Does Sick New World work when System of a Down remain the headliner? Was the festival too ambitious when it attempted to secure Metallica and Linkin Park with $5 million guarantees that ultimately led to the cancellation of the 2025 edition? Or, perhaps, a bit of both? Either way, the event appears set to return in 2026, once again with System of a Down at the top of the bill.
According to a video on Reddit, frontman Serj Tankian confirmed the news during a recent signing, where he revealed the band’s return to the festival next year. After headlining the first two editions, Sick New World faltered this year after changing things up with a costly lineup. Sluggish ticket sales forced organizers to cancel well before the gates opened.
Hints of the 2026 revival surfaced during System of a Down’s summer shows. Drummer John Dolmayan had already hinted back in 2024 that the festival would be back. While no official announcement has been made, Sick New World has traditionally taken place in April in Las Vegas.
Serj confirms snw 2026 and they’ll be there.
byu/Confident_Pie_6450 inSickNewWorld
