Milwaukee Metalfest originally took place between 1987 and 2004 before going defunct. Now Hatebreed vocalist Jamey Jasta has bought the rights to the festival and will bring it back in 2023.
"I am so grateful and thrilled that [Milwaukee Metalfest founder] Jack Koshick has passed the Milwaukee Metalfest torch off to me," Jasta states. "He is a visionary and we will carry on the MMF legacy for years to come. So many of us have great memories from Milwaukee Metalfest, and the time is right for it to return."
"Milwaukee Metal Fest has been a labor of love for me," added Koshick. "I started working on it when I was 29; I am now 66. I want to thank all those living and dead for making this dream come true. Most of all, I want to thank the bands, fans, and crews that made this happen. The time has come to move on. I feel Jamey Jasta and his partners will do a fine job representing the brand. Until we meet again, I love you all."
Jasta also shared a very personal reason for bringing it back – he and The Black Dahlia Murder vocalist Trevor Strnad had spoken about resurrecting the festival and curating it together. "On a recent podcast I did with the late Trevor Strnad, I fantasized about bringing the fest back and even wanted Trevor to curate it with me. In light of his death, I feel the need to see it through and relaunch the festival in 2023."
