Watch Korn’s first UK show setlist and videos
The sound of nu metal is back, and it’s bringing the noise with it. Bakersfield heavyweights Korn have made a nostalgic return to the British Isles, kicking off a tour that digs deep into the history of alternative rock while pushing the boundaries of their current sound.
Korn’s journey into England and Ireland began with a bang on Monday, October 26, when the band put on their first of six shows, delivering an 18-song set that perfectly blended raw aggression with recognizable 90s anthems at the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds. Fans were treated to a masterclass in heavy rock, swinging between the heavy grooves of tracks like Blind, Freak On A Leash, and the haunting melody of Falling Away From Me.
But the performance wasn’t just about nostalgia. The band also pulled out some rare gems, dusting off the legendary 1996 track Chi—a song they hadn’t played since 2013—along with the notorious Kill You, which had been absent from their set since 2007. It was a powerful reminder of the band’s rich catalog, proving that even amidst new material, the classics hold undeniable power.
While the tour is dedicated to celebrating the past, Korn remains focused on their present. They are currently touring to promote their 2022 album Requiem, though they haven’t yet included any songs from the record on this run. Instead, the focus has shifted to the recent single Reward The Scars, a track they released in collaboration with the role-playing videogame Diablo IV.
The creative landscape of Korn has also seen some significant shifts. The band is now moving forward without co-founding bassist Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu, who departed shortly after completing the work on Requiem. Arvizu’s decision to leave is tied to his refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, which impacted his ability to tour internationally.
Despite this change, the momentum remains strong. The drummer has already recorded his parts for the upcoming studio album in 2026, ensuring that the band continues to move forward creatively. The tour continues its relentless pace, moving through Birmingham, Manchester, Dublin, and London before heading into mainland Europe, including a stop at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, and concluding in Assago, Italy.
The full setlist, which included classics like Blind and the rarer inclusion of Chi, showcased the raw energy of Korn and affirmed their status as enduring pioneers of the heavy music scene.