2025 is shaping up to be a banger of a year for metal and alternative fans, with a lineup of jaw-dropping gigs and festivals already being announced. Whether you’re into classic heavy hitters, emerging grassroots talent, or alternative acts pushing the boundaries of the scene, 2025 promises to be the best year for gigs yet.
Why Metal and Alternative Shows in 2025 Are Can’t-Miss Events
What makes 2025 particularly exciting is the sheer variety of acts and the diversity of venues. Big-name bands will be hitting the road with new albums in tow, while up-and-coming acts will be giving it their all at smaller venues. And with new albums expected from some of the biggest names in the genre, there’s no better time to catch your favourite bands live.
What to expect in 2025:
- Big Tours: Major headliners will be playing across the globe, bringing their latest albums to the UK.
- Festival Line-ups: Some of the best metal and alternative festivals are taking place in 2025, with killer lineups.
- Grassroots Acts: Expect some underground gems to rise in 2025.
- Special 2025 Anniversaries: Bands are celebrating iconic albums, milestones, and tours in 2025, offering fans the chance to witness historic performances.
Let’s dive into the best metal and alternative gigs in 2025 that you need to mark on your calendar.
The Best Metal and Alternative Gigs of 2025
Neck Deep – January 2025
Neck Deep is set to embark on The Dumbstruck Dumbf*ck Tour across the UK in January 2025. This highly anticipated tour will showcase the Welsh pop-punk band’s electrifying live performances, featuring hits from their latest album and fan favorites.
Bullet For My Valentine – January 2025
In early 2025, Bullet For My Valentine will join Trivium for a highly anticipated co-headline tour across the UK and Europe. Fans can expect an unforgettable experience as both bands perform their iconic albums, ‘The Poison’ and ‘Ascendancy’, in full. This powerhouse tour promises to deliver a night of metal mayhem with classic hits and fan favorites from two of the genre’s biggest acts.
Rise Against – February 2025
Rise Against will hit the road for a highly anticipated UK and Europe tour in early 2025, following their fall 2024 North American trek. Fans can expect a powerhouse setlist featuring the band’s signature blend of punk rock anthems and politically charged lyrics. Don’t miss the chance to see Rise Against live as they bring their high-energy performance to audiences across the UK and Europe.
Bowling For Soup – February 2025
Bowling For Soup will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their iconic album ‘A Hangover You Don’t Deserve’ with a special UK tour in February 2025. Fans can expect a nostalgic setlist packed with hits from the album, including fan favorites like “1985” and “Almost.” This milestone tour is a can’t-miss event for both long-time followers and new fans alike.
Dropkick Murphys – February 2025
Dropkick Murphys have announced a series of UK shows for February 2025, following their co-headline Australian tour with Alkaline Trio in November 2024. Fans can expect the band’s signature blend of Celtic punk and high-energy live performances as they take the stage across the UK. This upcoming run is set to be a must-see for Dropkick Murphys fans, offering an unforgettable night of music.
Bayside – February 2025
Bayside will celebrate their 25th anniversary with a special UK tour in February 2025, where they’ll perform two setseach night, giving fans an unforgettable experience. Expect a mix of classic tracks and fan favorites spanning their impressive career. This milestone tour promises to be an unmissable event for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
You Me At Six – February 2025
You Me At Six will bring their final tour to the UK and Ireland with an epic run of dates between February and April 2025. This highly anticipated tour will follow their Australian leg in January 2025 and a string of dates across Europein November/December 2024. Fans will be treated to an unforgettable farewell performance, celebrating the band’s incredible career with all their biggest hits.
Magnolia Park – February 2025
Magnolia Park have announced a special show at London’s Garage on February 17, 2025. This highly anticipated performance will showcase the band’s dynamic blend of alternative rock and pop-punk, promising an unforgettable night for fans in the UK.
State Champs – February 2025
State Champs will hit the road in February 2025 for a UK and Europe tour, in support of their highly anticipated new album. This follows their North American tour in winter 2024, where fans across the continent will get a first taste of their latest tracks.
Set It Off – February 2025
Set It Off have confirmed a UK tour for February 2025! The band will be bringing their signature blend of alt-pop and pop-punk to venues across the UK, delivering high-energy performances and fan-favorite tracks.
Silverstein – February 2025
Silverstein will celebrate their 25th anniversary with a special European tour in February/March 2025, including stops in London and Manchester. Fans can expect a nostalgic setlist featuring the band’s greatest hits from their iconic career. This milestone tour is a must-see for long-time supporters and newcomers alike.
