Sold-out festival prompts 2,000 fans to ‘sell a kidney’ in their quest for tickets.
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Charli XCX, Iggy Pop, Chappell Roan, Pet Shop Boys – it’s heartwarming to see the enthusiasm surrounding Way Out West, which quickly sold out this year. The organizers took a creative approach by inviting fans to engage in a unique opportunity.
This year, they playfully prompted fans to consider giving up their organs to secure tickets for the festival, happening this weekend (August 7 to August 9) in Gothenburg. As noted on their platform, ‘This year, tickets to Way Out West sold out earlier than ever. With all tickets gone, feelings of FOMO can be intense. People often say they’d give anything for a ticket.’
This lighthearted expression prompted reality as fans participated in a raffle for a three-day pass – affectionately named ‘The Kidney Pass’ – by signing up for the Swedish National Donation Registry. Way Out West’s Head of Marketing, Filip Hiltmann, shared with Metro that over 2,000 individuals signed up during the brief competition window.
The initiative indeed took an uncommon approach (Picture: TIM KRISTENSSON)
Winners selected would receive ‘The Kidney Pass,’ having committed to potentially donating their kidney (Picture: Way Out West). ‘The Swedish daily average is around 158,’ he remarked. ‘It’s received positively! The overall feedback has been uplifting from nearly everyone.
Many expressed that they’ve always wanted to register as organ donors but had yet to do so for various reasons. This campaign provided the encouragement they needed to take action!’ The website elaborated that by enrolling in the National Organ Donation Registry, managed by Socialstyrelsen, individuals express their openness to organ donation in the event of their passing.
Speaking about this inspiring initiative, Filip noted: ‘During our festival weekend, Way Out West transforms into one of Sweden’s 20 largest cities when considering attendees.
This presents a unique opportunity to explore possibilities not typically available in everyday life. The campaign demonstrates that a small nudge can lead to significant outcomes, and we hope it encourages others to embark on similar journeys.’
As the festival approaches this weekend, 40 winners will be randomly selected from the eager donors. They won’t need to make any sacrifices just yet, but will receive their very own ‘Kidney Pass’ wristband, granting them access to three days at Way Out West.
While this marks a first-of-its-kind organ donation initiative, Germany’s Wacken Open Air music festival previously invited fans to ‘pay with your blood.’
Over 40 fortunate attendees will enjoy a complimentary three-day ticket for their generous offers in organ donation (Picture: Way Out West/Joel Eliasson).
Way Out West begins on Thursday, August 7, featuring an incredible lineup including Queens of the Stone Age, Iggy Pop, Fontaines D.C., and Kneecap. The excitement continues on Friday with Charli XCX headlining alongside CMAT, Wet Leg, Little Simz, and The Dare. Saturday will conclude with Chappell Roan taking the stage after performances by Pet Shop Boys, Lola Young, Confidence Man, and PinkPantheress.
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