In 1999, the brute force of Slipknot’s Self-Titled release was a shock to fans of heavy music. The age of nu-metal was turned upside down by mask wearing musicians who were as focused on creating chaos on stage as they were crafting music. Fast forward to 2024, and the 25th Anniversary Tour has Iowa’s favorite sons paying tribute to their roots with a show dedicated to what led to Slipknot becoming a household name.
With a setlist dedicated to music before the year 2000, Slipknot performed the Self-Titled along with remixed clips from over two decades ago at CFG Arena in Baltimore, MD. The biggest highlight for me personally was being in the photo pit during “Wait And Bleed”, hearing Corey Taylor should “BALTIMORE”, and then hearing two young ladies at the barricade should in reply “That’s us!”
The stage set was designed to reflect what Slipknot was doing 25 years ago, but scaled to a modern venue. Removing the endless pyro and percussion high-rises, Slipknot replicated the visuals of the Self-Titled days while performing the biggest hits from that era including “(sic)”, “Spit It Out”, and “Surfacing”.
In the tradition of a classic being made modern, Slipknot nailed the concept of giving a show reflecting what was happening in 1999. As opposed to the endless tour grind of always trying to promote new material, the 25th Anniversary Tour relishes in what was accomplished while paying tribute to fans who have been them since the previous century.
Slipknot 25 Years Of Self-Titled Setlist:
(sic)
Eyeless
Wait and Bleed
Get This
Eeyore
Tattered & Torn
(Sid Wilson remix)
Me Inside
Liberate
Frail Limb Nursery
Purity
Prosthetics
No Life
Only One
Mudslide
Spit It Out
Surfacing
Scissors
The buzz around Knocked Loose has become massive. Along with releasing their third studio album You Won’t Go Before You’re Suppose To, Knocked Loose have gained a reputation for creating a virtual Mortal Kombat in clubs and festivals through encouraged pits. The hardcore and metalcore fans have latched onto Knocked Loose as a new banner band for an aggressive sounding live group. Needless to say, Knocked Loose supporting Slipknot on this tour was the perfect choice.
Opening the night was Sweden’s Orbit Culture who brought out melodic death metal to the Baltimore crowd. This was my first time seeing the group and the sound instantly ushered in fans who wanted something loud and guttural while also being different than what Slipknot and Knocked Loose were bringing to the tour. It caught my attention as many at the barricade knew of the band and had favorite songs from Orbit Culture who formed over 10 years prior.
Not only was this a unique tour, but it also proves that themes for bigger bands can work. Anniversary tours are becoming more common, but giving a tour attempting to represent the visual style and sound of a famous album 20+ years ago is an effort worth applauding, especially one that is able to pack so many people in.
I spoke with a member of security at the venue while “Purity” was playing, and she told me she saw Slipknot on Ozzfest in the 2000’s. I then replied with how we were roughly the same age and that there were many fans in attendance who weren’t even alive with Slipknot’s self-titled album came out. The lasting power of Slipknot is something many detractors would hate to admit, but the music has held up. Maggots keep spawning and over the years Slipknot keeps gaining more fans.
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“Slipknot is celebrating a monumental milestone with their 25th Anniversary Tour, aptly named “Here Comes The Pain.” Kicking off on August 6, 2024, in Noblesville, Indiana, this tour marks a significant return to the band’s roots, featuring a setlist that heavily draws from their iconic self-titled debut album released in 1999. The tour will include performances across major cities in North America, culminating at Knotfest Iowa on September 21, 2024. Founding member Shawn “Clown” Crahan has expressed a desire to create more intimate experiences for fans, promising a visceral performance that embodies the band’s unique “maggot culture.” With support from bands like Knocked Loose and Orbit Culture, Slipknot is set to deliver an unforgettable celebration of their legacy and heavy metal prowess throughout 2024 and beyond.” (Perplexity)
Slipknot Celebrate 25 Years Of Chaos & Dominance
