Image: Korn [Tim Saccenti]
Several major European festivals, including giants like Rock am Ring and Download, have announced Korn as headliners for 2025. With their massive fanbase and decades-deep discography, there's no doubt they deserve a top spot in the lineup. But is it perhaps a little late for Korn to finally step into the festival headliner spotlight?
Korn and Rock am Ring: A Long History
Korn have played Rock am Ring multiple times in the past — including appearances in 2000 and most recently in 2022. Despite their regular presence at the festival, they had never been billed as a main act. That changed with the official announcement in October 2024: Korn would headline Rock am Ring 2025.
Headliner Experience?
This isn’t Korn’s first time headlining in Europe. In fact, they headlined Germany’s Highfield Festival back in 2002, as well as Denmark’s Roskilde Festival in 2004. At Download Festival 2006, they were at least co-headliners beneath Metallica. In more recent years, they’ve also topped the bill at festivals like Summer Breeze.
But the early 2000s were a different era — Nu Metal was booming, and Korn were one of the genre’s undisputed frontrunners. Today, however, Nu Metal is experiencing a noticeable resurgence: alongside Korn, bands like Limp Bizkit are also seeing renewed popularity. Perhaps this latest headliner recognition is part of a broader Nu Metal revival.
Fan Reactions on Reddit
As rumors started circulating last year about Korn possibly headlining major festivals, the internet lit up with discussion. Reactions ranged from excitement to cautious skepticism:
“Personally I'd be very happy, as I feel they deserve it and they always seem to outshine the actual headliners when they've played in the past but I can understand people finding it underwhelming.”
“I've loved Korn since 1998, but their time to headline Download was 1998–2005.”
The Road to Headliner Status
Several factors make Korn a timeless band. They helped define the iconic Nu Metal sound and continue to deliver high-energy performances that balance nostalgia with new material — like their most recent album Requiem (2022). Their live shows remain visually striking and emotionally intense, even for longtime fans who have seen them many times before.
In the end, Korn have more than earned their place as headliners. With a powerful legacy and huge influence on the heavy music scene, these upcoming shows are set to become another major milestone — and an unforgettable experience for fans old and new.
