Korn Becomes the First Metal Band to Headline Lollapalooza in Three Years

Lollapalooza 2025 is making waves with its newly announced lineup, which includes a major win for metal fans—Korn is set to headline the festival. This marks the first time in three years that a metal band has been featured as a headliner at the legendary event.

The official lineup was revealed on March 18, with a diverse selection of artists spanning multiple genres. Alongside Korn, the festival will showcase performances by Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler the Creator, Sabrina Carpenter, and country star Luke Combs, among others. While Lollapalooza has consistently featured rock and alternative artists over the years, it has been quite some time since a band as heavy as Korn has commanded the main stage. The last metal band to receive top billing was Metallica in 2022.

Korn’s Long-Awaited Return to Lollapalooza

Korn’s performance at Lollapalooza 2025 will be their first appearance at the festival since 1997. Over the years, the band has maintained a significant presence in the metal and rock scenes, influencing countless artists while continuing to produce new music and tour worldwide. Their return to the festival underscores the lasting impact of their unique sound and energetic live performances.

Recent Lollapalooza lineups have leaned more toward pop, hip-hop, and indie acts, with rock bands such as Blink-182, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, and Foo Fighters being among the few to headline in recent years. While those groups have kept rock alive at the festival, Korn’s inclusion represents a resurgence of heavier music within the event’s programming.

Other Rock and Metal Acts on the 2025 Lineup

In addition to Korn, a handful of other rock and metal artists are set to perform at Lollapalooza 2025. Bands such as Cage the Elephant, Bilmuri, and Sunami will add to the festival’s rock representation. Though the number of heavier acts remains relatively small, Korn’s headlining slot marks a significant moment for the genre.

Festival Dates and Ticket Information

Lollapalooza 2025 will take place from July 31 to August 3 at Grant Park in Chicago. A presale for tickets will be available for one hour on March 20 at 11 AM ET, with general ticket sales beginning at noon. Single-day and two-day passes will be released at a later date.

The Evolution of Lollapalooza

Lollapalooza was founded in 1991 by Jane’s Addiction frontman Perry Farrell and originally served as a touring festival before settling in Chicago as a fixed-location event. During its early years, the festival was a haven for rock, metal, and alternative music, featuring legendary acts such as Nine Inch Nails, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Tool, Rage Against the Machine, and Smashing Pumpkins. Over time, the festival broadened its musical scope, incorporating artists from pop, hip-hop, and electronic music.

While the presence of rock and metal at Lollapalooza has diminished compared to its early years, the inclusion of Korn as a headliner in 2025 suggests that these genres still hold significance within the festival’s identity. Their return to the Lollapalooza stage is not only a victory for their dedicated fan base but also a reminder of the festival’s deep-rooted connection to heavier music.

For rock and metal enthusiasts, Korn’s headlining performance is sure to be one of the most anticipated moments of the festival. Their return to Lollapalooza proves that while musical trends may shift, the power and influence of metal remain strong.