2026 POWER TRIP RETURNS: FOO FIGHTERS, METALLICA, IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, GUNS N’ ROSES & TOOL UNITE FOR THE ULTIMATE ROCK SPECTACLE — OFFICIAL SET TIMES UNVEILED
By Rock Chronicle Global – October 24, 2025
The desert is calling once again — and it’s roaring louder than ever. The 2026 Power Trip Festival has officially been announced, and it’s shaping up to be the most electrifying rock event of the decade. After the unprecedented success of the inaugural Power Trip in 2023, which brought together six of the world’s most legendary heavy rock bands, fans had been eagerly waiting for another monumental gathering. Now, that moment has arrived.
This time, the lineup reads like a dream etched in the pages of rock history: Foo Fighters, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Guns N’ Roses, and Tool. Six titans of modern and classic rock. Six acts that have each defined entire generations. Together, they’re set to deliver three nights of unrelenting power, emotion, and musical mastery under the desert sky.
A Lineup Beyond Imagination
Few festivals in modern history have carried such weight. Power Trip 2026 isn’t just a concert — it’s a reunion of the loudest brotherhood in music. The announcement came early Friday morning via the festival’s official website and social media platforms, instantly igniting global fan communities into a frenzy. Within hours, hashtags like #PowerTrip2026, #MetallicaReturns, and #FooFightersDesertSet were trending worldwide.
The lineup order has been officially revealed along with the long-anticipated set times — giving fans a glimpse of the musical storm awaiting them:
Friday, October 2, 2026
- Judas Priest — 6:30 PM
- Iron Maiden — 8:30 PM
Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Foo Fighters — 6:45 PM
- Guns N’ Roses — 9:00 PM
Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Tool — 6:30 PM
- Metallica — 9:00 PM
Each night promises to deliver its own flavor of rock mastery — from Priest’s leather-and-chrome metal assault to Foo Fighters’ anthemic modern rock, from Tool’s hypnotic soundscapes to Metallica’s unstoppable thrash energy.
A Return to the Desert: The Empire Polo Club Legacy
Just like the 2023 edition, Power Trip 2026 will be held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California — a venue now synonymous with epic musical gatherings like Coachella and Stagecoach. But Power Trip transforms this space into something wholly different: a sonic pilgrimage for the disciples of heavy music.
Organizers, including Goldenvoice, have promised an upgraded production design that will redefine the desert concert experience. Massive LED towers, pyrotechnic-laden stages, and immersive sound engineering will ensure that every riff, every scream, and every drumbeat echoes through the night.
A statement from Goldenvoice CEO Paul Tollett emphasized the goal of surpassing even the original Power Trip:
“This isn’t just about bringing bands together. It’s about creating a space where rock’s legacy and future collide — a moment where generations unite under one sound.”
Foo Fighters: The Spirit of Survival
For Foo Fighters, this marks their first appearance at Power Trip — and it carries immense emotional weight. Following the loss of beloved drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022, the band’s resurgence under Dave Grohl’s fearless leadership has been nothing short of inspiring. Their 2025 world tour proved they remain one of the most vital forces in live music, delivering raw energy and heartfelt emotion night after night.
Grohl, speaking in a recent interview, hinted at surprises for the Power Trip crowd:
“This festival is about power — not just in volume, but in heart. We’re bringing something special to Indio. It’s going to be a celebration of everything rock stands for.”
Metallica: The Kings Return
When Metallica takes the stage to close Power Trip 2026, it won’t just be another performance — it will be a coronation. Still riding the success of their 72 Seasons world tour, the band continues to prove that their intensity hasn’t dimmed one bit after four decades. Their set is expected to blend timeless classics like “Master of Puppets” and “Enter Sandman” with newer anthems that showcase their ongoing evolution.
Frontman James Hetfield shared his excitement in a statement:
“We love this festival. It’s loud, it’s raw, and it’s full of soul. There’s something about that desert air — it makes you want to play harder, louder, and longer. We’re ready to melt some faces.”
Iron Maiden & Judas Priest: The Metal Gods Rise Again
Friday night will belong to the British legends. The pairing of Judas Priest and Iron Maiden reads like a fantasy for metal purists — two bands that essentially wrote the book on heavy metal’s sound and aesthetic.
Judas Priest, celebrating over 50 years of existence, are expected to deliver a career-spanning setlist featuring thunderous hits like “Breaking the Law,” “Painkiller,” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’.” Rob Halford, now in his 70s, remains a vocal powerhouse and an icon of endurance.
Iron Maiden, meanwhile, are preparing something equally monumental. Rumors suggest they’ll bring an expanded version of their Future Past stage production, complete with towering props, pyrotechnics, and the ever-menacing Eddie in full animatronic glory. Fans can expect staples like “The Trooper,” “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” and “Fear of the Dark” to shake the sands of Indio.
Guns N’ Roses: The Unstoppable Force
Saturday night’s headliner, Guns N’ Roses, continue to defy time and turmoil. After years of turbulent history, Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan’s reunion has proven one of rock’s most enduring comebacks. Their marathon-length sets and fiery stage chemistry have become the stuff of legend.
Insiders claim their Power Trip performance could stretch past three hours, blending deep cuts with fan favorites like “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Welcome to the Jungle,” and “November Rain.”
Tool: Art, Mystery, and Power
Few bands embody the fusion of art and aggression like Tool. Known for their hypnotic visuals, complex time signatures, and transcendent live performances, the Los Angeles quartet are expected to bring a deeply atmospheric show to Sunday night.
Their headlining slot before Metallica ensures the final night will be a journey from the cerebral to the explosive. Songs like “Schism,” “Lateralus,” and “Fear Inoculum” will no doubt transform the desert into an ocean of sound and light.
Frontman Maynard James Keenan, never one for grand statements, simply teased fans online with a cryptic message:
“You think you’ve seen Power Trip. Wait until you see this.”
Fans React: “The Desert Will Shake Again”
The reaction from fans has been nothing short of euphoric. Pre-sale tickets reportedly crashed the festival’s website within minutes, with social media flooded by posts from across the globe.
One user on Reddit’s r/HeavyMetal forum wrote:
“This is our Woodstock. The legends, the sound, the desert — nothing else compares.”
Another on X (formerly Twitter) summed up the sentiment perfectly:
“Power Trip 2026 isn’t a festival. It’s a pilgrimage for every soul who ever picked up a guitar or headbanged in their room.”
Tickets, Camping, and More
Tickets go on sale November 1, 2025, with packages ranging from general admission to exclusive VIP desert suites. As before, the event will include expansive camping zones, gourmet food vendors, art installations, and shaded chill zones for fans seeking a brief reprieve from the desert heat.
For those unable to attend in person, Power Trip organizers have confirmed a global livestream partnership, ensuring millions worldwide can experience the spectacle in real time.
The Legacy Continues
Power Trip 2026 is more than a concert — it’s a living tribute to the unbreakable spirit of rock and metal. At a time when digital trends dominate and pop reigns supreme, this festival serves as a reminder that guitars still roar, drums still thunder, and the heart of rock still beats strong.
As thousands prepare to descend upon Indio next October, one thing is certain:
The power is back — louder, prouder, and stronger than ever.
In summary: The 2026 Power Trip Festival is set to deliver three unforgettable nights featuring Foo Fighters, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Guns N’ Roses, and Tool — a lineup that bridges eras, unites generations, and reaffirms rock’s eternal dominance. With official set times now revealed and anticipation skyrocketing, this will be the rock event that defines the decade.
