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Charli XCX, Iggy Pop, Chappell Roan, Pet Shop Boys – it’s no surprise Way Out West sold out quickly this year but organisers offered an unusual exchange.
They quite literally asked fans to give up their organs to get their hands on tickets to the festival, which takes place this weekend (August 7 to August 9) in Gothenburg.
‘This year, tickets to Way Out West sold out earlier than ever,’ organisers wrote on their website. ‘With no tickets left, the FOMO kicks in hard.
‘People start saying they’d give up just about anything to get one. One phrase you often hear when tickets are gone? “I’d give a kidney for a ticket.”‘
This joke became reality as fans entered a raffle for a three-day pass – dubbed ‘The Kidney Pass’ – for signing up to the Swedish National Donation Registry.
Way Out West’s Head of Marketing, Filip Hiltmann, confirmed to Metro that over 2,000 people signed up in the few days the competition was open.
‘The Swedish daily average is around 158,’ he added. ‘It’s very popular! The feedback has been amazing from just about everyone.
‘A lot of people have been saying that they’ve always wanted to become an organ donor but never got around to it for certain reasons. This campaign gave them the urgency to join!’
As the website explained, by signing up for the National Organ Donation Registry, operated by Socialstyrelsen, ‘you’re positive to the idea of your organs being used for donation in the event of your death.’
Speaking about this campaign, Filip added: ‘During our festival weekend, Way Out West becomes one of Sweden’s 20 largest cities when counting attendees.
‘This is a unique opportunity to try things that are not possible in a real city. The campaign is proof that a small nudge can lead to big results, and hopefully it can inspire others to do similar initiatives.’
Ahead of the festival opening this weekend, 40 winners will be selected at random from the eager donors.
They won’t have to hand over their kidney just yet, but will get their very own ‘Kidney Pass’ wristband entitling them to three days at Way Out West.
While this is the first of its kind organ donation push, Germany’s Wacken Open Air music festival encouraged fans to ‘pay with your blood’.
The metal festival allowed fans to donate blood at participating locations in exchange for the chance to win tickets to Heaven Shall Burn’s 2026 German tour.
Way Out West kicks off on Thursday, August 7 with Queens of the Stone Age, Iggy Pop, Fontaines D.C. and Kneecap on the lineup.
Friday sees Charli XCX headline with CMAT, Wet Leg, Little Simz and The Dare also performing.
Saturday wraps with Chappell Roan taking the stage after Pet Shop Boys, Lola Young, Confidence Man and PinkPantheress.
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