BREAKING: System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian has just confirmed that the band will headline the Sick New World Festival in 2026. This announcement comes on the heels of the festival’s cancellation for 2025 due to “unforeseen circumstances,” leaving fans eager for the return of this highly anticipated event.
During a recent signing event, footage surfaced that shows Tankian assuring a fan of the band’s participation in next year’s festival. The video has since gone viral, igniting excitement among metal and rock music enthusiasts. This revelation aligns with hints dropped during the band’s summer stadium tour, where animated Sick New World mascots appeared on venue screens, hinting at the festival’s revival.
The Sick New World Festival was initially slated to feature major acts like Metallica and Linkin Park as headliners in 2025, but organizers announced in November that the event would not take place. “It is with great disappointment that we announce that Sick New World will no longer take place in Las Vegas on April 12, 2025, due to unforeseen circumstances,” the organizers stated. They expressed gratitude to fans who had planned to attend, promising updates for future events.
In addition to exciting festival news, Tankian recently provided insights into the band’s future music endeavors. While discussing new music on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk, he stated, “Not at this time,” but emphasized that all members are working on their projects. “Daron [Malakian] just put out a record with Scars On Broadway, which is really good,” he mentioned, urging fans to check it out. Tankian is also releasing a record of covers, collaborations, and collages.
However, he noted that for System of a Down to produce new music, the band must align creatively. “If we don’t, it’s not worth doing. If we do, then it’s worth doing,” he explained, leaving fans hopeful yet cautious about future releases.
With the excitement surrounding the confirmed headlining set at Sick New World 2026, fans are already buzzing about what to expect from System of a Down and the festival lineup. Stay tuned for more updates as details unfold, and prepare for a monumental return to the stage that promises to be a celebration of hard rock, goth, alternative, and heavy music like never before.
Make sure to share this news with fellow fans and mark your calendars for 2026 as System of a Down prepares to reclaim the spotlight!