Deftones Deliver an Epic Sold-Out Show at London’s O2 to Close ‘Private Music’ Tour

The Deftones capped their UK and European 'Private Music' tour with a massive sold-out performance at The O2, igniting the crowd with career-spanning classics and new favorites.

When it comes to closing out a tour in style, Deftones nailed it last night at London’s iconic O2 Arena. The venue was packed with 20,000 fervent fans eager to witness the band’s explosive finale to their 2026 UK and European winter tour. Supporting their critically acclaimed 2025 album Private Music — hailed as one of the best albums of the year — the band delivered a powerhouse performance that had the crowd roaring from start to finish.

A Star-Studded Audience Joins the Celebration

The O2 was not just packed with loyal fans but also some famous faces deeply rooted in the music and film world. Paddy Considine, the actor and musician known for Dead Man’s Shoes, was among the crowd, having already caught three of Deftones' shows during the week. His admiration for the band is no secret — sporting a fresh ‘White Pony’ tattoo on his arm, he was clearly celebrating his fandom in style.

Adding to the star power, members from bands like Don Broco, The Cure, and Foals’ drummer Jack Bevan also showed up, underscoring the deep respect Deftones command across the music community.

An Electrifying Start: ‘Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)’ Sparks the Night

The night kicked off with an atmospheric display of cinematic visuals, setting the mood perfectly before Deftones hit the stage with a ferocious version of ‘Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)’, a beloved track from their classic album Around The Fur. The energy was instant — circle pits erupted early and never once died down throughout the night, a testament to the band’s magnetic stage presence and the crowd’s devotion.

Following this, the band dove into ‘Digital Bath’ from their White Pony album, with Chino Moreno pausing mid-set to thank the audience and soak in the moment. “Let me see everyone,” he said as house lights shone over the sea of fans. “Fucking gorgeous.” It was clear this was a night to remember, fueled by the resurgence of their older hits on platforms like TikTok and the warm embrace of Private Music.

Timeless Tracks and New Gems Come Alive

The show was a brilliant blend of the Deftones’ extensive catalogue, mixing fan favorites with fresh tracks that felt like instant classics. Explosive renditions of ‘Rocket Skates’ and ‘Swerve City’ had the crowd thrashing, while the hauntingly beautiful ‘Change (In The House Of Flies)’ created a rare moment of collective sway and sing-along.

The Private Music highlight ‘Milk Of The Madonna’ landed as naturally as if it had been a staple for years, proving the album’s lasting impact. The primal energy of ‘7 Words’ closed the night with a raw and unforgettable punch.

Chino Moreno once reflected on their recent viral success, telling an interviewer, “Even if we thought about it that way — ‘Oh, we need to make something for everybody’ — I think we’d be fooling ourselves to think we had a formula to do that. The answer is that I don’t know. I would like to think that it is because we’ve written good songs that have stood the test of time and transcend generations.”

Fan Reactions and Social Buzz

The excitement was palpable beyond the arena. Social media was buzzing with fans and critics alike praising the band’s performance. One fan tweeted, “Unreal. @deftones are just on another level. @TheO2.” Another shared a snapshot from the show, tagging it #deftones and #deftonestour, capturing the electrifying atmosphere that only Deftones can conjure.

Live Highlights: Visuals and Videos

Here’s a glimpse of some unforgettable moments from the show:

• Deftones opening with the iconic Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away): Deftones - Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away) Live @ The O2 Arena (20.02.2026)
• The fierce energy of ‘Swerve City’ lighting up the London crowd: Deftones - Swerve City - Live at O2 Arena London 20/02/26
• The primal power of ‘7 Words’ closing the set: Deftones 7Words at London O2 Arena 2026
• The soulful and atmospheric ‘Rosemary’: Deftones - Rosemary (O2 Arena, London, 20/02/26)
• The raw intensity of ‘Rocket Skates’: Deftones - Rocket Skates - O2 Arena London 20/2/26

Deftones’ London O2 Setlist

Here's the complete setlist from their show at The O2, a perfect mix that showcased the band’s versatility and deep catalog:

Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)
Locked Club
Rocket Skates
Diamond Eyes
Ecdysis
Digital Bath
My Mind Is A Mountain
Souvenir
Swerve City
Rosemary
Cut Hands
Infinite Source
Sextape
Hole in the Earth
Change (In the House of Flies)
Genesis
Milk Of The Madonna

Encore:
Cherry Waves
My Own Summer (Shove It)
7 Words

What’s Next for Deftones?

After this triumphant UK and European arena run, Deftones are gearing up for a global trek, hitting South America, Japan, and Australia. But the excitement doesn’t stop there — they’ll be back in the UK and Europe for a string of massive outdoor shows this summer.

One highlight: headlining London’s All Points East x Outbreak on Saturday, August 23. The lineup is stacked with fantastic acts including Interpol, AFI, Mannequin Pussy, Salem, IDLES, Amyl & The Sniffers, and JPEGMAFIA, promising an unforgettable festival experience.

“The answer is that I don’t know. I would like to think that it is because we’ve written good songs that have stood the test of time and transcend generations.”
— Chino Moreno

FAQ

• How many people attended the Deftones’ show at The O2?
  20,000 fans packed the arena for the sold-out event.
• Which album was the tour supporting?
  The tour was in support of Deftones’ 2025 album Private Music.
• Did the band play any classic hits?
  Yes, they performed fan favorites like ‘Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)’, ‘Digital Bath’, and ‘7 Words’.
• Who were some notable attendees of the show?
  Actor and musician Paddy Considine, members of Don Broco, The Cure, and Foals’ drummer Jack Bevan were spotted in the crowd.
• What upcoming events will Deftones headline?
  They will headline London’s All Points East x Outbreak festival on August 23, 2026, among other international dates.

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