UPDATE: In an electrifying announcement, Serj Tankian, frontman of System of a Down, has confirmed that the band will headline the Sick New World festival in 2026. This comes after the festival’s cancellation for April 12, 2025 due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
During a recent signing event, footage of Tankian assuring a fan about the band’s participation went viral, igniting excitement among fans worldwide. Metal Injection reports that this revelation aligns with hints dropped during the band’s summer stadium tour, where animated Sick New World mascots appeared on screens, suggesting a strong connection to the upcoming festival.
The festival was initially set to feature major acts like Metallica and Linkin Park, but organizers had to announce the disappointing cancellation last November. “It is with great disappointment that we announce that Sick New World will no longer take place in Las Vegas,” the organizers stated. They expressed their gratitude to fans for their support and encouraged them to stay tuned for updates, promising automatic refunds for tickets purchased through Front Gate Tickets.
Tankian also provided insights into the band’s future music endeavors while appearing on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk. Although he stated that new music from System of a Down isn’t in the immediate plans, he emphasized the ongoing creative work among band members. “We’re all working on music,” he said, highlighting that guitarist Daron Malakian has released a record with Scars On Broadway, which he praised.
As fans eagerly await further details about the 2026 Sick New World festival, the confirmation from Tankian adds an exciting layer of anticipation. The next steps involve finalizing the festival lineup and logistics, ensuring a spectacular return to the hard rock scene.
Stay connected for more updates on the Sick New World festival and the latest from System of a Down as they prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable event. Fans can expect more news in the coming months as the festival date approaches.
