Last year, Consequence named Louder Than Life its Festival of the Year. The four-day Louisville extravaganza blew us away with a stellar lineup featuring Nine Inch Nails, Red Hot Chili Pepper, KISS, Slipknot, and dozens more. The 2023 lineup is just as impressive, with headliners Foo Fighters, Tool, Avenged Sevenfold, and Green Day, not to mention Limp Bizkit, Pantera, Turnstile, and more.
This year’s fest takes place September 21st-24th at the Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Expo Center for the four-day event.
Thursday (September 21st) will feature a more alt-rock vibe, with Foo Fighters leading a bill that includes Weezer, Rancid, 311, Coheed and Cambria, Code Orange, Deafheaven, L7, and more.
On Friday (September 22nd), headbangers should be pleased with Tool, Godsmack, Limp Bizkit, Megadeth, Corey Taylor, Avatar, and others.
Saturday (September 23rd) keeps the heaviness going with Avenged Sevenfold, Falling in Reverse, Pierce the Veil, Parkway Drive, BABYMETAL. Dethklok, and more.
And the fest will close out with a punk vibe on Sunday (September 24th), as Green Day top a bill featuring Queens of the Stone Age, Turnstile, Run the Jewels, Flogging Molly, The Interrupters, and several other acts.
It can be a bit overwhelming to decide which bands to catch on each day, so we’re doing some of the work for you, listing 10 acts that are absolutely “can’t miss” at this year’s Louder Than Life fest.
See our list of 10 Must-See Acts to Catch at Louder Than Life and the lineup poster below, and pick up last-minute tickets to the festival here.
Foo Fighters (Thursday)
Foo Fighters, photo by Alex Kluft
As one of the world’s premier live acts, Dave Grohl and company always give fans their money’s worth. Following the tragic passing of drummer Taylor Hawkins last year, the Foos have dedicated themselves to keeping his memory and energy alive. While Hawkins is sorely missed, new stickman Josh Freese is a beast behind the kit. Expect an emotionally charged set from the recent Rock & Roll Hall of Famers.
Rancid (Thursday)
Rancid, photo by Raymond Ahner
Rancid are sure to fire up the pit with their infectious punk classics. Expect the energy to never stop as singer-guitarists Tim Armstrong and Lars Frederiksen lead the band on such favorites as “Salvation,” “Time Bomb,” and “Ruby Soho,” among countless other memorable tunes.
Code Orange (Thursday)
Code Orange, photo by Josh Druding
One of the most dynamic bands to emerge in the past decade, Code Orange hit you over the head with their unique amalgam of metalcore, industrial, and alternative rock. Fans are sure to be treated to songs off the band’s upcoming album, The Above, which drops September 29th.
Tool (Friday)
Tool, photo by Alex Kluft
Tool will perform under the night sky on Friday, and will surely mesmerize the audience with their epic brand of progressive metal. Thirty-plus years into the band’s iconic career, singer Maynard James Keenan remains a mystifying presence onstage, with guitarist Adam Jones, bassist Justin Chancellor, and drummer Danny Carey each masters of their craft.
Limp Bizkit (Friday)
Limp Bizkit, photo by Amy Harris
Fred Durst and company have embraced a care-free attitude over the past couple years, with the frontman donning silly outfits and wigs, as he seemingly takes on a different persona at each show. With nu-metal getting a newfound respect these days, fans are once again rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ with Limp Bizkit.
Fever 333 (Friday)
Jason Aalon Butler of Fever 333 performs at Welcome to Rockville at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (Photo by Amy Harris)
Fever 333 underwent a lineup overhaul recently, but as long as frontman Jason Aalon Butler is around, it’s a guaranteed dynamite gig. Butler is one of the greatest live performers of his generation, adding danger and excitement to every show he plays.
Pantera (Saturday)
Pantera at Metlife Stadium (Aug. 4), photo by Johnny Perilla
While some purists refuse to acknowledge this new incarnation of the band as Pantera, this is a chance for a younger generation of fans to witness the most powerful metal act of the ’90s rise again. Classic members Philip Anselmo and Rex Brown are joined by Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante in honoring the memory of Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, and there’s no denying the massive might of songs like “Walk,” “A New Level,” and “Cowboys From Hell.”
BABYMETAL (Saturday)
BABYMETAL perform at Terminal 5 in NYC, photo by Kevin RC WIlson
Japanese pop-metal sensations BABYMETAL are a sight to behold. There’s really no band to compare them to, as they combine extreme metal with infectious choruses and mindblowing choreography. Don’t miss a chance to see this truly dazzling act, as they tour North America behind their latest album, The Other One.
Green Day (Sunday)
Green Day, photo by Joshua Druding
If you’ve never seen Green Day live, you’re in for a treat. Billie Joe Armstong is one of rock’s greatest showmen, often whipping up the crowd into a frenzy with his banter and onstage antics. And the band has hits for days, meaning you’ll never go too long without hearing a familiar song.
Turnstile (Sunday)
Turnstile, photo by Josh Druding
Baltimore hardcore act Turnstile took a quantum leap with their 2021 album Glow On. Already known for their electrifying live shows, the band soared to new heights with songs like “Mystery,” “Blackout,” and “Holiday.” For those who mistakenly think that rock is dead, go see these guys in concert — and your mind will be changed in a minute.
