Slipknot’s show at the White River Amphitheatre brought everything we hoped for—and more

Slipknot’s “Here Comes The Pain” Tour made an unforgettable stop at the White River Amphitheatre, delivering a night packed with raw energy and nostalgia. With a lineup that included rising stars Vended and hardcore heavyweights Knocked Loose, the show built momentum that culminated in a powerful, stripped-back performance from the Iowa legends. Slipknot celebrated the 25th anniversary of their debut album in a way that truly honoured their legacy—taking fans back to 1999 with a setlist packed exclusively with early tracks. The night was a testament to the band’s unrelenting dominance in the metal scene, proving that Slipknot’s ferocity hasn’t dimmed.

Vended

Opening the show was Vended, releasing their debut album on September 20th. They set the tone for the night with powerful vocals, catchy choruses, and visceral instrumentals. The Iowa band, sporting masks and makeup, brought incredible energy. Though lead vocalist Griffin Taylor is young, he delivered energy in abundance! These guys more than filled the shoes as an opener for the iconic Slipknot.

Knocked Loose

Knocked Loose brought unparalleled energy to the night, delivering an intense performance that left the crowd headbanging and moshing throughout. They had the crowd roaring for more. The contrast between the lead singer’s high-pitched screams, genre-bending vocals, and the bassist’s deep tones created a perfect harmony that could have easily filled another set without a single complaint. While Vended woke everyone up for the show, Knocked Loose brought the house down, setting the stage ablaze for Slipknot and leaving the entire amphitheatre in awe.

Slipknot

The metalheads from Iowa kicked off the second leg of their ‘Here Comes The Pain’ Tour, celebrating the 25th anniversary of their debut self-titled album. The band played an unforgettable show in Auburn on Saturday, September 7th, at the White River Amphitheatre. Dressed in their iconic red jumpsuits and reimagined classic masks, the boys took us back to 1999. The stage was very stripped back. Unlike previous tours, there was no massive set production or fancy visuals that fans have come to expect. No massive curtain drop to kick off the show; this time, the band took the stage one by one under green lighting, with the backing track “742617000027” setting the tone. They launched into the first three songs—”(sic),” “Eyeless,” and “Wait and Bleed”—in the same sequence as on their debut album, evoking the experience of hearing it for the first time.

Frontman Corey Taylor (No. 8) then took time to address the audience: ‘We’ve been coming to White River for so many fucking years now, and these places, they feel like home, goddammit, so thank you for having us fucking back here!’ He continued, ‘Some of you may know, but this year marks the 25th anniversary of the very first Slipknot album. Because this year is so fucking special, we decided to recreate something, so welcome back to 1999, you crazy fuckers! Tonight you will not hear one song written after 1999!’ He added, ‘To everyone who has stuck by us for 25 years, this is for you. Also, for anyone just starting their Slipknot journey tonight, welcome to the fucking beginning, motherfuckers!’

This show was a true celebration for hardcore Slipknot fans (also known as ‘maggots’), featuring no songs released after 1999, just as Corey said. The setlist excluded tracks like “Duality,” “Psychosocial,” “Devil in I,” and “Unsainted.” Slipknot’s live performance was an explosive testament to their enduring power and innovation in the metal scene. The show was a visceral experience from start to finish, showcasing the band’s relentless energy and evolving artistry. The absence of a grand stage production was inconsequential, as the band’s dynamic presence and the sheer force of their performance more than compensated.

Each member brought their signature intensity, with Corey Taylor delivering ferocious vocals and a commanding stage presence, seamlessly shifting between aggressive growls and melodic moments. Guitarists Jim Root and Mick Thomson unleashed a barrage of intricate riffs and heavy chords, while the rhythm section—‘Tortilla Man’ and ‘Clown’—brought playful energy to the stage. Drummer Eloy Casagrande (this guy hits HARD and is a fantastic addition to the group, not to mention Alessandro Venturella’s powerful bass lines) provided a solid, driving backbone that kept the crowd in constant motion. It was great to see the legend himself, Sid, still performing even after his recent burn accident. Nothing can take this guy down!

The energy was palpable, with every song executed with precision and passion. The setlist was a deep dive into their past, focusing entirely on their debut album. Overall, Slipknot’s 2024 live show was a powerful reminder of their ability to captivate and energize their audience, blending nostalgia with their enduring, unrelenting metal spirit.

Photos (c) Stephen Walker