This year, the country’s longest-running independent music festival returns once again to continue its mission. Its 19th instalment sees it hosting a star-studded lineup of Malaysia’s most popular rockers in a day-long event featuring electrifying and extraordinary music.
2023 also marks a “reunion” of sorts, as the festival again sees a collaboration with mobile virtual network operator Tune Talk after a five-year hiatus.
“It’s a significant occasion as both Rock The World Festival and Tune Talk have always been synonymous, with our partnership starting since the 2010s. We’re proud to join forces once again,” Tune Talk chief marketing officer Joseph Lim told FMT Lifestyle.
RWF will see about 25 local bands including OAG, Meet Uncle Hussain, Sekumpulan Orang Gila, Jemson, Dirgahayu, Naratu, Patriots, Purbawara, and As Our Throne taking the stage at KL Base in Sungai Besi.
“This year’s lineup has been dubbed the most balanced in years; we have various genres of rock from pop-rock and grunge to metal and mainstream, and much more,” Lim added.
He stressed that the festival has always served as a launchpad for homegrown music talents to connect with audiences. “Much like our previous Rock The World events, we aim to once again create an extraordinary experience that resonates deeply with both artistes and music enthusiasts alike.”
RWF 2023 is supported by MyCreative Ventures, a government investment arm under the communications and digital ministry.
Many of the bands involved in the festival told FMT Lifestyle they couldn’t wait to perform, saying audience members could expect to have a great time with their friends and loved ones.
For Darren Teh, lead singer of pop-punk band An Honest Mistake, this weekend marks their first performance at RWF since 2015.
“We’re excited – this is going to be our fourth time, and we’re way better than we have ever been. This is a perfect way to end the year by reintroducing ourselves to a younger audience,” he told FMT Lifestyle.
Coincidentally, it will also be the fourth time performing at the festival for Johor Bahru-based band Plague of Happiness, who made their debut there in 2005 before returning as a headliner 10 years later.
The band, whose music is a mix of ska, punk rock and reggae, said they were excited to put “a little rage and a bunch of dance” on the floor.
“Half of our song list will come from our new album ‘Dominion’, which we released in June. Our fans can definitely expect high energy and performances – we’ve always believed in ‘talk less, play more’!” lead singer Nas Plague enthused.
So whether your musical tastes skew towards harmonious, headbangin’, or hardcore, you’ll definitely find much to enjoy during this celebration of rock.
‘Rock The World 2023’
When:
Saturday (Dec 16), 10am-11.59pm
Where:
KL Base (formerly known as Bandar Malaysia)
Jalan Lapangan Terbang Lama,
Pengkalan Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia,
50460 Kuala Lumpur
Tickets can be purchased here. For more information, visit Tune Talk’s website.