The Family Values Tour: A Rock and Metal Milestone

The Family Values Tour may have had a relatively brief existence, but it provided a significant platform for over 40 rock, metal, and rap acts to connect with wider audiences and solidify their place in music history.

The Early Years of the Family Values Tour

Launched by the iconic band Korn in 1998, the Family Values Tour kicked off with a 29-date trek across the United States. The inaugural show took place at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, New York, on September 22, 1998.

The lineup for this first tour was impressive, featuring Korn alongside popular acts such as Limp Bizkit, Rammstein, Incubus, Orgy, and Ice Cube. Korn’s lead vocalist, Jonathan Davis, reflected on this monumental event in an interview with Metal Hammer in 2019, stating, “It was the first time we ever played arenas, and it seemed everyone who was on that tour – except for Cube, who was already huge – blew up and were playing bigger shows after.”

The success of the inaugural year inspired Korn to bring back the tour in 1999, once again headlining a lineup that continued to gain traction in the music scene.

Family Values Tour’s Stops and Starts

Following its successful second year, the Family Values Tour took a hiatus, returning in 2001. However, this edition saw Korn absent from the lineup for the first time, marking a shift in the tour’s dynamic.

The revival in 2006 brought Korn back into the fold, along with other notable bands like Deftones and Stone Sour, reigniting interest in the series. The Family Values Tour made its final appearance in 2007, headlined by Korn and Evanescence. This year was also notable for featuring a second “side stage” that introduced emerging talents like Five Finger Death Punch.

The Future of the Family Values Tour

The last event under the Family Values banner occurred in 2013 when Korn headlined a one-day festival in Broomfield, Colorado. This attempt to transform the tour into a destination festival featured acts such as Hollywood Undead, Asking Alexandria, and Machine Gun Kelly, but ultimately did not continue in subsequent years.

Despite the tour’s conclusion, members of Korn have expressed hope for its revival. Davis remarked, “There’s plenty of aggressive acts in all forms of music that could tour together and do a new Family Values, so it’s definitely something we could look at doing again in the future.”

All 43 Acts That Played Korn’s Family Values Tour

Throughout its history, the Family Values Tour showcased an impressive array of talent. Here’s a closer look at all 43 acts that graced any version of the Family Values Tour, including some that may not be as well-remembered.

Spotlight on the Acts

Breaking down each band’s appearances on the Family Values Tour highlights the diversity and evolution of the lineup over the years.

Conclusion

The Family Values Tour, though short-lived, left a lasting impact on the rock, metal, and rap genres. It served as a springboard for many artists, allowing them to reach wider audiences and cement their place in music history. As the music landscape continues to change, the hope for a revival of such a tour remains alive among fans and artists alike.

FAQs

What was the Family Values Tour?

The Family Values Tour was a traveling music festival launched by Korn in 1998, featuring a mix of rock, metal, and rap acts.

When did the Family Values Tour first take place?

The inaugural Family Values Tour occurred in 1998, with its first show on September 22 at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, New York.

How many acts performed at the Family Values Tour over the years?

A total of 43 acts participated in various editions of the Family Values Tour throughout its run.

Did Korn always headline the Family Values Tour?

Korn headlined the tour in its early years, but there were editions where the band was not included in the lineup, particularly in 2001.

Is there a possibility of the Family Values Tour returning?

Members of Korn have expressed optimism about the potential return of the Family Values Tour, suggesting that there are many aggressive acts that could be included in a revival.