Slipknot, one of the most iconic and theatrical bands in the heavy metal genre, has set their sights on a unique goal:
performing at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. This ambition was sparked after the metal band Gojira made waves by being featured during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The sight of another metal band representing the genre on such a grand stage has inspired Slipknot to dream of bringing their intense energy and spectacle to the world’s largest athletic event when it comes to their home country in just four years.
Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan, Slipknot’s percussionist and one of the founding members, expressed this aspiration in an interview with *Metal Hammer* magazine. Crahan, who is known for his enigmatic and passionate approach to music, revealed that watching Gojira perform at the Paris Olympics was a deeply moving experience for him. He admitted to feeling an unexpected swell of pride seeing a fellow metal band take the stage in front of a global audience, something that metal music rarely gets the chance to do on such a mainstream platform.
“I got goosebumps watching Gojira at the opening ceremony,” Crahan confessed. “I know this is going to sound stupid, but I’m just so proud of them. I know the word ‘proud’ probably sounds weird coming from me, but that band is so incredible, and they’re friends of ours.”
The performance by Gojira wasn’t just a moment for metal music, but a symbolic gesture that metal could stand tall among the world’s most celebrated events, breaking out of its often misunderstood and marginalized niche. Crahan recognized the magnitude of Gojira’s presence at the Olympics, seeing it as a metaphorical gold medal for the genre. “When I saw the performance, I was just proud to have them do that. What a huge, huge honor, what a huge performance,” he said. “And what an enormous metaphor: you have all these wonderful athletes, the best of the best of the best together, and someone involved thought, ‘We should get Gojira to open this up…’ Like, Gojira are the gold medal.”
For Slipknot, the idea of performing at the Los Angeles Olympics isn’t just a pipe dream; it’s a logical next step in their evolution as a band. Over the past 25 years, Slipknot has carved out a path that defies the conventions of mainstream success, all while maintaining an unwavering connection with their fans and an unrelenting dedication to their art. Their live performances are legendary, known for their explosive energy, intricate masks, and theatrical intensity. Bringing this spectacle to the Olympics would not only be a personal achievement for the band but would also be a monumental moment for metal music as a whole.
Crahan spoke about Slipknot’s desire to push boundaries and take on new challenges as they look toward the future. “We’d love to do it,” he said regarding the possibility of performing at the 2028 Olympics. “You’re gonna start to see Slipknot do some weird s***. We’ve reached the point where, you know, we want to play the Grammys, we want to play the Olympics. Why not? We’ve done the standard circuit already, for 25 years, and in the future, we are going to be everywhere.”
This sentiment underscores a broader shift in Slipknot’s approach to their music and performances. After decades of dominating the metal scene, playing sold-out arenas, and headlining festivals, the band is looking for new ways to connect with audiences and challenge themselves creatively. The idea of playing the Olympics is not just about the prestige of the event, but about redefining what it means to be a successful band in the 21st century.
Interestingly, this desire to break new ground is coupled with Crahan’s recent musings about returning to smaller, more intimate performances. In an interview with *NME*, Crahan revealed that he’s ready for a change in how the band approaches live shows. “We’re going back to basics,” he said. “I’m ready to kick everybody in the face again! I’m ready to do a 100-person venue again! I’m ready to do a 500-person venue.”
The contrast between the idea of performing at a massive global event like the Olympics and the desire to play in smaller, more personal settings highlights Slipknot’s complex relationship with their success. On one hand, they’re a global phenomenon with a massive following, capable of filling stadiums and commanding the attention of millions. On the other hand, they remain a band that values the raw, visceral connection that comes from performing in a small, crowded room where the energy between the band and the audience is almost palpable.
Crahan acknowledged the challenges that come with trying to balance these two extremes. “We want to play in front of 500 people, but there are a lot of factors that will mean it can’t happen,” he explained. “We’re at the point where we’ve got to ensure safety.” This statement reflects the realities of being a band of Slipknot’s stature; their popularity makes it difficult to scale down their shows without compromising on the safety and experience of their fans.
Nevertheless, the desire to push the envelope and explore new frontiers remains a driving force for Slipknot. Whether it’s performing at the Olympics, returning to their roots with smaller gigs, or finding entirely new ways to engage with their audience, Slipknot continues to be a band that refuses to be pigeonholed. Their ambition to play at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is a testament to their unyielding drive to innovate and leave an indelible mark not just on the music industry, but on global culture as a whole.
As the countdown to the 2028 Olympics begins, fans of Slipknot and metal music alike will no doubt be watching closely to see if the band’s dream becomes a reality. If it does, it will not only be a historic moment for Slipknot but also a powerful statement about the enduring power and influence of heavy metal on the world stage.
