Tens of thousands of concertgoers were evacuated from Brookside at the Rose Bowl Saturday night due to an unexpected thunderstorm in the area.
Organizers of the “Cruel World Fest,” featuring an impressive lineup of 80s punk and new wave acts, were forced to halt the show during Iggy Pop’s performance when lightning was spotted near the venue.
“Due to severe weather, please exit the event site and move to your vehicles or protected areas outside of the event site for safety,” officials Tweeted at 9:47 p.m. “The festival has been postponed until further notice. Please evacuate the festival site immediately. Use the nearest emergency exits.”
“We are tracking a strong thunderstorm moving southwest from near Mt. Wilson to between Pasadena and Monrovia,” the National Weather Service said. “This storm may produce strong gusty winds, heavy downpours, lightning and small hail.”
Many fans refused to leave the field nearly 30 minutes after the announcement, Pasadena Now reported.
Early Sunday, organizers announced that Iggy Pop and Siouxie Sioux would perform on Sunday and that all Saturday pass holders “will be allowed access to the venue.” Doors open at 5 p.m.