Slipknot Makes History with Live Debut of ‘Gematria (The Killing Name)’ in Melbourne

Witness the unforgettable moment as Slipknot performs ‘Gematria (The Killing Name)’ live for the first time ever in Melbourne. Catch the highlights here!

A Historic Night for Slipknot Fans

On February 28, 2025, Slipknot delivered a monumental performance in Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse, where they played their 2008 track ‘Gematria (The Killing Name)’ for the very first time. The excitement was palpable as fans packed the venue, eagerly awaiting this historic moment.

Slipknot's performance was part of a mini tour across Australia, and they dug deep into their extensive catalogue to give fans a thrilling live debut of a song that has long been a fan favorite yet never graced the stage until now.

The Story Behind ‘Gematria (The Killing Name)’

‘Gematria (The Killing Name)’ first appeared on Slipknot’s fourth studio album, ‘All Hope Is Gone’, released in 2008. Frontman Corey Taylor has previously expressed his love for the track but noted that the rest of the band was hesitant to include it in their setlists. In a 2023 interview with All Things Music, he famously quipped, “Unless the Pope ends up opening up for Slipknot someday, that shit will never happen.”

However, the band’s decision to break that vow and play the song live was a delightful surprise for fans, proving that anything can happen at a Slipknot concert.

Watch the Historic Performance

You can relive the moment below:

Slipknot’s Setlist from the Melbourne Show

The setlist for the Melbourne show was packed with fan favorites, showcasing the band's energetic performance style. Here’s what they played on that unforgettable night:

1. ‘(sic)’
2. ‘People = Shit’
3. ‘Gematria (The Killing Name)’
4. ‘Wait And Bleed’
5. ‘No Life’
6. ‘Yen’
7. ‘The Devil In I’
8. ‘The Heretic Anthem’
9. ‘Psychosocial’
10. ‘Unsainted’
11. ‘Duality’
12. ‘Spit It Out’
13. ‘Surfacing’
14. ‘Scissors’

What’s Next for Slipknot?

Following their Australian and New Zealand tour, Slipknot is set to embark on a European tour starting in June. The tour will kick off at the Sweden Rock Festival in Sölvesborg, Sweden, on June 4, 2025. They will travel through several countries, including Germany, France, and Italy, before wrapping up at Barcelona’s Rock Fest and Viveiro Resurrectionfest. Fans can grab remaining tickets here.

In a previous show in London, Taylor addressed the crowd with heartfelt gratitude, stating:

“The first thing I want to say to you is how grateful, how much we appreciate and how much we love every fucking one of you here in this building. 25 years ago, we released our very first Slipknot album and a lot of people around the world really gravitated towards us, but no one took us in like this fucking city and this fucking country. That’s why London, England will always be Slipknot’s home away from home.”

Conclusion

This live debut of ‘Gematria (The Killing Name)’ marks a significant milestone for both Slipknot and their dedicated fanbase. The band continues to surprise and delight, proving that their legacy is far from over.

FAQs:

• What prompted Slipknot to play ‘Gematria (The Killing Name)’ live? The band decided it was time to give fans what they’ve been craving, despite past hesitations.
• How does ‘Gematria (The Killing Name)’ fit into Slipknot’s discography? It’s a powerful track from their fourth studio album, showcasing their signature sound.
• When is Slipknot’s European tour starting? The tour kicks off on June 4, 2025, at the Sweden Rock Festival.
• What can fans expect from Slipknot’s future tours? A mix of classic hits and possibly more surprises like ‘Gematria’!
• Is there a chance of more live debuts in the future? Given their recent performance choices, fans can certainly hope for more surprises!

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