We had the incredible opportunity to photograph Slipknot once again, this time at one of their highly anticipated 25th anniversary shows.
Slipknot, a band that has transcended genres and decades, continues to deliver unforgettable live performances, and their show at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, was no exception. The band from Iowa (and other places) has a knack for creating visually stunning and high-energy performances that make for killer photo opportunities. The pictures below do a great job of capturing the energy, chaos, and intensity of the night in sunny California.
A Night of Anniversary Celebrations
Slipknot’s 25th-anniversary tour is a milestone event, and the band is pulling out all the stops to make sure fans are getting a show they will never forget. For this leg of the tour, they were joined by Knocked Loose and Vended, two bands that brought their own unique flavor to the mix. Knocked Loose, a hardcore band known for their raw energy and aggressive performances, set the stage for a night of unrelenting music. Vended, featuring members who are sons of Slipknot members, added a familial twist to the evening, giving fans a glimpse into the next generation of heavy music.
The significance of this tour cannot be overstated. Slipknot is celebrating a quarter of a century in the music industry, and their influence has only grown stronger over the years. The band’s ability to continuously evolve while staying true to their roots is part of what makes them so beloved by their fans. Whether it’s their iconic masks, their ferocious live shows, or their genre-defying music, Slipknot has cemented their place in music history, and this tour is a testament to that legacy.
A Visual Spectacle
Derek Tobias, the photographer for the night, captured the raw energy and dark mystique that defines Slipknot’s live shows. From the moment they took the stage, the band commanded attention with their signature masks, intense lighting, and a sound that reverberated throughout the entire venue. Each member of Slipknot brings something unique to the table, from Corey Taylor’s powerful vocals to Shawn Crahan’s (aka Clown) unpredictable stage antics.
The photos Tobias took showcase Slipknot at their best, capturing the sheer spectacle of their performance. Slipknot is not just a band; they’re an experience. Whether it’s Joey Jordison’s thunderous drums, Mick Thomson’s searing guitar riffs, or Sid Wilson’s wild DJ antics, every member of the band contributes to the chaotic energy that has become synonymous with their name.
Slipknot’s ability to blend heavy metal with theatricality is what sets them apart from other bands in the genre. The masks, the pyrotechnics, the frenetic stage presence—it all adds up to a sensory overload that leaves fans exhilarated. And thanks to Tobias’ keen eye and expert photography skills, those who couldn’t attend the show can still get a sense of what it was like to be there.
The Next Generation: Vended
Opening the night was Vended, a band that has garnered attention not only for their music but also for their family ties to Slipknot. Vended features Simon Crahan, son of Shawn “Clown” Crahan, and Griffin Taylor, son of Corey Taylor. Despite their connections to Slipknot, Vended is quickly making a name for themselves in the metal scene with their intense performances and heavy sound.
It’s always interesting to see the next generation of musicians carry on the torch, and Vended did not disappoint. Their set was a perfect way to kick off the evening, with raw energy and a sound that clearly draws inspiration from their fathers’ bands while also carving out their own path. For fans of Slipknot, seeing Vended perform is like getting a glimpse into the future of heavy music, and if their performance at Intuit Dome is any indication, that future is bright.
Knocked Loose: Hardcore Mayhem
Next up was Knocked Loose, a hardcore band that has been making waves in the music world with their ferocious sound and chaotic live shows. Their performance was a stark contrast to Vended’s more structured set, with a rawness and aggression that had the crowd going wild. Knocked Loose brought their own brand of mayhem to the stage, and it was clear that they were there to leave a lasting impression.
Their set was a relentless assault of sound, with crushing breakdowns and guttural vocals that had the audience moshing and headbanging from start to finish. For fans of hardcore, Knocked Loose is one of the most exciting bands on the scene right now, and their performance at the Intuit Dome only solidified their reputation as a band to watch.
Slipknot: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for—Slipknot took the stage and immediately blew the roof off the Intuit Dome. From the opening note, it was clear that the band was there to deliver a show that would be remembered for years to come. The intensity of their performance was palpable, and the crowd responded in kind, with thousands of fans screaming, headbanging, and moshing in unison.
Slipknot’s setlist was a perfect mix of their greatest hits and newer material, giving fans a chance to hear the songs that have defined their career while also showcasing their continued evolution as a band. Songs like “Duality,” “Wait and Bleed,” and “Psychosocial” had the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs, while newer tracks from their recent albums kept things fresh and exciting.
What makes Slipknot’s live shows so special is the sheer energy they bring to the stage. Every member of the band is fully committed to delivering a performance that is as intense as it is unforgettable. Whether it’s Corey Taylor screaming into the mic, Clown pounding on his custom percussion kit, or Sid Wilson launching himself across the stage, Slipknot is a band that knows how to put on a show.
Knocked Loose
The Importance of the 25th Anniversary Tour
This anniversary tour is not just a celebration of Slipknot’s career, but also a celebration of their fans. For 25 years, Slipknot has been at the forefront of the heavy music scene, and their connection to their audience is stronger than ever. The band has always made it clear that their fans are the lifeblood of what they do, and this tour is a way of giving back to those who have supported them from the beginning.
As the night came to a close, it was clear that Slipknot had once again proven why they are one of the biggest and most beloved bands in the world. Their performance at the Intuit Dome was nothing short of spectacular, and thanks to Derek Tobias’ incredible photography, we have the photos to prove it. Be sure to check out his work and follow him on Instagram for more amazing shots of one of the greatest bands of all time.
