Knotfest Iowa is right around the corner! On September 21, 2024, the globally renowned festival will make its highly anticipated return to Des Moines, Iowa. This iconic event, spearheaded by metal legends Slipknot, is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience, packed with explosive performances and exciting new attractions.
The festival, which started as a brainchild of Slipknot in 2012, has since evolved into one of the most celebrated metal and rock festivals worldwide. Knotfest’s homecoming to Iowa, where it all began, promises to be a milestone in the festival’s history, marking 25 years since Slipknot’s explosive self-titled debut album. Fans will be treated to a unique set from Slipknot, featuring an emphasis on songs from this groundbreaking 1999 release—an album that catapulted the masked nine-piece band to global fame.
The performance at Knotfest Iowa will be a particularly special moment for both the band and their loyal fanbase, often referred to as the “maggots.” Slipknot’s live shows are renowned for their intensity, elaborate stage designs, and deeply emotional performances. This year’s setlist will likely include fan favorites like “Wait and Bleed,” “Surfacing,” and “Spit It Out,” which will take longtime fans on a nostalgic journey back to the late ‘90s when Slipknot’s raw, aggressive sound reshaped the metal landscape.
Beyond Slipknot’s headlining set, the festival boasts a stacked lineup of artists spanning metal, hardcore, and punk. Leading the charge will be Rammstein’s frontman Till Lindemann, whose theatrical and industrial metal style perfectly complements the high-energy vibe of Knotfest. Fans can expect a visually stunning and musically brutal performance from Lindemann, whose solo work has made waves in the metal world over the last few years.
Also joining the lineup is Kentucky-based hardcore/metal band Knocked Loose. Known for their bone-crushing breakdowns and intense live energy, Knocked Loose has quickly become one of the most respected names in hardcore, and their performance at Knotfest is sure to bring chaos to the mosh pits. Metalcore pioneers Hatebreed will also take the stage, bringing their message of perseverance and positivity through aggression, a sentiment that resonates strongly with the Knotfest crowd.
Poison the Well, a band that helped define metalcore in the early 2000s, will make a triumphant return to the Knotfest stage. Their reunion has been highly anticipated, and their performance will undoubtedly be a must-see for fans of the genre. Gwar, the legendary costumed heavy metal band known for their outrageous stage shows and satirical, over-the-top performances, will also bring their unique brand of chaos to Knotfest Iowa, ensuring that no fan will leave without witnessing something truly bizarre and unforgettable.
Rounding out the bill are rising stars and diverse acts that showcase the festival’s commitment to delivering a wide spectrum of heavy music. Iowa natives Vended, a band that includes sons of Slipknot members, will continue to carve out their own path in the metal world with a performance in their hometown. Other notable acts include Dying Wish, Zulu, Twin Temple, Holy Wars, Swollen Teeth, Spine, and Dose—each bringing their own distinct sound and energy to the festival.
A particularly exciting addition to Knotfest Iowa this year is the debut of the revamped Knotfest Museum. This immersive experience celebrates Slipknot’s 25-year career and will showcase never-before-seen memorabilia from the band’s history. Fans can look forward to interactive exhibits, including playable guitars, basses, and drums used by the band on stage and in the studio. The museum will also feature iconic items such as Paul Gray’s bass cab, instruments used during the recording of Slipknot’s 2001 album Iowa, and a variety of wardrobe pieces from different eras of the band’s career.
Fans will have the chance to engage with these exhibits in a way that has never been possible before. The museum promises to be an emotional and immersive journey through Slipknot’s history, offering insights into the band’s creative process and their rise to global stardom. There will also be photo opportunities with props from album covers and stage setups, ensuring that every fan can leave with a personal memento from the experience. Tickets for the Knotfest Museum are available for $25 if purchased in advance through September 20, while tickets at the door will be sold for $40.
For festival-goers eager to make the most of the day, set times have been revealed, allowing fans to plan their experience down to the minute:
Saturday, September 21, 2024
- Main Stage:
- 11:00 AM: Doors Open
- 11:30 AM: Holy Wars
- 12:15 PM: Zulu
- 1:15 PM: Vended
- 2:15 PM: Poison the Well
- 3:30 PM: Hatebreed
- 5:00 PM: Knocked Loose
- 6:35 PM: Till Lindemann
- 9:00 PM: Slipknot
- Pulse of the Maggots Stage:
- 12:45 PM: Dose
- 1:45 PM: Spine
- 3:00 PM: Swollen Teeth
- 4:30 PM: Twin Temple
- 6:00 PM: Dying Wish
- 7:35 PM: Gwar
With two stages of non-stop music and a range of attractions—including food, drinks, and merchandise—the festival promises an unforgettable experience for fans of heavy music. For Slipknot, Knotfest Iowa represents not just a celebration of their storied past, but also a way to connect with their hometown crowd in a uniquely personal way.
The energy leading up to Knotfest Iowa is palpable, and with such an incredible lineup, along with the debut of the revamped Knotfest Museum, this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the best in Knotfest history. Fans are already counting down the days to what will undoubtedly be a landmark moment for Slipknot and the metal community at large. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable celebration in Des Moines on September 21.
