2024 Sick New World Festival Rocked by System of a Down, Slipknot, and A Perfect Circle: Photos + Video
The post 2024 Sick New World Festival Rocked by System of a Down, Slipknot, and A Perfect Circle: Photos + Video appeared first on Consequence.
After a very successful debut in 2023, the one-day Sick New World festival returned to Las Vegas for its second edition on Saturday (April 27th), with an even bigger lineup that required a fifth stage. With perfect weather and an eclectic selection of bands including System of a Down, Slipknot, A Perfect Circle, Danny Elfman, Primus, Lamb of God, BABYMETAL, and Bring Me the Horizon, among others, there was most certainly something for everyone.
Each stage of the festival once again had a loose “theme,” with the new Diablo Stage being the place to be for the hardcore kids. Spy, Sunami, Drain, and Trash Talk all put on intense sets that saw countless bodies coming over the barricade. One of the most anticipated sets came from the Drop Nineteens, and the band most certainly did not disappoint, playing a fuzzing, yet heavy shoegaze inspired set.
The Siren Stage was where you could find mostly industrial/electro bands, including Combichrist, VNV Nation, Nitzer Ebb, Front Line Assembly, and Front 242, who have just embarked on their final farewell tour. Front 242 absolutely were one of the high points of the day, closing their set with the classic “Headhunter” (No. 2 on our list of the 50 Best Industrial Songs of All Time). Hardcore heroes Knocked Loose also played the Siren Stage, and were joined by Poppy for the live debut of their recent collaboration “Suffocate.”
The Spiral Stage featured a mix of both ’90s and newer bands, headlined by young sensations Sleep Token. Static-X and Powerman 5000 both had a huge crowd, while former Murderdolls frontman Wednesday 13 dedicated his set to the late Joey Jordison. Jinjer had the largest crowd on that stage, with their fans who had been up against the barricade all day singing along to every word.
Highlights from the Red Stage included Primus, who, as per frontman Les Claypool, had to go buy new instruments earlier in the day due to their gear being lost somewhere between Las Vegas and Colorado the night before. Claypool also announced that the temporary instruments would be auctioned off after the show, with all proceeds going to charity. BABYMETAL put on their usual high energy set as they played in direct sunlight, while Maynard Keenan of A Perfect Circle genuinely seemed to be enjoying himself as he and the band ran through a 10-song setlist that included the hit “Judith” and the Billy Howerdel solo tune “Stars,” featuring a guest appearance from Rizz of VOWWS.
One of the most unique performances on the Red Stage came from former Oingo Boingo vocalist and acclaimed movie soundtrack composer Danny Elfman, who delivered a career-spanning setlist with accompaniment from both an orchestra and a choir. From Oingo Boingo’s “Dead Man’s Party” to theme song to “The Simpsons,” he played it all.
Slipknot then graced the Red Stage wearing their throwback 1999 red jumpsuits and masks in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the self-titled album. The band played four songs off that LP, including “Surfacing” and “Spit It Out,” as well as other favorites like “People = Shit,” “Psychosocial,” and “Duality.” It was the band’s second show featuring their presumed new drummer, Eloy Casagrande.
Over on the Gold Stage, Lamb of God brought the heavy. The extreme metal band’s set was highlighted by “Redneck,” which vocalist Randy Blythe dedicated to the late Geordie Walker of Killing Joke, who had been scheduled to play the festival for the last two years.
Alice in Chains played their only scheduled show of 2024 thus far, delivering classics like “Man in the Box,” Would?,” and “Rooster.” And Bring Me the Horizon’s set was highlighted by a guest appearance from BABYMETAL, who joined the UK band on a rendition of their collaborative song “Kingslayer.”
As expected, it was System of a Down (headliners of last year’s Sick New World, as well) who stirred up the crowd the most. The band did not disappoint, playing a 27-song set, including hits like “Chop Suey!,” “B.Y.O.B,” “Aerials,” and “Lonely Day” (dedicated to Joey Jordison), as well as deeper cuts like “Bubbles,” “CUBErt,” and “Kill Rock ‘n Roll.” By the time they wrapped up both their set and the festival with “Sugar,” the spent fans had definitely gotten their money’s worth.
All in all, it was another very successful Sick New World, and it seems to be becoming Las Vegas’ premier hard rock festival. Let’s see what the organizers pull off next year.
See a Sick New World 2024 gallery from photographer Raymond Ahner below, followed by fan-filmed video footage from the festival.
Photo Gallery: Sick New World Festival 2024 (click to expand and scroll through):
2024 Sick New World Festival Rocked by System of a Down, Slipknot, and A Perfect Circle: Photos + Video
Raymond Ahner
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