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‘Worst lineup ever:’ What readers think about Boston Calling 2025
“Festival gets worse every year. It’s like they hate us.”
Tickets are now available for Boston Calling 2025, but some readers are questioning if it’s even worth going this year.
The headliners are less cohesive than years past, featuring country stars like Luke Combs and Megan Maroney, alongside alt-rock artists Fall Out Boy and Avril Lavigne, and then there’s Dave Matthews Band and Vampire Weekend.
The supporting performances also span genre and decade, with performances from TLC, Sublime, Sheryl Crow, The Black Crowes, and Remi Wolf.
There is definitely something for everyone at this year’s festival, but the lineup may end up pleasing no one in its attempt to satisfy everyone. At least that’s what Boston.com readers think.
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When we asked readers to tell us their thoughts on the lineup, the consensus was clear: They’re not feeling particularly called to this year’s festival.
Do you plan to go to Boston Calling 2025?
I'm planning to go!
17%
I'm not sure yet.
10%
I'm definitely not going.
73%
Of the nearly 100 responses, 73% said they are “definitely not going” to attend the festival.
According to Boston.com reader Bill from Shrewsbury, the lineup is “too unfocused and random. A hodgepodge of genres. Not appealing.”
Another reader echoed the jack-of-all-trades sentiment.
“Trying to please too many people too much of the time,” Amanda from Stoneham said.
“I mean, just so bland. By trying to appeal to many, it appeals to just a few. Totally vanilla and safe. Boring. Not for me I guess,” said Derek from Pawtucket.
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Other readers were more blunt in their dissent, writing “hard pass” and “trash.”
But not all the responses were a complete rejection of the festival. In fact, 28 readers shared that they were either planning to go, or on the fence about attending.
“This year’s lineup is their best one by far! These are all bands that play real music,” said Josh from Westwood.
Other readers agreed that this lineup feels fresh in comparison to previous years.
Mark from Fall River said, “Just the Black Crowes alone is enough for me to go. Real rock n’ roll is rare in 2024, so any chance to see these guys perform their southern rock is enough for me.”
The responders who remain inconclusive in their decision to attend seem to share the statement that this is not a lineup for 2025.
“Headliners would have been great in Boston Calling 1998,” said one reader.
Kate from Jamaica Plain said, “The overall lineups aren’t what they used to be. Luke Combs, Fall Out Boy and DMB would all be on the same day in a good, current festival. It’s not 2002.”
Kate might be onto something. It’s hard to attend the full 3-day festival for less than $400, and ticket prices rise to a few thousand. Readers aren’t sure if this lineup is really worth the splurge.
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Elizabeth from Littleton said, “It is too expensive for just one or two bands that I find interesting.”
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
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