One of the country’s biggest summer music festivals is taking a break next year.
Organizers of Heavy Montreal announced on Wednesday there will be no 2017 edition of the two-day celebration of head-banging rock.
"We always focused on the quality of the experience in order to give metal and rock fans a first-rate festival," said Nick Farkas of evenko, in a statement.
"Several factors, including the renovations at Parc Jean-Drapeau and the increase in cultural events during Montreal's 375th Anniversary, contributed to our decision.”
The festival began in 2008 with headliners Iron Maiden and Mötley Crüe and has grown into a destination for the world’s top hard rock acts — including Metallica, Megadeth, KISS, Motörhead, Marilyn Manson and Alice Cooper.
Last year’s edition included acts like Five Finger Death Punch and Disturbed.
"We truly believe that a hiatus in 2017 before strongly returning in 2018 will ensure the festival's sustainability as well as offer festivalgoers an edition that will make them proud,” Farkas added.
evenko promises Heavy Montreal will be back on July 28 and 29, 2018.
Rock fans can still get their fix this summer at Amnesia Rockfest, which returns June 22 and 25 to Montebello, Quebec. Promoters have already announced Offspring will be part of the line-up.
Guns N' Roses are also scheduled to play the Heavy Montreal site on Aug. 19.