Over the weekend, Sleeping With Sirens shared the unfortunate news that they’ll no longer be performing at When We Were Young Fest in Las Vegas on October 18 and 19. Frontman Kellin Quinn announced he would be stepping away to support his wife, Katelynne, as she undergoes surgery, wanting to be home during her recovery. He wrote, “My place is at home until we can solve this and she is recovered. I love you all very much and thank you for understanding.”
In addition, Never Shout Never recently confirmed that he won’t be returning to the stage after all—leaving two open slots in this year’s stacked lineup.
Rumors are already swirling. Chiodos frontman Craig Owens hinted on stage that his band will be performing at an unannounced Las Vegas date, fueling speculation that they’ll step into one of the gaps. But until it’s official, here are six artists who could easily take their place on the WWWY bill.
The Paradox
After debuting at WWWY in 2024 with a set of covers that went viral, The Paradox has exploded in the alt world. Their September debut EP NSFW includes a Travis Barker feature, tying them directly to blink-182’s headlining sets during the festival weekend. Already garnering steady radio airplay and major recognition, The Paradox will be in Las Vegas for the WWWY Pool Party & Emo Casino on Friday, October 17, as well as an Emo Nite Brooklyn slot later that night. Sliding them onto the fest lineup would be seamless.
Hawthorne Heights
Few bands embody the emo legacy like Hawthorne Heights. They’ve been regulars at When We Were Young over the years and will headline the Pool Party & Emo Casino on October 17. Known for their catalog of anthems and consistency on stage, Hawthorne Heights would be an easy—and fan-pleasing—addition to the official WWWY weekend.
Happy.
This one’s more rumor than reality—but wouldn’t it be wild? Tate Logan, the idobi Radio social media manager, will already be in Las Vegas activating with idobi. If his band Happy. decided to reunite for a surprise WWWY debut, it’d be a full-circle emo moment fans wouldn’t stop buzzing about. Consider the seed planted. Don’t hate me, Tate!
Pierce The Veil
Heading into the fourth annual WWWY, it’s surprising not to see Pierce The Veil already on this year’s roster. Longtime friends of Sleeping With Sirens, the San Diego powerhouse has been touring relentlessly in 2025 and could easily swoop in for a last-minute addition. Their chemistry with the lineup—and their proven draw at the festival—make them a perfect fit to fill the empty slot.
mgk
There’s no denying mgk’s impact on the modern alt scene. With blink-182 and Avril Lavigne already set to perform—two of his close collaborators and friends—this would be an easy bridge. Add in the fact that he played Warped Tour DC, has ties to this community, and dropped lost americana earlier this year, and you’ve got a high-profile replacement that guarantees fans and headlines.
Honey Revenge
If WWWY wants to push forward as well as lean into nostalgia, Honey Revenge should be a no-brainer. After dominating the idobi Summer School Tour in 2024, huge sets at Warped Tour and Riot Fest this summer, and an opening slot for Spiritbox earlier this year, the duo is on a meteoric rise. With new music already controlling the airwaves, they represent the diverse, modern alternative landscape that WWWY needs to showcase.
