Though there will be plenty of hard rock and metal festivals in 2017, Heavy Montreal will not be one of them. Festival organizers Evenko have revealed that the hard rock and metal music event will go on hiatus for 2017, but plans are already in progress for the 2018 edition.

“During the past eight editions of Heavy Montréal, we always focused on the quality of the experience in order to give metal and rock fans a first-rate festival,” said Nick Farkas, Vice-President, Concerts and Events at evenko. “Several factors, including the renovations at Parc Jean-Drapeau and the increase in cultural events during Montréal's 375th Anniversary, contributed to our decision. We truly believe that a hiatus in 2017 before strongly returning in 2018 will ensure the festival’s sustainability as well as offer festival goers an edition that will make them proud.”

Evenko have already locked in July 28 and 29 at Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montrea for the 2018 edition, with Heavy in the City expected to take place on July 27, 2018. The organizers are also plotting several 2017 events for the rock and metal community that will help fill a bit of the void, with announcements on the events coming soon.

One of the major events for Montreal will be Guns N' Roses coming to town for the "Not in This Lifetime" tour. The band will perform at Parc Jean-Drapeau on Aug. 19 and Heavy Montreal and Evenko members will have access to the pre-sale staring Thursday, Dec. 8 at 10AM. Tickets will officially go on sale the following day (Dec. 9) at 12N.

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