Murderdolls will return to Europe in June 2027 for shows at Download Festival and Graspop Metal Meeting, celebrating the 25th anniversary of debut album Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls.
Wednesday 13, Eric Griffin and Acey Slade will reunite on stage with Jack Tankersley and Mike Dupke from Wednesday 13’s solo band. The performances will pay tribute to late members Joey Jordison and Ben Graves, with the blessing of Jordison’s sisters, Katie Riekena and Annie Jordison.
Tankersley is already familiar with the material, having played in a previous Murderdolls touring line-up. Download and Graspop are the first festival appearances confirmed for the anniversary celebrations.
Celebrating 25 Years Of Murderdolls
Formed in 2002, Murderdolls brought together Jordison and Wednesday 13, with the Slipknot drummer taking up lead guitar and Wednesday fronting the band. Their blend of glam punk, horror imagery and hard rock stood apart from the prevailing trends, with dark humour running through the songs.
Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls became a cult favourite, followed by Women And Children Last. The anniversary announcement also points fans back to the official video for ‘Love At First Fright’, the debut album track inspired by The Exorcist.
“25 years ago my life changed forever with the Murderdolls debut album Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls,” Wednesday 13 said. “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 bands legacy and honoring our brothers on these special exclusive shows in 2027.”
“No time in my life was more meaningful than the album campaign for Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls,” Acey Slade said. “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, honor 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.”
“Touring with the Murderdolls was the most incredible experience of my life,” Eric Griffin said. “We came from nowhere and connected with so many people around the globe so quickly. The energy we shared with fans during those shows, and the good times we had together on the road were indescribable. The stuff of dreams. But it all ended way too soon. I will be forever grateful to Joey for bringing us together, and it is truly an honor to pay tribute to him, on guitar, and to my lifelong friend, Ben, and to that moment in time 25 years ago, along with my Murderdolls brothers Wednesday and Acey.
“I look forward to playing with Jack and Mike for the first time, and getting to know them. Playing the mighty Download was one of the most exciting days of my life. I have so much gratitude and excitement to return to that stage, and Graspop, to celebrate the Murderdolls 25th anniversary. Let’s go!”
A Tribute To Joey Jordison And Ben Graves
Katie Riekena recalls her brother’s affection for Download, including watching Journey there in 2009 and stepping in for Lars Ulrich with Metallica in 2004. “Annie and I are glad to see Murderdolls honoring Joey and Ben, back on that stage again.”
Festival information and tickets are available from Download Festival and Graspop Metal Meeting. Information about The Joey Jordison Charitable Fund is available at joeyjordison.org.
