The cancellation could affect Soundwave spin-off show Westfest, which is headlined by Refused and NOFX, and a solo headlining show by Disturbed on January 28 in Auckland.
On Facebook, Westfest said it was "waiting to hear from bands" to see if its January 30 show at Kumeu showgrounds would go ahead.
Promoters have been contacted for further comment.
The writing was on the wall for Soundwave early on Thursday when US rockers L7 confirmed they wouldn't be heading to Australia for the popular music event.
The band announced on Facebook they pulled out of the premier hard rock festival "due to circumstances beyond our control".
"Believe us when we say that we are as disappointed as you are," L7 posted on Facebook.
Other headliners included Public Enemy, Prodigy, Bullet For My Valentine and Deftones.
Despite Maddah announcing refunds would be available from point of purchase, confused and frustrated fans were getting the opposite message from ticket seller Eventopia - the same company involved in disputes over Echo Festival refunds in New Zealand.
A number of concerned Soundwave fans tweeted Maddah, who goes by the handle @iamnotshouting, to say they had been directed by Eventopia to claim refunds from the organiser.
They posted email correspondence they had received from Eventopia.
In part it read, "Customers should contact the Promoter of the Festival to directly request their ticket refund in full...".
Maddah tweeted, "is this (sic) joke?"
One irate fan, Katey Taylor made her feelings known to Eventopia:
"@eventopia by law YOU NEED TO REFUND US ITS LAW. Not @iamnotshouting or @soundwavefest".
Maddah tweeted that after 12 years organising the festival he hopes someone else picks up the pieces in time for 2017.
"I am flat broke and physically and spiritually crushed," he tweeted.
"Hopefully others will pick it up & run with it."
- AAP
