Slipknot, Slayer Set For Rockstar Mayhem

Slipknot and Slayer are the mainstage headliners for this summer’s Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival while Anthrax headlines the Jagermeister Stage.

Photo: James Hendershot
Mariner Arena, Baltimore, Md.

With a “very special guest” to be named March 5, 2012’s Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival also includes As I Lay Dying, The Devil Wears Prada and Asking Alexandria appearing on a rotating basis.

Whitechapel, High On Fire and the Jagermeister opener are also on the bill. Bands may vary depending on markets.

Photo: AP Photo
Rock In Rio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The routing shows a 26-date journey beginning in San Bernardino at the San Manuel Amphitheater June 30. Playing outdoor venues, other Mayhem stops include Mountain View, Calif., at the Shoreline Amphitheatre July 1; Auburn, Wash., at the White River Amphitheatre July 3 and Nampa, Idaho, near Boise at the Idaho Center Amphitheater on the Fourth Of July.

Other markets include Albuquerque (July 7); Denver (July8); Dallas (July 20); Tampa (July 13); Atlanta (July 14); St. Louis (July 20); Chicago (July 21); Detroit (July 22); Cleveland (July 25); Philadelphia July 27) and Boston (Aug. 3). Last stop on the schedule is Hartford, Conn., at Comcast Theatre Aug. 5.

Photo: Tim Mosenfelder / Getty Images
Empire Polo Fields, Indio, Calif.

Who are the masterminds behind the tour? That would be Rockstar Taste Of Chaos organizer John Reese, Vans Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman, Live Nation and Creative Artists Agency.

“Mayhem 2012 might just be the last and greatest metal festival before the world ends,” Slayer’s Tom Araya said. “So wreak havoc and go out in style!”

A “Get off your ass” presale begins April 6. Visit RockstarMayhemFest.com for more info.