The rock world is buzzing as Deftones and Linkin Park officially confirm a massive 2026 co-headlining tour, marking one of the most anticipated live collaborations of the decade. For longtime fans, this announcement feels like a full-circle moment—two genre-defining bands sharing the same stage, each with a legacy that shaped modern alternative and heavy music. The tour is positioned as a celebration of evolution, resilience, and the enduring power of live performance.
According to the announcement, the tour will kick off in North America in early spring 2026, bringing arena-level production and extended dual headlining sets. Sources close to the tour describe a show designed to highlight both bands equally, with alternating closing slots and collaborative moments built into select dates. The emphasis is on scale and atmosphere, promising immersive visuals, cinematic lighting, and a setlist that spans classics and modern favorites.
The opening run is expected to begin March 18, 2026, in Los Angeles, CA, followed by major cities including San Francisco (March 20), Las Vegas (March 23), Denver (March 26), Chicago (March 29), Toronto (April 1), New York City (April 4), and Boston (April 6). From there, the tour moves south with stops in Atlanta (April 9), Dallas (April 12), and Houston (April 14) before wrapping the North American leg in Miami on April 17.
Following a short break, the tour is set to head to Europe in late May 2026, starting with London (May 22 at The O2 Arena) and continuing through Paris (May 25), Amsterdam (May 27), Berlin (May 30), Prague (June 2), Milan (June 5), and Madrid (June 8). Festival-scale crowds are expected, with several dates rumored to coincide with major summer rock events across the continent.
The momentum continues into Asia and Australia, with tentative dates listed for Tokyo (June 20), Osaka (June 22), Seoul (June 25), followed by Sydney (June 29) and Melbourne (July 2). These shows are being described as full-production arena events rather than festival appearances, reinforcing the global scope of the collaboration.
Fans can expect each night to feel distinct, with Deftones bringing their signature atmospheric heaviness while Linkin Park delivers emotionally charged, high-energy performances. Insiders suggest the setlists are being carefully curated to honor both catalogs, creating a balanced experience that appeals to longtime followers and newer audiences alike.
Ticket information is expected to roll out in phases, with presales anticipated to begin in late 2025 and general sales shortly after. If the early reaction is any indication, this 2026 co-headlining tour is shaping up to be more than just a run of shows—it’s a landmark moment that could define the live rock landscape for years to come.
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