This is a big moment. A moment some would say has been coming for a long time, three years to be exact. Metal band Korn are headlining Lollapalooza.
Lollapalooza has drifted further from its rock and metal roots in recent years, with previous headliners including Blink-182, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, and Foo Fighters. The last time a proper metal act took the main stage was in 2022, when Metallica closed out the festival. Given this, Korn’s return is a full-circle moment.
The band played the festival back in the late ‘90s when nu-metal was exploding, and now they’re back, proving their staying power while an entirely new wave of artists dominates the lineup.
This year’s bill leans heavily on mainstream pop, with Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, The Creator, and Sabrina Carpenter also headlining. Rock and metal are in short supply, but there are a handful of names scattered throughout, including Cage The Elephant, Bilmuri, and Sunami.
Lollapalooza started as a rock and alternative showcase back in 1991, founded by Jane’s Addiction’s Perry Farrell. The ‘90s lineups were stacked with bands like Nine Inch Nails, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, and Rage Against the Machine. Over the years, the festival evolved to fit shifting trends, with hip-hop, EDM, and pop acts taking centre stage while heavier bands became rare additions.
Korn headlining in 2025 doesn’t mean Lollapalooza is suddenly swinging back toward rock. It does however, signal that metal still have a place at the table, even if it’s only occasionally. While I never thought I would see the day Korn’s name was placed next to Olivia Rodrigo’s, I can’t say I’m mad about it.
The festival runs from July 31 to August 3 at Chicago’s Grant Park. Presale tickets go live on March 20, with general sales following shortly after. Single and two-day passes will be released at a later date. Tickets can be purchased here.
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