Here’s What It Will Take To Put On The Greatest Music Festival Lubbock Has Ever Seen

Organizers of a potential music festival for 2025 came out of the gates with a pretty big promise.

The Plan

The promise is for, "The Greatest Music Festival Lubbock Has Ever Seen". Alright, I'll buy in! Let me first say that the promoters involved certainly involved have the ability to make it happen (cash + industry contacts). So now that we agree it can be done, let's look at some of the things that need to happen.

The Purpose

First off, part of the intent of this thing is to promote Lubbock musicians. A number of stalwart Lubbock musicians were on hand for the announcement, but where was the rock, metal, red dirt, and/or Tejano representation? I think that diversity may be the thing that could add a little spark to this event. In short, if it's a celebration of "Lubbock Music" then inclusion is important.

Create Some Demand

The goal seems to book some national talent and have local talent support them. This is going to be a hard ask for some of the locals. The local folks booked for this festival need to do the festival a favor and not play any other gigs right before or right after this festival to increase demand. After all, why would I buy an expensive ticket to see you if you're free at happy hour? I'm sorry to all of the venues out there, but these guys have to step off of a few small stages if they want to step up onto a big one.

The Bar Is Set

If you're going to have "The Greatest Music Festival Lubbock Has Ever Seen", then you better be better than the Tornado Jam with Joe Ely/The Maines Brothers/Joan Jett/Linda Ronstadt. You have to be better than the FMX Firecracker Five with Linkin Park/Disturbed/Papa Roach/Slipknot/Mudvayne. You have to be better than the talent-packed JABfest shows. How about beating the Budfest that featured The Crickets, Del Shannon, Carl Perkins, and Bo Diddley? Oh, let's not forget that Willie Nelson/John Mellencamp/Bob Dylan thing (done by the same promoters). Heck, show me something just bigger than Metallica/Godsmack and I'll be impressed, but you still would have to do more to be "The Greatest".

Good Luck

Again, I'm not pessimistic about this at all. Many of the above festivals I mentioned were put together with less resources than the people behind the Lubbock Music Festival have. It all comes down to curation, and a few lucky breaks. Here's to hoping they get it right the first time.