South by Southwest Music news

March 2, 2005

SXSW wristbands sold out for now

Well, that was quick.

Wristbands for the South by Southwest Music Festival are temporarily sold out, SXSW officials said Wednesday.

Festival spokeswoman Elizabeth Derzco said that the increasingly popular event has, in years past, temporarily stopped selling the wristbands and resumed selling them during the festival, but confirmed this is earliest the sales hiatus has ever taken place.

A limited number of wristbands will go on sale March 16, the start of the four-day music festival, at $150 each.

— Joe Gross

Guided By Voices hoot night

Let the rumors of reunion begin. The seventh annual Guided By Voices Hoot Night, at Emo's on March 17 (as part of South By Southwest) will have something the previous six didn't: the members of GBV, who broke up last year, in attendance. Such acts as Calexico, Swearing At Motorists and Carrie Clark will do the songs of Robert Pollard, as the beer-swilling indie rock icon looks on.

Then, at 12:40 a.m. the schedule ends, leaving an hour and a half for special "surprise" guests. Hmm. Jim Pollard, Chris Slusmenko and Kevin March of GBV will also be on hand.

In other SXSW news, the pre-fest allotment of wristbands sold out Wednesday. A limited supply will go on sale for $150 each when the music fest begins March 16. Tickets can be purchased at the door for individual shows when space is available.

— Michael Corcoran