New music festival returns to Las Vegas and Fort Worth

Sick New World, the beloved hard rock festival, took a hiatus in 2025 due to lineup issues. However, fans will rejoice as it will return with two editions in 2026. The first event will take place on April 25 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds, followed by a new Texas version on October 24 at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. The lineup for both events will be headlined by System of a Down, alongside other notable acts such as Deftones, Korn, Slayer (performing Reign in Blood), and many more.

Since its debut in 2023, Sick New World has provided a platform for both established and emerging artists in the hard rock genre. Notably, System of a Down has delivered memorable performances at the festival, making it a must-attend event for fans of the band. Serj Tankian, the frontman of System of a Down, expressed his excitement about returning to the festival, stating that they had a great time during their previous appearance and are looking forward to hitting the stage once again.

The festival was initially planned to return to Las Vegas in April with Metallica and Linkin Park as headliners. Unfortunately, the event was canceled in December 2024 due to unforeseen circumstances that the promoter, Live Nation, could not resolve. It was reported that the former booker, Jeffrey Shuman, had overpaid the headliners, with Metallica and Linkin Park allegedly receiving a substantial amount for their performances.

Despite the setback in 2025, Sick New World is gearing up for a triumphant return in 2026 with an impressive lineup that promises to deliver unforgettable performances. Whether you’re a fan of System of a Down, Deftones, Korn, or any other hard rock act, the festival is sure to cater to all tastes in the genre. Stay tuned for more updates on the full lineup and ticket information for both editions of Sick New World in 2026.