Deftones Play Their Biggest UK Headline Gig at Epic London All Points East Festival

Deftones conquer London with their most monumental UK headline show yet at All Points East, delivering an unforgettable set that thrilled 50,000 fans.

When Deftones step onto a stage, something special happens — a blend of raw power and ethereal beauty that hooks you in from the first chord. On August 23, 2026, the Sacramento art-metal legends delivered exactly that, headlining the Outbreak x All Points East festival in London with the biggest UK show of their career. If you weren’t there, you really missed a defining moment for both the band and their devoted fans.

Deftones electrifying the stage at Outbreak x All Points East 2026.

A Festival Day Rooted in Diverse Influences

Deftones’ headline set was the crowning glory of a day packed with acts showcasing the broad spectrum of modern rock and punk influences. The band followed their massive winter closing show at London’s O2 Arena back in February, returning to headline the Sunday of All Points East's inaugural weekend. This event was in collaboration with the Outbreak festival, a perfect match given Deftones' reputation for intense, visceral performances.

The day’s lineup was a melting pot of styles, echoing Deftones’ own diverse inspirations. From the gothic post-punk sound of Interpol to the raw energy of IDLES, the eclectic bill also featured genre-bending artists like JPEGMAFIA and the emo anthems of AFI. It was clear the festival curators wanted to celebrate the wide-reaching impact of bands like Deftones, whose sound crosses boundaries and generations.

Interpol’s Paul Banks commanding the East Stage.

Interpol’s Mesmerizing Set: A Perfect Warm-up

Earlier in the day, Interpol took to the East Stage, delivering a pristine, career-spanning set that delighted fans and newcomers alike. They played heavily from their classic debut album Turn On The Bright Lights, a record famously adored by Deftones’ frontman Chino Moreno. Joined by Matt Barrick — drummer from The Walkmen and Paul Banks’ MUZZ side project — filling in while regular drummer Sam Fogarino recovers from spinal surgery, Interpol laid down hits like “Evil,” “Rest My Chemistry,” and “Slow Hands.”

Their performance also previewed fresh material with new tracks “See Out Loud” and “Wings On Fire,” hinting at the sonic direction of their upcoming eighth album set for release on August 28.

Interpol pulled a huge crowd to the East Stage for a pristine and punchy career-spanning set heavy on their debut album, a favourite of Deftones’ frontman Chino Moreno.

Punk Attitude and Political Fire: Amyl & The Sniffers and IDLES

Not far from there, the Australian punk band Amyl & The Sniffers tore through an infectious set that was as much about attitude as it was music. Amy Taylor, their fierce frontwoman, took the stage to champion women's safety and voice support for a free Palestine, calling out “all the right wing shit” that permeates culture and politics today.

This spirit of resistance carried on as IDLES took over the West Stage, pulling one of the weekend’s biggest crowds. Opening with the incendiary new track “Levitator,” a brutal takedown of racism, Joe Talbot led fans through a fierce, anthemic set. The band invoked chants of “Free, free Palestine” and unleashed fan favourites like “Never Fight A Man With A Perm,” “Mother,” and “Danny Nedelko.” IDLES’ only London show of 2026 promised more to come, with a much-anticipated album on the horizon.

IDLES ignited the West Stage with their signature raw energy.

Deftones: At the Peak of Their Powers

Then came the moment fans had been waiting for — Deftones taking command of the sprawling East Stage. Their recent viral success on TikTok, with tracks like “Be Quiet And Drive (Far Away),” “Sextape,” and “Cherry Waves,” introduced a new generation to their sublime catalogue. Coupled with acclaim for their 2025 album Private Music, the band is truly basking at the zenith of their powers.

The crowd was enormous, filling Victoria Park to capacity with an estimated 50,000 fans, including notable faces like former Savages frontwoman Jehnny Beth, Foals' drummer Jack Bevan, and actor-musician Paddy Considine, who famously got a ‘White Pony’ tattoo during the band’s last UK tour.

Chino Moreno and Deftones delivered an emotionally charged performance.

A Sonic Journey Through Extremes

Chino Moreno, typically reserved with crowd banter, let the music speak volumes as Deftones unfolded a set that traversed their vast emotional and stylistic range. From the brutal to the tender, the sexy to the sinister — every note woven into cinematic visuals displayed on the massive festival screens.

Highlights included viral hits like “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)” and “Sextape,” but the band also dug deep into their catalog with groove-heavy tunes like “Swerve City” and “Rocket Skates,” the pounding “Milk Of The Madonna,” and the haunting “Change (In The House Of Flies).” A rare treat was “Risk,” a beloved track not played often, and the set closed ferociously with classics “Lotion” and “7 Words.”

The energy never wavered, with Deftones demonstrating why they remain one of the most compelling live acts in alternative music.

Deftones captivating tens of thousands with a powerful live show.

Stunning visuals enhanced the drama of Deftones’ performance.

Watch Deftones in Action

• DEFTONES - Full Opening & Ending @ All Points East, London
• Deftones - Change (In The House Of Flies)
• Deftones - Rocket Skates
• Deftones - Swerve City
• Deftones - My Own Summer (Shove It)
• Chino Moreno on why he loves Interpol's 'Turn On The Bright Lights'

Deftones’ Setlist at All Points East 2026

Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)
Around the Fur
My Mind Is A Mountain
Feiticeira
Swerve City
Mascara
Rocket Skates
Risk
Rosemary
Tempest
Locked Club
Sextape
Infinite Source
Entombed
Xerces
Korea
Change (In the House of Flies)
My Own Summer (Shove It)
Milk Of The Madonna
Encore:
Cherry Waves
Lotion
7 Words

Chino Moreno Reflects on Deftones' Timeless Appeal

Speaking about their unexpected viral resurgence, Moreno shared a candid insight: “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.” He admits the secret to their enduring appeal isn’t clear-cut but hopes it’s because “we’ve written good songs that have stood the test of time and transcend generations.”

What’s Next for Deftones

Following this triumphant London show, Deftones are continuing their summer tour with dates across Ireland, Scotland, France, and Portugal. Later in the year, fans can catch them at the Sick New World festival in Texas and their own curated event, Dia De Los Deftones.

Meanwhile, All Points East wraps up with two massive days headlined by Tyler, The Creator and the closing act Twenty One Pilots. It’s shaping to be a summer festival season packed with unforgettable moments.

Have you seen Deftones live? What’s your favorite track they performed at All Points East? Share your thoughts and memories!

FAQ

• How significant was this Deftones UK headline show?
  This was the biggest UK headline gig Deftones have ever played, drawing a crowd of around 50,000 at the All Points East festival.
• Which other notable acts performed on the same day?
  Interpol, IDLES, Amyl & The Sniffers, and JPEGMAFIA all performed, creating a day rich in alternative and punk energy.
• What songs from Deftones’ set went viral recently?
  “Be Quiet And Drive (Far Away),” “Sextape,” and “Cherry Waves” have all gained viral popularity on TikTok, renewing interest in their back catalog.
• Did the band play any rare or deep cuts?
  Yes, they included fan favorites like “Risk” — a rarity in recent live shows — along with classics and newer material.
• What should fans look forward to next from Deftones?
  Their summer tour continues across Europe, followed by festival appearances in the US, including their own Dia De Los Deftones event.

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