Murderdolls announce 25th anniversary reunion shows at Download and Graspop
Murderdolls will reunite in 2027 to mark 25 years since the release of their debut album, Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls, with their first confirmed appearances set for Download Festival and Belgium’s Graspop Metal Meeting next June.
The returning line-up brings together original members Wednesday 13, Eric Griffin and Acey Slade, joined by Wednesday 13 solo band members Jack Tankersley and Mike Dupke. The shows will pay tribute to late Murderdolls members Joey Jordison and Ben Graves, with the blessing of Jordison’s sisters, Katie Riekena and Annie Jordison.
A tribute to Joey Jordison and Ben Graves
Jordison co-founded Murderdolls with Wednesday 13 and swapped his Slipknot drum stool for lead guitar as the group tore through a strain of horror-drenched glam punk. Their 2002 debut remains the focal point of the anniversary celebrations, with the surviving members set to revisit that era on stage.
Wednesday 13 said: “25 years ago my life changed forever with the Murderdolls debut album Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls. We created something so unique and special in such a short time, gaining a massive dedicated fan base around the globe.
“With the sudden loss of Joey and Ben, this 25th anniversary feels like the right time to pay tribute to them and the Murderdolls brand. The original members Acey, Eric and I, along with Jack and Mike, look forward to celebrating the band’s legacy and honouring our brothers on these special exclusive shows in 2027.”
Slade added: “No time in my life was more meaningful than the album campaign for Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls. No time in my life felt more empty than when we lost Joey and Ben.
“For the three surviving members, alongside Jack and Mike, to take the stage at Download, honour these legends, and carry the torch for everything we accomplished together is the perfect way to celebrate 25 years of Murderdolls. Welcome to the strange!”
Download return confirmed for June
The Download appearance holds particular weight for the band and Jordison’s family. Katie Riekena recalled her brother’s fondness for the festival, including his appearance with Metallica in 2004 when he filled in for Lars Ulrich.
“Download truly seemed to be Joey’s favourite festival,” Riekena said. “Annie and I are glad to see Murderdolls honouring Joey and Ben, back on that stage again.”
The confirmed 2027 festival appearances are:
- June 2027 – Download Festival, Donington Park, England
- June 2027 – Graspop Metal Meeting, Dessel, Belgium
Tickets and further information for Download Festival are available here.
Fans can also revisit the official video for Love At First Fright, taken from Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls, via YouTube.
More Wednesday 13 on Punkinfocus: Wednesday 13 sets Pol’and’Rock live album alongside UK tour dates (September 2026) · Wednesday 13 sets live album for September with UK dates (June 2026) · Live review: Wednesday 13 return to London with a horror-rock masterclass (November 2025) · Live review: From Murderdolls to Mid Death Crisis – Wednesday 13 Reigns in Brighton (August 2025) · Wednesday 13 Channels Glam Fury with Taime Downe on No Apologies (April 2025)
More Download Festival on Punkinfocus: Download Festival 2027: Line-up, Dates and Tickets · Download Festival 2027 unveils blink-182, Bring Me The Horizon and Evanescence (November 2026) · Download Festival 2026 closes its sold-out 23rd edition (June 2026) · South Arcade drop DEADMEAT before Download Festival main stage set (June 2026) · Download and Kerrang! Bring Heavy Sounds to The Great Escape 2026 (April 2026)
