Acid Bath to Perform Live for the First Time in 28 Years!
Acid Bath Returns: The Sludge Metal Legends Rock New Orleans After 28 Years
New Orleans, LA — In a thrilling return that marks a significant moment in heavy music history, Acid Bath took to the stage at The Fillmore in New Orleans for their first live performances in 28 years. The sludge metal pioneers, known for their hauntingly heavy sound and complex emotional themes, kicked off their reunion tour on April 25th—the exact day that their last concert took place in 1997, making the occasion both nostalgic and poignant.
The atmosphere at The Fillmore buzzed with anticipation, as fans, many of whom have been waiting decades for this moment, packed the venue. Acid Bath’s lineup showcased founding members Dax Riggs (vocals), Sammy “Pierre” Duet (guitar, vocals), and Mike Sanchez (guitar, vocals), joined by the thunderous rhythm section of drummer Zack Simmons and bassist Alex Bergeron. This return wasn’t just a revival; it was a communion with their past.
Setlist Journeys Through Darkness
Acid Bath treated the audience to an identical ten-song set across both shows, meticulously curating tracks from their two seminal albums, When the Kite String Pops (1994) and Paegan Terrorism Tactics (1996). The set brimmed with fan favorites, including “Tranquilized,” “Graveflower,” and the haunting “Scream of the Butterfly,” which was dedicated to their late bassist Audie Pitre. The dedication cast a reflective shadow over the performance, underscoring the band’s shared history of tragedy and triumph.
As they plowed through their set, it became clear that the quintet had not lost any of the raw energy or emotional depth that characterized their earlier work. Riffs twisted and convulsed in a cacophony of sound, while Riggs’ unmistakable vocals cut through the heavy atmosphere, embodying a mix of despair and beauty.
The Footprints of Time
Acid Bath’s story is as tempestuous as their music. Following a heartbreaking car accident that claimed the life of bassist Audie Pitre in 1997, the band disbanded, leaving a void in the sludge metal scene. The tragic loss lingered in the air during the shows, with moments of silence punctuating the roar of the crowd, as fans celebrated both the music and the memories of those who were no longer with them.
Sadly, the reunion comes in the wake of another loss; keyboardist Tommy Viator passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with Acid Bath’s haunting sound. Their tribute during the show served as a reminder of the band’s storied past and the enduring impact of their music on fans and musicians alike.
A Reunion That Resonates
Following these electrifying shows, Acid Bath is poised to hit the road with appearances scheduled for major festivals like Sonic Temple on May 9th and Welcome to Rockville on May 17th. Over a dozen more US dates are mapped out through December, promising to carry the momentum of their reunion further.
Fans and newcomers alike can expect an experience that’s just as intense and immersive as the records suggest. "When you come to an Acid Bath show, you’re not just witnessing a concert; you’re part of a ritual," Riggs said of their return. The band’s ability to confront dark themes through their music resonates profoundly, making each performance a cathartic ritual within the community of fans that have long awaited their return.
As the lights dimmed and the last notes echoed through The Fillmore, it was clear that Acid Bath is not merely back; they are in their element, reclaiming their legacy while forging a path into the future. The sludge metal giants have risen once more, and they are ready to make waves.
For those who missed out, footage from the shows and the complete setlist can be found online, ensuring that this historical moment resonates far beyond just a few concert dates.
Remaining 2025 Tour Dates:
- 05/09 – Columbus, OH @ Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival
- 05/17 – Daytona Beach, FL @ Welcome to Rockville
- Full tour spanning various US cities follows through December.
The saga continues, and Acid Bath is just getting started.
