Louder Than Life Topped By Return Of Slayer, Mötley Crüe, Slipknot, Korn

The four-day Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, Kentucky, has announced a typically stacked lineup of dozens of rock and metal artists, plus the return of thrash metal pioneers Slayer, the band’s first announced gig since wrapping a farewell tour in late 2019.

Taking place Sept. 26-29 at Highland Festival Grounds At Kentucky Exposition Center, the Danny Wimmer Presents-produced event celebrates 10 years in existence. Also on the lineup are Disturbed, Judas Priest, Evanescence, Falling In Reverse, Five Finger Death Punch, The Offspring, Staind, Till Lindemann and many others. The music takes place on five full stages.

“We’re thrilled to announce that Slayer will be reuniting for an earth-shattering performance at Louder Than Life,” DWP founder Danny Wimmer said in the announcement. ”I was at their last show at The Forum in 2019 and have been working since then to bring them back to the Louder stage! With over 140 bands on five stages, we’re celebrating our 10th Louder Than Life with the biggest lineup yet! P.S., come out and celebrate with us at TAJ this Saturday and we’ll buy your first drink.”

It was also announced Slayer would be reuniting to perform at Riot Festival in Chicago Sept. 20-22, in what organizers are calling an exclusive Midwest performance. The rest of that lineup is forthcoming.

For Louder Than Life, close to 150 total music acts will be taking part, to go along with Louisville-based and inspired spirits and cuisine.

The 2023 edition marked a new attendance record for the event, with 180,000 people across its four days. Tickets are on sale now, with multiple VIP options available including new Loud Lounge Suites with bottle service, premium parking and other perks. Camping passes are sold out, although there is a waitlist. JamPack hotel packages are also available.

The event takes place at the same site and following weekend of DWP’s multi-genre Bourbon and Beyond festival, this year topped by Zach Bryan, Neil Young , Dave Matthews Band and Tyler Childers, also four days Sept. 19-22.

DWP Global Head of Talent Del Williams told Pollstar that adding 40-50 artists per festival was in direct response to fan feedback. It seems to have paid off, with DWP execs saying tickets were selling at a rapid clip for the company.

The company’s Welcome To Rockville’s lineup is topped by Foo Fighters, Motley Crue, Limp Bizkit and Slipknot, while Golden Sky in December announced Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett and Luke Bryan. Meanwhile, Iron Maiden was announced to be headlining one of the days for Aftershock in Sacramento.

Williams says to not be surprised if 2024 sees record numbers for those festivals, which have continued to grow post-COVID.