Limp Bizkit – March 2025
Limp Bizkit will bring their high-octane Loserville Tour to the UK, Ireland, and Europe in spring 2025. Fans can expect the band’s signature mix of rap-rock anthems and electrifying live performances as they rock venues across the continent.
Knocked Loose – March 2025
Knocked Loose will support their highly anticipated new album with a UK and Europe tour in March 2025, following their North American leg in fall 2024. Expect an intense, high-energy set from the metalcore powerhouse as they bring their raw sound and powerful live show to fans across the UK and Europe.
BABYMETAL – May 2025
Babymetal will bring their unique fusion of J-pop and heavy metal to The O2 London as part of their European tour in May 2025. Fans can expect an unforgettable performance filled with high-energy songs, stunning choreography, and the band’s signature theatrical style.
The Used – May 2025
The Used will headline London’s Tufnell Park Dome in May 2025 as part of their 25th Anniversary Tour. Fans can expect a special setlist filled with fan favorites and iconic tracks from the band’s influential career. This milestone show promises to be a memorable night of post-hardcore anthems and high-energy performances.
Funeral For A Friend – June 2025
Funeral For A Friend will return to the stage with shows in Leeds and Cardiff in July 2025. Fans can expect an emotionally charged set from the Welsh post-hardcore legends, delivering both classic tracks and fan favorites from their iconic career.
Deftones – June 2025
Deftones will headline London’s Crystal Palace Park on June 29, 2025, bringing their signature alternative metal sound to one of the city’s most iconic outdoor venues. The show will feature special guests Weezer and High Vis, making it an unmissable night of live music. This performance follows stops in Halifax and The Eden Project earlier in the month.
Alexisonfire – Jul 2025
Alexisonfire will headline 2000 Trees Festival and play a highly anticipated show at London’s O2 Academy Brixton in July 2025. Fans can expect an electrifying performance from the Canadian post-hardcore legends, delivering both iconic tracks and new material. These two major events will mark a standout moment in their summer tour, promising unforgettable live experiences.
Pierce The Veil – September 2025
Pierce The Veil will hit the road on their I Can’t Hear You World Tour in autumn 2025, bringing a career-spanning set of songs to the UK, Ireland, and Europe. Fans can expect to hear a mix of the band’s biggest hits, fan favorites, and new tracks as they deliver an unforgettable performance across the continent.
Atreyu – September 2025
Atreyu will bring The Curse Tour to the UK and Europe in autumn 2025. Fans can expect a powerful live experience as the band performs tracks from their iconic album “The Curse” along with other fan favorites. This highly anticipated tour promises to be a must-see for long-time followers and newcomers alike.
Parkway Drive – October 2025
Parkway Drive will celebrate their milestone 20th anniversary with a special World Tour across the UK and Europe in autumn 2025. Expect an unforgettable live experience as the Australian metalcore giants perform a mix of their biggest hits and fan favorites from their legendary career.
Electric Callboy – November 2025
Electric Callboy will bring their high-energy show to London in November 2025 as part of their European tour. Known for their electrifying mix of metalcore, techno, and humor, the band promises a wild night of live music and entertainment.
Key Festivals to Look Out For in 2025
2025 is shaping up to be a huge year for metal and alternative music festivals. Whether you’re into doom, thrash, hardcore, or anything in between, these festivals are not to be missed.
1. Download Festival 2025 (UK)
Download is one of the biggest metal festivals in the world, and 2025 promises to be bigger than ever. Expect a killer lineup with some of the biggest names in metal, plus rising stars across all genres of rock and metal.
Headliners: Green Day, Sleep Token, Korn.
2. Hellfest 2025 (France)
Hellfest has become a staple in the metal community, and it’s known for its diverse lineups that include everything from classic heavy metal to extreme sub-genres like black metal and death metal. 2025’s festival promises a mix of legendary bands and the newest acts pushing the boundaries of metal.
Headliners: Korn, Muse, Scorpions, Linkin Park
3. Rock am Ring 2025 (Germany)
Rock am Ring is another legendary festival, and it consistently draws some of the best rock and metal acts. Expect an eclectic mix of alternative, metalcore, and post-hardcore bands, alongside massive headliners from the mainstream rock world.
Headliners: Bring Me The Horizon, The Prodigy, k.i.z.
4. Wacken Open Air 2025 (Germany)
Wacken remains the mecca of metal festivals, and 2025 will surely be another banner year for the festival. Whether you’re a fan of thrash, heavy metal, or progressive metal, Wacken promises to deliver an all-star lineup, fantastic atmosphere, and unforgettable performances.
