Deftones to celebrate alt-rock milestone with show at Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center
The Deftones are gearing up for an epic hometown show at Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center, marking a significant milestone for the alt-rock band. Over the past thirty years, the Deftones have achieved rock stardom through millions of record sales, world tours, Grammy Awards, and even having dedicated fans sporting tattoos of the band’s iconography.
However, one significant milestone remained unchecked: a sold-out arena show in the band’s birthplace. This achievement will finally be realized at the Golden 1 Center, symbolizing a triumphant moment for a band that originated in Sacramento and revolutionized the world of heavy rock music.
Despite not releasing new music for almost five years, the Deftones have recently experienced a surge in popularity, especially with a younger generation of fans. Their innovative sound, blending heavy metal power with ethereal musical layers, has always set them apart. Now, mainstream alt-rock enthusiasts are catching on to their unique sound, with Gen Z fans spearheading the charge and even making some of the band’s tracks viral on platforms like TikTok.
SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD MATEO CARREÓN, A JUNIOR AT JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL, IS ONE SUCH DEVOTED DEFTONES FAN. HE CITED “DIAMOND EYES” FROM 2010 AND THE BAND’S SELF-TITLED ALBUM FROM 2003 AS HIS FAVORITES, EXPLAINING THAT THE BAND RESONATES STRONGLY WITH TEENAGERS’ EMOTIONS.
The upcoming sold-out show in Sacramento is a testament to the Deftone’s enduring appeal. It’s not just in their hometown where they’re experiencing this surge in popularity; their upcoming tour is selling out across multiple major cities. In Portland, New York City’s Madison Square Garden, and the Kia Forum in Southern California, ticket sales have been incredibly strong, often leading to the addition of second shows due to overwhelming demand.
Radio stations like Sacramento’s Alt 94.7 (KKDO-FM) have been inundated with listeners desperate to score tickets to the Deftones’ shows. According to Andy Hawk, the station’s brand manager and on-air DJ, Deftones tickets are rivalling Disneyland tickets in terms of popularity among fans.
Furthermore, the band’s recent festival appearances at Coachella and Lollapalooza in 2024 have been met with critical acclaim. Their performance at Lollapalooza, in particular, earned a glowing review in the Chicago Sun-Times, solidifying their status as a band with timeless relevance and quality material.
Even as they continue to evolve and adapt, the Deftones remain loyal to their Sacramento roots. The original lineup of Chino Moreno, Stephen Carpenter, Abe Cunningham, and Frank Delgado has seen members come and go, but their commitment to their music and their fans has remained unwavering. From their humble beginnings jamming in a south Sacramento garage to headlining arenas and music festivals, the Deftones’ success story is an inspiration to bands everywhere.