Slipknot’s 1999 Throwback Show at Madison Square Garden: A Night to Remember
Slipknot took their fans on a thrilling journey back in time with their 25th-anniversary “Here Comes The Pain” tour, celebrating their iconic 1999 self-titled debut album. The tour, which has been met with overwhelming excitement, made a stop at the legendary Madison Square Garden on Monday, August 12th, for a sold-out show that lived up to every expectation (tickets available here).
The evening kicked off with support from Swedish melodic death metal band Orbit Culture and hardcore punk powerhouse Knocked Loose, setting the stage for what would become a night of unrelenting metal mayhem.
Orbit Culture Ignites the Night
Opening the show was Orbit Culture, a Swedish death metal band that has been making waves in the metal scene with their latest release, Descent. They wasted no time getting the New York City crowd riled up, kicking off their set with the album’s powerful title track. Though the arena was still filling up, it didn’t stop early arrivers from diving headfirst into the mosh pit as Orbit Culture tore through their six-song set.
Highlights from their performance included “From the Inside” and the set closer “Vultures of North.” They also pulled tracks from their EPs, Shaman and The Forgotten, and performed fan-favorite “North Star of Nija” from their album Nija. Despite being an opening act, Orbit Culture set the tone for the night with an explosive performance that left fans hungry for more metal.
Knocked Loose Delivers Hardcore Fury
Next up were Kentucky’s hardcore heroes, Knocked Loose, who delivered a blistering 14-song set. With songs from their latest album You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To, the band ignited an already electrified crowd. Led by vocalist Bryan Garris, Knocked Loose had the entire Garden moving with their raw and aggressive energy. Tracks like “Blinding Faith,” “Don’t Reach for Me,” and “Moss Covers All” sent waves of adrenaline through the audience.
The chaos didn’t stop there, as the band continued with crowd favorites such as “Suffocate,” “God Knows,” and “Counting Worms.” Garris commanded the audience, encouraging fans to bang their heads and dive into the madness, as bodies slammed into each other and the mosh pits grew larger by the minute. By the time they closed with “Deep in the Willow,” Knocked Loose had solidified their place as one of the night’s standout acts. Their set was a perfect appetizer for the carnage that was about to unfold.
Slipknot Reigns Supreme at Madison Square Garden
As the lights dimmed and anticipation reached a fever pitch, Slipknot took the stage, sending Madison Square Garden into a frenzy. Dressed in their throwback red jumpsuits and signature masks, Slipknot delivered a set that felt like a time warp back to 1999. The energy in the venue was electric as the band ripped into a triple-header of “(sic),” “Eyeless,” and “Wait and Bleed.” The opening tracks alone were enough to send circle pits spinning and fans screaming every lyric at the top of their lungs.
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This tour has seen Slipknot strip down their stage production to recapture the raw, gritty essence of their early days. Gone are the pyrotechnics and high-tech percussion lifts from their recent tours. Instead, the band opted for a more minimalistic setup, letting the music and intensity speak for itself. As they plowed through deeper cuts from their debut album, including “Liberate,” “Purity,” and “Prosthetics,” it became clear that this show was for the die-hard fans—the “maggots” who have been with the band since the beginning.
A Walk Down Memory Lane with Corey Taylor
Frontman Corey Taylor took a moment to reminisce about Slipknot’s early days in New York City, sharing memories of playing at venues like Roseland Ballroom, Irving Plaza, and The Limelight. He also recalled the band’s first gold album, which they received in New York on February 2nd, 2000. “So we made a very easy and simple decision: tonight, welcome to 1999,” Taylor declared, dedicating the show to the old-school maggots who have supported Slipknot for so long.
Taylor’s words struck a chord with the crowd, and the band continued to reward their loyal fans with rare performances of tracks like “Get This,” “Me Inside,” and the hidden gem “Eeyore.” The setlist was a dream come true for long-time fans who hadn’t heard some of these songs live in years. Tracks like “No Life” and “Only One,” which had been absent from their setlists for a long time, were also played, further cementing the special nature of the night.
A Brutal Finale
After a brief intermission, Slipknot returned to the stage for an encore that packed a serious punch. They delivered a relentless performance of fan favorites “Spit It Out” and “Surfacing,” leaving the crowd in a state of euphoric chaos. But the true highlight of the encore was the performance of “Scissors,” a dark and haunting track that hadn’t been played live since 2000. The song’s eerie build-up and explosive climax provided the perfect ending to a night that will undoubtedly go down in Slipknot history.
The “Here Comes The Pain” Tour Continues
The first leg of Slipknot’s “Here Comes The Pain” tour wraps up on August 17th, but the band will be back for a second North American leg in September (get your tickets here). With a setlist packed with deep cuts and fan favorites, this tour is a celebration of Slipknot’s legacy and a reminder of why they remain one of the most electrifying live acts in heavy metal.
For those who couldn’t make it to the Madison Square Garden show, check out the photos and fan-filmed videos below to get a glimpse of the chaos that unfolded. Slipknot’s 1999 time warp is a show not to be missed.
Slipknot at Madison Square Garden
See photos of Slipknot, Knocked Loose, and Orbit Culture from their unforgettable performances at Madison Square Garden.
