Deftones Rocks Madison Square Garden: A Momentous Show with The Mars Volta and Fleshwater

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. An Unforgettable Set
4. Opening Acts: New Voices in Rock
5. The Broader Context of Deftones' Legacy
6. Looking Ahead
7. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Deftones celebrated their 30th anniversary with a powerful headlining performance at Madison Square Garden, featuring a diverse setlist spanning their three-decade career.
• The band, along with opening acts The Mars Volta and Fleshwater, showcased a modern sound that resonated with a wide variety of fans, marking a significant moment in their continuous evolution.
• Featuring a career-spanning set, Deftones effectively blended nostalgia with contemporary vibrancy, leaving the audience eager for their forthcoming music.

Introduction

When the lights dimmed at Madison Square Garden on April 3, 2025, a palpable electricity rippled through the arena. This wasn’t just another concert; it marked a significant milestone—Deftones’ first headline show at the iconic venue, celebrating the 30th anniversary of their self-titled debut album. The evening would serve as a testament to not only the band’s enduring legacy but also their ongoing relevance in a rapidly transforming musical landscape.

As the world grapples with the resurgence of nu-metal and shoegaze, Deftones have positioned themselves at the forefront of this musical renaissance. Their influence is so profound that the term "Deftones-y" has become shorthand for a wave of newer bands adopting their distinctive sound, characterized by a blend of heavy metal, alternative rock, and ambient elements. With each year that passes, the band's artistry seems only to sharpen and deepen, a fact on full display during their recent performance at Madison Square Garden.

An Unforgettable Set

Deftones opened their set with "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" and "My Own Summer (Shove It)," both fan favorites from their second studio album, Around the Fur. These tracks, released in 1997, have aged remarkably well and showcased the band’s knack for crafting timeless music. Simultaneously, they seamlessly transitioned into songs from each of their records, drawing from the raw energy of their debut, Adrenaline, to the ethereal qualities of their latest album, Ohms (2020).

A Journey Through Time

The setlist read like a love letter to their three-decade career, each song meticulously chosen to encapsulate their evolution while still emphasizing their relevance today. Here are highlighted tracks from their set:

1. Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)
2. My Own Summer (Shove It)
3. Digital Bath
4. Change (In the House of Flies)
5. Genesis
6. Minerva
7. Prayers/Triangles
8. 7 Words

The band's performance wasn’t merely about nostalgia. As they played, they transformed the notion of a typical rock show into an interactive experience that felt current and slightly futuristic. This was evident not just in their song choices but in the accompanying light displays, stage presence, and the enthusiastic crowd that spanned generations.

A Diverse Audience

The diverse makeup of the audience was a sight to behold. Fans ranged from those who have been with the band since the late '90s to new listeners barely acquainted with their music. Deftones have consistently drawn in fresh supporters, perhaps owing partly to their efforts to remain innovative amidst a sea of nostalgia-driven acts.

Opening Acts: New Voices in Rock

The night’s energy was ramped up by opening acts Fleshwater and The Mars Volta, each band presenting their unique take on contemporary musical styles.

Fleshwater: A New Generation

Fleshwater, a rising band embodying a blend of shoegaze, grunge, and post-hardcore, opened the show, showcasing their track "Standalone," from their 2022 debut album, We’re Not Here To Be Loved. Although many attendees were still finding their seats, the floor was alive with excitement as the band's sound drew enthusiastic reactions from the audience.

Diversity within the music scene is critical, and Fleshwater’s set succeeded in bridging the gap between established sounds and fresh energy. Their performance not only set a tone for the evening but also affirmed Deftones' commitment to uplift the next generation of artists, highlighted by notable mosh pits that broke out during their set.

The Mars Volta: A Risky Venture

Subsequently, The Mars Volta took the stage, opting for an audacious move by performing their upcoming album, Lucro Sucio: Los Ojos del Vacio, in full, ahead of its official release on April 11. With no prior singles disseminated to fans, the decision to forgo familiar hits in favor of premiering an entire album represented a significant gamble. Yet, echoes of approval rippled through the audience, demonstrating their supportive nature.

The set found the band exploring their psychedelic rock roots, a style that enhanced the trippy atmosphere of the evening. Teri Gender Bender and Cedric Bixler-Zavala harmonized beautifully, showcasing a cohesive yet complex sound that found its footing far from the classic rock anthems typically expected at an arena show.

The Broader Context of Deftones' Legacy

Deftones have not simply remained active for three decades; they have kept evolving, thereby rewriting the rules of metal and rock. In an industry where many bands may lean heavily on nostalgia, Deftones have dynamically shaped their identity and sound, making them feel more current than ever.

Evolution of Sound and Influence

Emerging from the nu-metal movement of the mid-90s, Deftones carved a niche for themselves by playing with atmospheric sounds and lyrics that resonate on an emotional level. Throughout their career, they have been masters of mood creation, merging hard-hitting riffs with elements of shoegaze, allowing them to cross over into adjacent genres and draw in a diverse fanbase. Their celebrated album, White Pony, released in 2000—now considered a classic—represents another turning point for them, blending experimental electronics with traditional rock.

This ongoing transformation shows their resilience and willingness to adapt to not just survive but thrive in a competitive music industry.

The Current Renaissance

As 2025 marks the 30-year milestone of Adrenaline, it also positions Deftones as a pillar of modern alternative metal. They continue to inspire newer bands, paving the way for sounds termed "Deftones-y." Such influence is significant in an age of abrupt shifts within musical categorizations. Many emerging artists openly credit Deftones for shaping their sound, and the band’s involvement in the 20th anniversary reimagining of White Pony confirms their omnipresence in music discussions today.

Looking Ahead

With anticipation surrounding their next album, of which there is much speculation, the message from Deftones is clear: they still have much to say and create. The artistry displayed during the MSG performance further triggers excitement for what is to come.

This night was not merely about reflecting on their past; it was about the future. The band’s refusal to rest on their laurels is indicative of their ethos and crucial to their enduring legacy.

FAQ

What is the significance of Deftones' Madison Square Garden performance? Deftones' performance at Madison Square Garden is significant as it marks their first headline show at the venue while celebrating the 30th anniversary of their debut album, showcasing their enduring influence in the music world.

What songs did Deftones play during their set? Their setlist included classic tracks like "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)", "My Own Summer (Shove It)", "Digital Bath", and newer songs from Ohms and other albums.

Who were the opening acts for Deftones' show? The opening acts included Fleshwater, known for their unique fusion of shoegaze and grunge, and The Mars Volta, who performed their upcoming album in full.

How have Deftones influenced the music scene today? Deftones have influenced numerous new bands, giving rise to a distinct sound that is often referred to as "Deftones-y," bridging genres from metal to shoegaze and establishing themselves as icons in modern rock.

What can fans expect from Deftones' upcoming album? While specific details of the upcoming album remain under wraps, the anticipation is fueled by their recent live performances that suggest a continued evolution in their sound—keeping fans excited for what they will deliver next.