On September 22nd, the legendary nu-metal pioneers Korn descended on London Ontario, bringing more than three decades of musical evolution, raw emotion, and unmatched stage energy to the Canada Life Place. For fans both new generation and OG’s, the night was a reminder of why Korn remains one of the most influential nu metal bands of all time.
A Legacy That Still Hits Hard
Touring for over 31 years, Korn has never lost their ability to connect with audiences. What stood out most was not only the heaviness of their setlist but also the way it was woven into a narrative that spanned the band’s entire career. For someone like myself, who first discovered Korn in my early high school days, standing in the media pit nearly two decades later, camera in hand, writing a professional review of their show felt surreal. Their music has been the soundtrack to so many chapters of people’s lives, and that nostalgia was palpable in the arena.
A Diverse Audience, United by Music
One of the most striking things about the night was the diversity in the crowd. Generations of fans filled the venue—OG die-hards from the 90s, mid-2000s listeners, and even children under 10, proudly singing along with their parents to songs that came out decades before they were born. It was proof of Korn’s cultural longevity: this wasn’t just a concert, but a multi-generational gathering that spoke to how deeply their music continues to resonate.
Human Connection and Compassion
Before the show even began, there was a moment that defined the spirit of the night. Drummer Ray Luzier came out early to greet fans, handing out drumsticks and taking photos, particularly with those in the accessible seating section. The most touching moment came when he gave a drumstick and personal words of encouragement to a young fan with cerebral palsy. As someone who has a family member with cerebral palsy, I was deeply moved by this act of compassion. It revealed the heart behind the heaviness: Korn isn’t just a band, but a family that values inclusivity and human connection.
The Setlist: A Journey Through Time
Korn crafted a set that balanced nostalgia with intensity, opening with the explosive “Blind”, the song that introduced the world to their groundbreaking sound. From there, the set unfolded like a history lesson in nu-metal:
- Blind
- Twist
- Here to Stay
- Got the Life
- Clown
- Did My Time
- Porno Creep
- Shoots and Ladders (with the haunting outro of Metallica’s “One”)
- Cold
- Coming Undone (with a crowd-shaking nod to Queen’s “We Will Rock You”)
- Twisted Transistor
- A.D.I.D.A.S.
- Dirty
- Somebody Someone
- Y’All Want a Single
ENCORES
- 4 U (a heartfelt tribute to Ozzy Osbourne)
- Falling Away From Me
- Divine
- Freak on a Leash
The highlight for many was “Shoots and Ladders”, punctuated by Jonathan Davis’ haunting bagpipes before weaving into the heavy outro of Metallica’s “One.” The tribute to Ozzy Osbourne with “4 U” was another standout, a reminder of how Korn honours the icons who paved the way for them.
Visuals and Atmosphere
The light show was nothing short of phenomenal, every beat seemed choreographed with bursts of strobes, deep washes of red and blue, and massive backlighting that silhouetted the band against the roar of the crowd. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a sensory experience that pulled you into the darkness and catharsis Korn is known for. Jonathan Davis’ bagpipes added another layer of theatrics, bridging heaviness with tradition in a way only Korn can.
Fan Interaction and Energy
Jonathan Davis, Fieldy, Head, Munky, and Ray fed off the energy of the crowd all night long. There were moments where Davis would pause and let the audience sing entire verses back at him, the thousands of voices rising as one. When the band broke into “Coming Undone” with a snippet of “We Will Rock You,” the arena erupted into a massive singalong that transcended genre and generation.
Closing Thoughts
By the time the night closed with “Freak on a Leash,” the energy in the Canada Life Centre had reached its peak. Parents hoisted their kids onto their shoulders, mosh pits churned, and fans who had been following Korn since their debut stood side-by-side with teenagers who had just discovered them on streaming services. That’s the power of Korn: they are timeless.
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
This wasn’t just a concert, it was a communal release, a celebration of resilience, connection, and the enduring legacy of a band that continues to evolve without losing their soul. Korn reminded London, Ontario that after three decades, they are still here to stay.
