Slayer have been announced as headliners for the 2025 Louder Than Life festival, set for September 18th through the 21st in Louisville, Kentucky.
Fest organizers wasted no time announcing the return of Slayer after the thrash legends’ 2024 appearance at the fest was washed out by Hurricane Helene. While the other three days of the 2024 edition did take place last month, Slayer were among the acts that didn’t perform due to the cancellation of Day 2.
“We can’t wait to welcome fans back to finish what we started this year and celebrate the return of Slayer,” said festival promoter Danny Wimmer in a press release. “Our team is hard at work finalizing an incredible lineup that we can’t wait to reveal this winter. It’s going to be epic, and we can’t wait to see everyone back in Louisville next September.”
As previously reported, heavy rain and dangerous winds due to the remnants of Hurricane Helene forced promoters to eventually call off Day 2 of the festival after delaying opening gates. Sadly, fans who had traveled to see a reunited Slayer did not get to see the band that weekend, and sets by Anthrax, Evanescence, Tom Morello, and many more were also nixed. As a consolation, Friday ticket holders and four-day pass holders were offered an opportunity to see Slayer at the Aftershock festival, also presented by Wimmer, in Sacramento earlier this month.
In addition to announcing Slayer’s appearance at the 2025 fest, Danny Wimmer Presents has also revealed that single-day Friday ticket holders for the 2024 edition of Louder Than Life will receive a full refund, while four-day pass holders will get a 25-percent refund.
Slayer’s Aftershock set and their previous performance at Riot Fest went off without a hitch, however, and saw the reunited thrashers running through a career-spanning set. News of their booking at Louder Than Life 2025 also indicates that the band may continue playing other festivals next year.
Meanwhile, Slayer fans also have the opportunity to catch guitarist Kerry King and his solo band when they embark on a North American tour early next year. Previous concerts have seen the axeman playing a mix of Slayer material and songs from his solo debut, From Hell I Rise. Get tickets here.