Headliners: Guns N’ Roses
Sold Out.
5. Louder Than Life 2025 (USA)
Louder Than Life has quickly become one of the top festivals for metal and alternative fans in the U.S., and 2025 will be no exception. Expect everything from hard rock and metal to alternative and industrial, with massive headliners alongside under-the-radar acts you don’t want to miss.
Headliners: Slayer
6. Slam Dunk (UK)
Slam Dunk Festival UK 2025 is set to be a must-attend event for fans of pop-punk, alternative rock, and hardcore. The festival has earned its reputation as one of the best in the UK, bringing together huge headliners and exciting up-and-coming acts from across the scene. In 2025, you can expect an unforgettable mix of high-energy performances, crowd favorites, and a few surprises. Whether you’re into the latest punk anthems or nostalgic hits, Slam Dunk Festival will deliver a diverse lineup that you won’t want to miss.
Headliners: A Day To Remember
7. Outbreak Festival (UK)
Outbreak Festival UK 2025 will once again be the ultimate destination for fans of hardcore, metalcore, and punk. Known for its raw energy and diverse lineup, the festival brings together some of the most powerful and boundary-pushing acts from both the underground and the mainstream. Expect a relentless mix of aggressive riffs, emotional intensity, and unforgettable live moments, with a blend of established headliners and rising stars that are sure to make an impact.
Headliners: Turnstile
8. Vans Warped Tour (USA)
Vans Warped Tour 2025 will return to deliver another iconic year of punk, pop-punk, emo, and alternative rock. Known for its diverse lineup and unforgettable atmosphere, Warped Tour will once again bring together legendary headliners alongside the next generation of breakout acts. Fans can expect a non-stop celebration of the scene’s best, with high-energy performances, collaborations, and a few surprises along the way.
Headliners: TBC
Tickets here. (Orlando only, Washington and Long Beach sold out)
9. When We Were Young Festival (USA)
When We Were Young Festival 2025 is set to return as the ultimate gathering for fans of pop-punk, emo, and alternative rock. Building on its explosive success, the festival will once again bring together an epic lineup of both iconic bands from the early 2000s and today’s hottest acts. Expect a full day of nostalgia-packed sets, anthemic singalongs, and high-energy performances that will transport you back to the golden era of the genre. When We Were Young Festival 2025 is the must-attend event for anyone who grew up with the sounds of pop-punk and emo, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for fans of all ages.
Headliners: Panic! At The Disco, blink-182
Sold Out.
10. 2000Trees (UK)
2000trees Festival 2025 will once again be the ultimate destination for fans of indie, alternative rock, and post-hardcore. Known for its intimate setting and curated lineup, the festival will bring together an eclectic mix of up-and-coming bands and established favorites. With stunning scenery, a community-focused atmosphere, and some of the best live performances in the UK, 2000trees is the perfect place to discover new music and connect with fellow fans. Expect a weekend filled with raw energy, incredible performances, and a celebration of the best underground and alternative acts of 2025.
Headliners: Kneecap, Pvris!, Taking Back Sunday, Coheed & Cambria, Alexisonfire
Tips for Making the Most of Your Concerts in 2025
While you’re gearing up for gigs in 2025, here are some tips to ensure the best experience possible:
- Get Your Tickets Early: Gigs can sell out fast, especially when big names are involved. Be sure to grab your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
- Plan for Travel: If you’re heading to a festival or gig in a different city, plan your travel and accommodations ahead of time. Many venues and festivals offer special packages or discounted rates for fans.
- Check the Lineup: For festivals, be sure to check the full lineup and make sure you don’t miss any of your favorite acts. Make a schedule and map out your must-see bands.
- Bring Ear Protection: Metal gigs can get loud, as you know, and your ears will thank you for the extra protection. Invest in high-quality earplugs designed for concerts to protect your hearing without compromising sound quality.
- Stay Hydrated: Whether you’re in a packed venue or out in the summer heat at a festival, staying hydrated is key. Keep a water bottle with you and take regular breaks.
With so many incredible gigs and festivals lined up, 2025 is going to be a year to remember. Whether you’re catching one of the world’s biggest acts at a massive festival or supporting underground talent at a local venue, 2025 will be one of the alternative scene’s biggest year ever. So start marking your calendar, grab your tickets, and get ready for some unforgettable shows.
Stay tuned for updates as more gigs for 2025 are announced!
High Fives & Stage Dives 