Good Things has been hit with a huge last-minute lineup shake-up, with The All-American Rejects and Knocked Loose both forced to cancel their Aussie appearances just three days before kickoff due to family emergencies.
The news broke late Tuesday night, with festival organisers and both bands releasing heartfelt statements explaining the painful decision.
“Our thoughts are with the band and their families during this time.”
The All-American Rejects:
“We’re heartbroken to share that due to a sudden family loss, we won’t be able to make it to Australia as planned… Family has to come first.”
It would’ve been the band’s first Australian visit in 16 years, making the cancellation especially gutting for longtime fans. But thankfully, the vast majority are also functioning human beings who’ve responded with compassion and empathy.
Knocked Loose:
“Anyone familiar with this band knows we do not take cancelling shows lightly; but family will always come first… We are already planning our return.”
The Kentucky heavyweights were set to play the festival and their own headline shows around it, all of which are now off the table.
Good Things Responds: “We Rally Together”
Meanwhile, in a lengthy, emotional statement, organisers Destroy All Lines described the moment as “devastating,” adding:
“Life can be unpredictable… The All-American Rejects and Knocked Loose will no longer be able to perform. Our thoughts are with the band and their families during this time.”
But they also emphasised that the show will go on, urging fans to show up for each other and the wider community the festival has fostered.
Stand Atlantic & Alpha Wolf Step Up
Moving quickly to fill the sudden gaps, Good Things has added two beloved Australian acts to the 2025 bill:
- Stand Atlantic will take over The All-American Rejects’ slot
- Alpha Wolf will step in for Knocked Loose, hitting the Main Stage at 3:30pm in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane
Both bands have responded with equal parts gratitude and nerves:
Stand Atlantic:
“We are honoured, nervous, and ready to show up and do what we do best.”
Alpha Wolf:
“We’re sending all our love… We’re going to try our best to fill their shoes on super short notice.”
Good Things Still Promises a Big Weekend Ahead
Despite the unexpected hurdles, organisers are urging fans to come together and celebrate the music, community and chaos the festival is known for:
“While life can throw unexpected hurdles our way, the show will go on — and this weekend, we’ll come together as one community to create a great experience.”
It comes on the heels of a rough day for heavy music events in Australia, with Parkway Drive forced to cancel their inaugural regionally roaming 2026 Park Waves festival.
Meanwhile, Good Things kicks off this weekend across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane – now with a slightly different lineup, but no less heart.
Peep the updated lineup down below.
Good Things 2025 Lineup
- Stand Atlantic
- Alpha Wolf
- Maple’s Pet Dinosaur
- Mudrat (MELB Only)
- SOULSLEEP (MELB Only)
- Closure (SYD Only)
- T-Rex Autopsy (SYD ONLY)
- Headwreck (BRIS Only)
- BOOF HEADS (BRIS Only)
Joining…
- TOOL
- Weezer
- Garbage
- All Time Low
- Machine Head
- The All-American Rejects
- Knocked Loose
- Lorna Shore
- Refused
- New Found Glory
- Make Them Suffer
- Dayseeker
- James Reyne
- Kublai Khan TX
- Cobra Starship
- Goldfinger
- Tonight Alive
- Bad Nerves
- Civic
- Dead Poet Society
- Fever 333
- Gwar
- High Vis
- Inertia
- Palaye Royale
- Scene Queen
- South Arcade
- Wargasm
- Windwaker
- Yours Truly
Good Things 2025: Dates And Venues
- Friday, December 5th – Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne VIC
- Saturday, December 6th – Sydney Showground, Sydney NSW
- Sunday, December 7th – RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane QLD
Tickets on sale now at www.goodthingsfestival.com.au
Further Reading
Good Things 2025 Sideshows: All Time Low, Dayseeker + More
Good Things 2025 Lineup: TOOL, Weezer, Garbage + MORE
Knocked Loose Respond After TV Viewers Hate On Their Performance On Kimmel
