Isn’t it ironic that the last act to grace the main stage on Saturday at Harvest Rock 2025, before a thunderstorm temporarily halted the festival, was an Australian band aptly named Cloud Control? The weather was the one element beyond the organizers’ control, momentarily overshadowing the immense effort it took to revive the festival, now in its third year, from a brief hiatus.
As Cloud Control neared the end of their set on the Harvest Stage, the rain began to fall. Festival-goers quickly donned ponchos and zipped up raincoats. Many made their way to the smaller Vines Stage, hoping to catch Bag Raiders perform their hit ‘Shooting Stars’, but it was not meant to be. Instead, screens on stage flashed warnings, advising attendees that the power would be switched off due to adverse weather conditions. A notification from the Harvest Rock app urged festival-goers to either shelter in place or leave the site until the storm passed.
Weather Woes and Economic Windfalls
The storm forced many to leave the festival grounds, and the closure of bars and food trucks added to the exodus. Fortunately, I live just two minutes from the festival site, so I sought refuge with friends. Others flocked to the East End, creating a lively atmosphere despite the weather. The Exeter was so full that people were turned away, while patrons at the Howling Owl demanded staff play The Strokes. The newly renovated Belgian Beer Café, now Laneway Social, experienced its first truly busy afternoon. The economic ripple effects from Harvest Rock are expected to triple this year.
Despite the interruption, the organizers’ communication during the pause was commendable, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of attendees. Without the option to leave, thousands of wet and disgruntled festival-goers would have been a challenge to manage. Pausing the show was the right decision from a safety standpoint, and ultimately, everyone still got to see The Strokes.
Musical Highlights and Unexpected Performances
Before the storm, The Presets delivered a masterclass performance on the Vine Stage, transforming the grass into a mud bowl. Their energetic set reminded the audience why they are considered one of Australia’s greatest electronic acts. M.I.A. continued the momentum, drawing a massive crowd for her first live show since Julian Assange’s release. Despite her reputation for controversial social media posts, she kept her onstage commentary focused on the music.
The Strokes, however, were the main attraction for most attendees. Backed by an impressive lighting setup, the New York rockers delivered a powerful performance, spanning their two-decade-long discography. Although the sound was somewhat low, and frontman Julian Casablancas appeared visibly intoxicated, his eccentric banter only added to his rockstar persona. Maintaining such a level of coolness over the years is no small feat.
Day Two: A Shift in Atmosphere
Sunday began with sunnier skies, but dreary weather eventually caught many off guard. The atmosphere shifted from Saturday’s New York cool to a more country-rock vibe, with cowboy hats and Post Malone merchandise replacing the black sunglasses and The Strokes tees. Headliner Jelly Roll attracted a younger crowd, with artists like Ruel and Royel Otis appealing to Gen Z attendees.
The programming across the two stages reflected this change: the Harvest Stage catered to country fans, while the Vine Stage hosted the real party. Local favorites TOWNS and Coldwave kicked off the day, but Sneaky Sound System truly energized the crowd. Their hits set the stage for a Groove Armada DJ set, which unfortunately fell flat with its mid-tempo house music.
PNAU, in contrast, delivered a high-energy performance, with the rain returning just as their mega-hit ‘Embrace’ played. The surprise highlight of the day was Ministry of Sound Classical, featuring Groove Terminator and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. They transformed classic EDM tracks into exquisite orchestral renditions, bringing new life to old favorites like Avicii’s ‘Levels’ and Darude’s ‘Sandstorm’.
Concluding on a High Note
Jelly Roll closed the festival with a performance full of humility and appreciation for the crowd, a refreshing change from Casablancas’ earlier antics. His renditions of Keith Urban’s ‘Somebody Like You’ and The Angel’s ‘Am I Ever Gonna See You Face Again’ were met with enthusiasm. A surprise appearance by Teddy Swims added to the excitement, as he joined the stage for an unexpected cameo.
Despite the brief deluge, Harvest Rock 2025 was a resounding success. The festival maintained a safe and welcoming atmosphere, even during a thunderstorm. As Jelly Roll aptly put it, “Heaven feels like Adelaide in the early Spring.” This year’s event proved once again that Harvest Rock is a celebration of music, community, and resilience.
