Deftones kick off European tour playing ‘Risk’
The summer of 2026 kicked off with a dose of pure, unforgettable sound as Deftones launched their European tour. The opening night in Vienna, at METAStadt on August 16, proved to be more than just a concert; it was a powerful moment that celebrated the band’s enduring legacy and the profound emotional weight of their music.
Kicking off the road, the Sacramento band shared a 21-song set, pulling treasures from their entire career. The performance featured tracks that span their journey, including deep cuts like My Mind Is A Mountain, Locked Club, Infinite Source, and Milk Of The Madonna. Most poignant of all, they revisited the track Risk—a song released in 2010 that carries a particularly heavy history, born from the aftermath of tragedy that impacted the band in the years since.
Risk holds a special place for the group, having been written in the shadow of a difficult time. Frontman Chino Moreno has described it as one of the most touching and moving songs they have ever penned, underscoring the raw emotional core of their creative output.
This performance showcased the band’s ability to connect with audiences across generations. Speaking about their continued creative energy and the connection they share with listeners, Moreno noted that multiple generations are deeply invested in what they do. He found inspiration in seeing fresh and familiar faces alike, noting that this shared appreciation is something they never anticipated.
As the European journey unfolds, the excitement builds. Deftones are heading to Berlin before taking on major festival sets at venues like Cabaret Vert and Pukkelpop. They will also headline the Outbreak edition of All Points East at London’s Victoria Park, sharing the stage with a powerhouse lineup including IDLES, Amyl And The Sniffers, Interpol, and AFI.
The momentum continues with planned outdoor performances in Dublin and Edinburgh later this month, where the band will join forces with IDLES. The tour is clearly shaping up to be an expansive experience, blending intense musicality with powerful, communal energy, reminding everyone why Deftones maintain such a magnetic hold over their global fanbase.