In a surprising turn of events, the highly anticipated Sick New World 2025 festival has been canceled just weeks after revealing an impressive line-up. The festival was scheduled to take place on April 12, 2025, at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds, featuring iconic headliners Linkin Park and Metallica, alongside acts like Queens Of The Stone Age, Evanescence, and Gojira.
A Stellar Line-Up Cut Short
The festival, known for celebrating rock, nu-metal, and industrial genres, had promised an unforgettable experience for its third edition. With over 50 bands announced, the line-up also included AFI, The Flaming Lips, Meshuggah, Cradle Of Filth, and a rare reunion of Louisiana sludge metal pioneers Acid Bath, marking their first performance since 1997.
However, on November 29, organizers took to social media to deliver the disappointing news. “It is with great disappointment that we announce Sick New World will no longer take place in Las Vegas on April 12, 2025. Despite our best efforts, we’ve encountered unforeseen circumstances that we are unable to overcome for next year’s show,” the statement read.
Refunds and Fan Reactions
Fans who purchased tickets through Front Gate Tickets will automatically receive refunds within 30 days. The cancellation sparked a wave of frustration on social media, with many expressing disappointment not only over the lost performances but also regarding ticket prices, which had soared as high as $450 for a single day.
Radio personality Eddie Trunk pointed to skyrocketing performance guarantees as a potential factor, noting that both Metallica and Linkin Park were rumored to command $5 million each. “These high guarantees are driving up ticket prices and making festivals harder to sustain,” he shared on social media.
The Future of Sick New World
Since its inception in 2023, Sick New World has gained a reputation as a premier destination for fans of alternative and heavy music. While no further details have been provided about what led to this year’s cancellation, organizers hinted at future announcements, asking fans to “stay tuned.”
Rumors about the cancellation had been circulating days before the official announcement, fueled by comments from Tomahawk’s Trevor Dunn, who mentioned the festival was “not happening” during a podcast interview. His remarks added credibility to speculation that financial and logistical challenges were at play.
Impact on Other Bands
The cancellation also disrupted tour plans for several bands, including Japanese metal veterans DIR EN GREY, who were set to make their U.S. festival return. The band expressed disappointment but reassured fans they would still perform two sold-out shows in Los Angeles.
A Disappointing Setback for Rock Fans
The abrupt cancellation of Sick New World 2025 marks a significant loss for fans and performers alike. While refunds provide some consolation, many are left wondering what this means for the festival’s future. For now, rock enthusiasts will have to wait for further updates as the festival’s organizers navigate their next steps.
Metallica and Linkin Park’s headlining set dreams are dashed as festival organizers cite “unforeseen circumstances.”