WESTFEST 2015 kicks off at 2pm TOMORROW

WestFest promoter Olly Martin is 'amped' for the second WestFest at Mt Smart, in Auckland tomorrow. With his young team at ODR Productions, in the last seven years he has gone from bedroom promoter based in Palmerston North to promoting his second West Fest, the hard edged festival with some of the biggest names in Heavy Metal and pop punk. Judas Priest, Faith No More, Soundgarden, and Fall Out Boy (who were recently number 1 on the US Billboard album charts) , All Time Low and Escape The Fate will all grace the stages at Mt Smart Stadium upgraded from last years inaugural show at Vector Arena.

Having just turned the ripe old age of 23, some of the headliners are older than his own father. With many of New Zealand's biggest promoters, approaching, or already in their sixties perhaps it's time for new blood to enter their enclave.

With an expected 12000 to attend, WESTFEST looks like its going to get bigger every year. Adopting a unique formula for marketing Olly has partly shunned some more traditional media in favour of mobile billboards, cor flute signage at what seems like every intersection on the North Shore and in West Auckland, backs of busses and of course savvy social media.

Naming rights for one of the stages was even auctioned on Trade Me with all proceeds going to the Fred Hollows Foundation

Back in 1972 young Christchurch born promoter Barry Coburn at age 23 brought Led Zeppelin to Auckland, and Black Sabbath the following year. Now based in Nashville he runs a publishing company with an impressive roster of clients.

Most of the performers arrive later today after performing on the touring Soundwave festival in Australia.

The media shy Martin says " I'm stoked, West Fest is happening again for a second year. We're still on a learning curve, but I couldn't of done it without my team nor without the co-operation of the bands, and their understanding managers and agents"

WestFest 2015 is at Mt Smart tomorrow with Judas Priest, Soundgarden, Faith No More, All Time Low, Fall Out Boy and many other bands with three words in their title including Lamb Of God. Gates from 2pm.

Tickets from TICKETMASTER.

www.westfest.co.nz

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