captured was worth the risk.
Photographs and Polaroids from Cruel World Festival
“...with only a polaroid camera, 10 packs of film, and a small point and shoot film camera.”
Capturing the performers and the attendees
“Music fans of all ages donned their best 80s-inspired attire, paying homage to the era.”
Look at Cruel World 2023
Polaroid by Wil Foster
“I couldn’t help but reflect on the power of music to transcend time.”
Cruel World Festival 2024 will be May 11th in Pasadena, California. Visit cruelworldfest.com for details.
by Wil Foster
Wil Foster is a frequent contributor to Auxiliary, a photographer at Rock Candy Photo living and working between Indianapolis and LA, and a self-described “post-punk boy”. FOLLOW
This article was originally published in the Fall 2023 Issue of Auxiliary Magazine
For further reading… get the latest issue of Auxiliary and read more online articles about goth subculture.