Ever since it emerged as a punky alternative to Coachella back in 2005, New Jersey's Bamboozle Festival has prided itself on its outsider status ... especially when it comes to booking bands.
While in its early years it featured the likes of My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy and Motion City Soundtrack on the big stage, in recent years, the 'Boozle has expanded its scope to include everyone from 50 Cent to "Weird" Al Yankovic (not to mention the likes of Snoop Dogg and Bret Michaels) and, at last year's fest, Wiz Khalifa and Drake.
So, when it came time to announce the lineup for the 2011 Bamboozle — set for April 29 through May 1 at the New Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey — fans were no doubt expecting an eclectic, head-scratch-inducing selection of artists. And while there's no one like "Weird" Al on the bill — unless you count the Insane Clown Posse — there is plenty of diversity.
30 Seconds to Mars, Lil Wayne, Bruno Mars, Wiz Khalifa and Taking Back Sunday have all been revealed as headliners for this year's Bamboozle, topping a three-day bill that also features the likes of Travie McCoy, the Gaslight Anthem, Big K.R.I.T., Mötley Crüe, ICP, Diggy Simmons, Das Racist, Thrice, Waka Flocka Flame and New Found Glory.
All in all, there are more than 125 bands on tap, and tickets are already on sale through Bamboozle's official site, with a three-day pass running you an (insanely cheap) $109. Single-day tickets and VIP packages are also available, though, according to organizers, prices on all passes will increase as the festival gets closer.