Metallica and Linkin Park were set to make $5 million to perform at Sick New World

The 2025 edition of Sick New World, originally set for April 12 at Las Vegas Festival Grounds, has officially been canceled by Live Nation. The festival, which had secured headliners Metallica and a reunited Linkin Park, faced insurmountable challenges despite its initial success since debuting in 2023.

The festival, known for its massive lineups of 50+ heavy and alternative rock acts, struggled to navigate a transition in management after the departure of its creator, Jeffrey Shuman, earlier this year. After Live Nation handed the reins to C3 Presents and veteran buyer Huston Powell, the original lineup was trimmed, but the financial strain remained.

Key factors included:

• Enormous Artist Guarantees: Reports suggest Metallica and Linkin Park were each set to earn $5 million, necessitating a near sell-out event.
• Lagging Ticket Sales: Only about 20,000 of the festival's 60,000 capacity were sold, far short of what was needed to break even.
• Price Barriers: GA tickets started at $472, with VIP packages climbing to $1,873, pricing many fans out.
• Alternative-Heavy Lineup: While the festival maintained its focus on heavy rock, some fans pointed to the inclusion of alternative acts like AFI, The Flaming Lips, and 311 as a shift from its original draw.

In announcing the decision, Live Nation expressed regret, stating:

Despite our best efforts, we've encountered unforeseen circumstances that we are unable to overcome for next year's show. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the dedicated SNW fans who had made plans to join us for another cultural celebration of hard rock, goth, alternative, and heavy music.

Refunds are expected for ticket holders, and bands booked for the festival will reportedly receive partial payouts from their original guarantees.

This marks a significant blow to the festival landscape, underscoring the financial volatility that continues to challenge large-scale events.

[via Vital Vegas]