The Aftershock Festival 2024, one of the most anticipated rock and metal events of the year, is gearing up to take over Discovery Park in Sacramento, California from October 10th to 13th.
Known for delivering legendary lineups and unforgettable performances, this year’s edition promises to be the biggest yet. Featuring a stellar collection of the most iconic names in metal, hard rock, and alternative music, the four-day fest is set to create a massive experience for fans of heavy music from around the world.
A Lineup for the Ages
The 2024 lineup is absolutely stacked, headlined by the reunion of Slayer, alongside fellow heavyweights Slipknot, Iron Maiden, Pantera, Mötley Crüe, Judas Priest, Five Finger Death Punch, and Disturbed. These legendary acts will take center stage, making Aftershock a dream come true for rock and metal lovers. What sets this year apart from previous editions is not only the sheer number of top-tier acts but also the exclusivity of some of the performances.
Slayer’s appearance at Aftershock will mark their only West Coast show in 2024, and for fans of the thrash metal pioneers, this might be one of the last opportunities to see them live. Since their farewell tour in 2019, Slayer’s performances have become increasingly rare, adding a special weight to their presence at this year’s festival. Fans can expect a blistering setlist filled with classics like “Raining Blood,” “Angel of Death,” and “South of Heaven,” which are sure to ignite the crowd into a frenzy.
Similarly, Iron Maiden’s performance at Aftershock will be their only U.S. festival appearance in 2024. Known for their grandiose live shows, filled with elaborate stage setups and their iconic mascot Eddie, Iron Maiden’s set will likely be one of the most anticipated performances of the festival. With a career spanning decades, their setlist is expected to be a blend of timeless hits such as “The Trooper” and “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” along with material from their most recent album, Senjutsu. For fans who love Maiden’s epic storytelling and operatic vocals, this will be an unmissable show.
But that’s just the beginning. Pantera’s highly anticipated reunion will bring their signature groove metal back to the stage, fueling the pit with timeless anthems like “Walk” and “Cowboys from Hell.” Mötley Crüe, notorious for their wild stage antics and glam-metal theatrics, will turn back the clock with hits like “Kickstart My Heart” and “Dr. Feelgood,” delivering a high-energy, no-holds-barred performance that only they can provide. Judas Priest, pioneers of British heavy metal, will also add to the mayhem, further elevating the classic metal sound at the festival.
The diversity of the lineup is another highlight, with newer bands such as Five Finger Death Punch and Disturbed sharing the stage with metal veterans. Five Finger Death Punch’s intense live shows, complete with pyrotechnics and powerful vocals, are sure to resonate with modern metal fans. Meanwhile, Disturbed, known for their hard-hitting anthems like “Down with the Sickness” and “Stricken,” will bring their explosive energy to the crowd.
An Unmatched Supporting Cast
The headliners are supported by an impressive array of additional acts, making Aftershock 2024 a four-day marathon of music. Iconic bands like Evanescence, Breaking Benjamin, Staind, Falling in Reverse, and Halestorm will ensure that every day of the festival is packed with non-stop entertainment. Each band brings their unique style and fanbase, making the festival a cross-generational celebration of heavy music.
Evanescence, fronted by the powerful vocals of Amy Lee, will add a gothic touch to the festival with their haunting hits like “Bring Me to Life” and “My Immortal.” Breaking Benjamin, known for their blend of hard rock and post-grunge, are sure to keep the crowd engaged with tracks like “The Diary of Jane” and “I Will Not Bow.”
Staind, Falling in Reverse, Till Lindemann (the lead singer of Rammstein), and Rise Against are also slated to perform, each bringing their distinctive sounds to the Aftershock stage. With everything from Staind’s introspective grunge ballads to Falling in Reverse’s blend of post-hardcore and emo rap, the festival offers something for every rock fan.
And the surprises don’t end there. Bands like Mastodon, Anthrax, Architects, and Ministry will satisfy the craving for heavier, more complex sounds, while Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly will bring Celtic punk energy, ensuring fans can raise a pint while chanting along to their favorite tunes. For those looking for a political edge, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine will be delivering his signature guitar wizardry, while Cypress Hill adds a unique flavor with their blend of hip-hop and rock.
The Ultimate Festival Experience
More than just a music festival, Aftershock is an immersive experience that celebrates the culture of rock and metal. Discovery Park in Sacramento offers a perfect setting for the event, with its sprawling open space allowing for multiple stages, plenty of food and drink options, and merchandise stalls that cater to every fan’s needs. This year, the festival is expected to host over 160,000 attendees across the four days, making it one of the largest rock festivals in North America.
For fans seeking an elevated experience, Aftershock’s VIP offerings are worth the extra investment. VIP pass holders will have access to premium viewing areas near the main stages, exclusive lounges with gourmet food and drink options, and private bathrooms, making the long days more comfortable. VIP guests also get fast-track access to festival grounds, helping them avoid the lines and get to the action quicker. For superfans, meet-and-greet opportunities with the bands may be available, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festival.
And if you’re feeling lucky, there’s an even better way to attend. Consequence is giving away a pair of VIP passes to Aftershock 2024, offering one lucky winner the chance to experience the festival like a rock star. The VIP passes include access to all four days of the event, premium viewing areas, and exclusive perks that enhance the Aftershock experience. However, the prize does not include travel expenses, so the winner will need to make their way to Sacramento.
Beyond the Music
While the music is the main draw, Aftershock offers plenty of other activities to keep attendees entertained between sets. Art installations, food trucks, and pop-up shops selling everything from band merch to custom festival gear ensure there’s always something to explore. Sacramento’s local food scene will also be on full display, offering festival-goers a range of culinary options beyond the standard festival fare.
For those who want to take a break from the music, the festival grounds will feature shaded areas and seating to rest and recharge before diving back into the action. Attendees can also explore the city of Sacramento itself, with its vibrant cultural scene and historical landmarks just a short distance from Discovery Park.
The Biggest Aftershock Yet
According to Danny Wimmer, founder of Danny Wimmer Presents, the production company behind Aftershock, this year’s lineup is the most ambitious to date. “Get ready Sacramento,” Wimmer exclaimed when announcing the lineup. “This is the biggest Aftershock lineup we’ve ever curated, and the largest rock and metal festival ever put together in California.” With the combination of legendary headliners and diverse supporting acts, Aftershock 2024 is poised to be the highlight of the festival season.
Open only to residents of the United States. Winner must provide their own transportation and accommodations.
Fans who want to secure their place at the festival can still purchase four-day passes or single-day tickets, but they’re selling fast. With headliners like Slayer, Iron Maiden, and Slipknot, and the promise of an unforgettable festival experience, tickets are expected to sell out quickly.
Whether you’re a die-hard metal fan or just someone who loves a good rock show, Aftershock 2024 promises to deliver an unparalleled experience. From the exclusive performances of iconic bands.
