The Sick New World festival, previously set to feature Metallica and Linkin Park, faced cancellation this year due to disappointing ticket sales. By December 2024, only 20,000 of the needed 60,000 tickets had been sold, with high price points starting at $472 creating a barrier for many fans. Live Nation cited “unforeseen circumstances” as the reason for this setback.
Despite the difficulties, Live Nation has announced an optimistic revival of the Sick New World festival, planning not just one, but two events in 2026. The first festival will take place on April 25, 2026, in Las Vegas, and a second installment is scheduled for October 24, 2026, in Fort Worth. Promotional signs have begun appearing around Las Vegas, and while details on the lineup are scarce, System of a Down, who previously performed at the festival in 2023 and 2024, is expected to return.
In addition to the festival news, R&B icon Babyface has announced his continued residency at the Pearl Concert Theater located in the Palms Casino Resort for 2026. The artist will perform on four holiday weekends, including Valentine’s Day and Labor Day, with tickets going on sale starting October 24.
Country music star Kenny Chesney will also make his return to Las Vegas with new performances slated for the Sphere venue, following a successful run of 15 shows earlier this year. An official announcement from the venue, hinting at further details, is anticipated soon.
With these positive developments in Las Vegas’ music scene, fans can look forward to an exciting year ahead filled with diverse musical experiences and notable performances.