Korn Ignite Ottawa with Explosive Start to Kanada Tour

Nu metal pioneers Korn kicked off their highly anticipated Kanada Tour with a thunderous performance at Ottawa’s Canadian Tire Centre on September 17th. With support from Loathe and Gojira, the night was a full-on assault of heavy sound, flashing lights, and raw emotion, everything fans could hope for to mark the tour’s opening night.

Loathe Set the Tone

The evening opened with British band Loathe, whose industrial-tinged nu metal brought an immediate intensity to the arena. Hailing from Liverpool, the band wasted no time stirring the crowd into motion. Circle pits broke out early, as fans responded enthusiastically to the band’s brooding yet aggressive set. Ottawa was warmed up and ready.

Gojira Bring the Fire

French metal juggernauts Gojira took the stage next, unleashing a sonic and visual onslaught. Opening with “Only Pain,” their set was a masterclass in precision and power. Pyrotechnics lit up the stage while the band’s signature blend of technical riffing and atmospheric heaviness reverberated throughout the arena. The smoke, fire, and sheer wall of sound made for an unforgettable performance. And if you haven’t seen their Olympics 2024 performance, head to YT right now!

Korn Rip Through Hits with Relentless Energy

Then came the moment the crowd had been waiting for. As the house lights dimmed and the first notes of “Blind” echoed through the arena, the roar was deafening. Korn launched into a setlist that spanned their 30-year career, delivering hits like “Coming Undone,” complete with a surprise “We Will Rock You” interlude and “Shoots and Ladders,” which seamlessly morphed into a powerful cover of Metallica’s “One.”

The production was just as intense as the music. A dazzling display of lasers and lighting elevated the already massive energy on stage, yet Korn never lost the gritty, down-tuned sound that made them legend.

The night concluded with a four-song encore, culminating in a crushing rendition of “Freak on a Leash.” Fans sang every word, ending the night on a high note that echoed long after the lights went out.

Korn’s Kanada Tour is off to a ferocious start. With stellar openers, jaw-dropping visuals, and a setlist built to satisfy longtime fans. Their Ottawa kickoff proved that Korn are still masters of their craft and nowhere near slowing down.

Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!

Korn: Kanada 2025 Tour dates:
Sep. 19 – Quebec City, QC – Videotron Centre
Sep. 20 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
Sep. 22 – London, ON – Canada Life Place
Sep. 25 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre
Sep. 28 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome
Sep. 29 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place
Oct. 01 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena

KORN

GOJIRA

LOATHE

All Photo Credit: Kieran Delport