All-American Rejects, Knocked Loose Cancel Australian Tours Due to ‘Family Emergencies’
On the eve of Australia’s highly anticipated 2025 Good Things Festival, rock band All-American Rejects and metalcore group Knocked Loose have announced their withdrawal from the event due to unforeseen family emergencies. In a heartfelt statement, All-American Rejects expressed their sorrow over a sudden family loss, emphasizing the importance of family during this difficult time. The band, known for their chart-topping hits from the 2000s, was set to perform at the festival and additional headline shows, marking their return to Australia after a long hiatus. Similarly, Knocked Loose shared their own message, reiterating that family comes first and expressing their disappointment in missing the festival. Both bands are already planning their return to Australia in the future, underscoring their commitment to reconnecting with fans.
To fill the gap left by these cancellations, Australian acts Stand Atlantic and Alpha Wolf will step in, ensuring that the festival maintains its exciting lineup. The Good Things Festival, which debuted in 2018, has quickly become a staple for fans of heavier music, showcasing a diverse range of artists. This year’s lineup includes renowned acts such as Tool, Weezer, and Garbage, and the festival will take place across three days, starting December 5 at Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse, followed by performances in Sydney and Brisbane. The festival organizers released a message reflecting on the unpredictability of life, emphasizing the importance of community and support during challenging times. They reassured attendees that the festival is not just about music but about creating a sense of family among fans and artists alike.
In addition to their festival appearances, All-American Rejects are preparing for the release of their upcoming album, expected in February 2026, while Knocked Loose recently achieved significant success with their album “You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To,” which topped Billboard’s Top Hard Rock Albums chart. The unfortunate withdrawals of these bands serve as a poignant reminder of the personal struggles that can arise amidst the excitement of live music events, but also highlight the resilience and solidarity of the music community as they come together to support one another.
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On the eve of Australia’s 2025
Good Things Festival
,
All-American Rejects
and
Knocked Loose
have pulled out due to respective “family emergencies.”
Sydney rock act Stand Atlantic and Melbourne-based metalcore act Alpha Wolf will step up to fill the void in the line-up.
All-American Rejects will miss the three-show festival tour and headline shows around it, following an unexpected tragedy. “We’re heartbroken to share that due to a sudden family loss, we won’t be able to make it to Australia as planned,” reads a statement from the band, shared by the producers of Good Things.
“This has been an incredibly difficult moment for us, and as much as it devastates us to miss such a great opportunity to reconnect with our Australian fans, family has to come first. We are already planning our return and cannot wait to be back as soon as possible.”
A separate message from Knocked Loose reads: “Anyone family with the band knows we do not take cancelling shows lightly; but family will always come first. We are already planning our return and cannot wait to be back as soon as possible. Love you all.”
Further details have not been disclosed.
Debuting in 2018, Good Things has emerged as Australia’s favorite heavier-edged touring fest.
This year’s lineup features Tool, Weezer, Garbage and more, and kicks off Friday, Dec. 5 at Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse, continues Saturday at Sydney Showground, and wraps up Sunday at Brisbane Showgrounds.
“Life can be unpredictable, and moments like these remind us just how important it is to come together, support one another, and cherish the experiences that connect us,” reads a message from Good Things Festival. The event, the post continues, “isn’t just about music. It’s about community. Over the years, you’ve become like family to us.”
The message adds, “We rally together in the highs and stand together through the challenges, and this moment is no different.”
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All-American Rejects recently dropped “Eggshell Tap-Dancer,” the third single off their upcoming album, expected in February 2026. The indie rockers are set to launch SXSW 2026 at the Music Festival Opening Party hosted at Stubb’s Amphitheater on March 12 in Austin, Texas.
Their career blasted off in the 2000s, reaching No. 25 on the Billboard 200 with 2003’s self-titled debut album and No. 6 with 2005’s
Move Along
, which sent the pop-punk singalong “Dirty Little Secret” to No. 4 on the
Billboard Hot 100
.
Meanwhile,
Knocked Loose
last year landed a first No. 1 on
Billboard
’s
Top Hard Rock Albums
chart, with
You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To
. On the all-format
Billboard 200
, it started at No. 23, Knocked Loose’s best, eclipsing the No. 26 peak of
A Different Shade of Blue
.
