SXSW is one of the largest music festivals in the United States with over 2,000 performers playing in over 80 venues in downtown Austin, Texas. This year SXSW is celebrating their 25th Anniversary; which kicked off on March 11, 2011. It is the biggest and most anticipated convention of all things music. This year’s line-up is already over the top; so, let’s take a look at past SXSW performances that gave everyone a surprise!
#5 – Kanye West Headlines ‘Surprise’ Show at the 2009 SXSW Festival
Rumors were spreading about Kanye’s appearance at the 2009 SXSW Festival. But no one really believed it until they saw it.
#4 – Metallica’s “Secret Show” at the 2009 SXSW Festival
Metallica was there to promote the release of their Guitar Hero game. The slot at Stubb’s was initially supposed to go to Volsum – the audience ended up with a classic 90-minute Metallica show.
#3 – Mumford and Sons at the 2009 SXSW Festival
The band performed before their debut album, Sigh No More, hit stores. Now, Mumford and Sons is gaining more and more popularity.
#2 – A Secret Concert by The Flaming Lips at the 2006 SXSW Festival
This moment was voted The Top 10 Music Festival moments of all time by Time magazine.
#1 – The Alex Chilton Tribute Concert at the 2010 SXSW Festival
Alex Chilton passed away just a few days before performing with Big Star. On March 20, 2010 SXSW made sure they had a tribute concert in his honor.