Death Grips is an experimental hip hop group from Sacramento, California consisting of MC Ride, Zach Hill, and Andy Morin. The group is known for their abrasive, aggressive music style and high energy live performances. They have developed a cult following among fans of experimental and industrial hip hop since their formation in 2010.
Death Grips released their debut mixtape Exmilitary in April 2011 and signed to Epic Records later that year. After releasing two studio albums, The Money Store in 2012 and No Love Deep Web in 2012, the group publicly announced disbanding in July 2014 via a handwritten note posted on their Facebook page. However, they reneged on their breakup shortly after and went on to release their fifth studio album Bottomless Pit in May 2016.
Throughout their initial run from 2010-2014, Death Grips toured extensively across North America, Europe, and Australia. Their live shows were chaotic punk rock-inspired performances where MC Ride would violently throw himself around the stage. The band was even scheduled to perform a 2013 North American tour with Nine Inch Nails before abruptly cancelling it, citing “a lack of group decision making”.
Since their return in 2015, Death Grips has kept live performances to a minimum, doing occasional festival appearances and one-off shows in Los Angeles. They have not done a proper headlining tour since 2013. This has left many fans wondering if one of the most intense live bands in hip hop will ever return to the road again.
Are Death Grips currently touring?
No, Death Grips is not currently touring as of October 2023. The band has not done a full scale tour since 2013. Their live appearances since reforming in 2015 have been limited to sporadic festival performances and one-off shows primarily in the Los Angeles area where the group is based.
Some of Death Grips’ recent live shows include:
- October 2015 – Performance at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles
- March 2016 – Concert at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles
- March 2017 – Set at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin
- June 2017 – Performance at Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona
- October 2018 – Two shows at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles
However, there has been no announcement of a new album or any scheduled tour dates for the immediate future. The band’s last studio album Year of the Snitch was released in June 2018.
Based on their live activity over the past few years, it appears Death Grips is intentionally limiting their touring schedule. Fans hoping to see their intense live show may have to wait for now.
What were Death Grips’ most notable past tours?
Although their touring activity has slowed in recent years, Death Grips did some extensive touring between 2011-2013 in support of their first releases. Some of their most notable past tours include:
North American Tour (Spring 2012)
– 33 date tour across the U.S. and Canada
– Supported release of The Money Store
– Notable shows in New York, Chicago, and Austin for SXSW Festival
European Tour (Fall 2012)
– 21 date tour across Europe
– Included performances at Reading/Leeds Festivals
– Supported release of No Love Deep Web
Australian Tour (February 2013)
– 6 date tour in major Australian cities
– First and only Death Grips shows in Australia to date
Co-headlining tour with Nine Inch Nails (Planned for Summer 2013 but cancelled)
– Scheduled to cover U.S. and Canada
– Suddenly cancelled in June 2013 right before the first show
– Cancellation attributed to inner-band tensions
So while Death Grips has not toured extensively since their breakup and reunion, they were previously one of the most tour-heavy bands in underground and experimental hip hop when first gaining popularity in 2011-2013.
Have any band members discussed future touring plans?
The members of Death Grips are quite cryptic and do not give many public statements about their work together. They have not revealed any concrete details about potential future touring plans.
However, there have been some hints that the band may consider hitting the road again at some point. In a 2016 interview with Exclaim!, drummer Zach Hill stated that playing live is “very important” to the group and “will always be a part of what we do.”
Hill said that when they first started touring in 2012, it was so excessive that they “overdid” it. This could explain their scaled back live performances since reforming. He hinted that they may tour again in the future but need to determine “how to do it in a way that doesn’t kill us.”
Frontman MC Ride has also made vague references to playing live more during recent interviews when asked about Death Grips’ future activity.
It’s clear that the members feel live performances are a critical element of the Death Grips experience. But it seems they are being more selective and strategic with their touring plans post-breakup compared to their relentless initial touring cycle. They likely want to avoid burnout and preserve their health. Fans may need to be patient as they figure out their next moves.
How has the lack of touring affected band popularity?
Despite not actively touring since 2013, Death Grips has maintained a cult fanbase and not seen a huge decline in popularity. However, the lack of touring has certainly affected their growth and ability to connect to potential new fans.
Some impacts of Death Grips not touring for most of the past decade include:
- Missed opportunities to gain wider exposure and critical acclaim for their live show
- Fewer opportunities for existing fans to experience Death Grips live
- Less overall promotion for new album releases
- Less ability to organically grow their fanbase by word of mouth buzz from live shows
- Less media coverage and online chatter about live performances driving streaming and sales
However, Death Grips has leveraged other means to sustain interest and connection to fans in lieu of touring:
- Consistent social media engagement, music video releases, etc.
- Occasional surprise shows announced at the last minute
- Rare festival appearances that draw press coverage
- Unique high concept album rollouts and promotions
It’s possible their reclusive nature has even added to their mystique among some fans online. But more touring would undoubtedly strengthen their popularity and introduce their music to bigger mainstream audiences. Their limited touring is likely a conscious choice to maintain control and creative freedom.
How have fans reacted to the lack of touring?
Many Death Grips fans have expressed disappointment online about the lack of touring over the past decade. There is a constant stream of comments on the band’s social posts asking about possible shows or begging them to come to certain cities.
Diehard fans are eager to experience Death Grips’ high-octane sets again after the band built their reputation as an incredible live act between 2011-2013. Their shows are legendary among followers of punk, noise rock, industrial, and underground hip hop.
However, other fans have defended the band’s choice and argued that health and longevity should be the priority. They point positively to the fact that Death Grips has managed to continue releasing new creative music and art over the years without relying on extensive touring.
Overall the lack of touring has contributed to the eager, almost cult-like interest that swirls around any rumors of Death Grips live shows today. When they announced those two Greek Theater shows in Los Angeles in 2018, tickets immediately sold out with fans traveling from across the country to attend.
There will likely be similar demand and excitement whenever Death Grips announces their next tour, proving that absence has only made fans grow fonder.
Could Death Grips tour smaller clubs vs. large venues?
Death Grips could potentially tour smaller, more intimate club venues as opposed to larger theaters and arenas if they decide to ramp up live performances again. This may align better with their dynamics as a band and offer some advantages:
- Allows for tighter connection to fans and higher energy shows
- The rawness and aggression of their music translates well to a cramped, sweaty punk club environment
- Less expensive overhead compared to large-scale tour productions
- Easier to sell-out smaller venues immediately and create demand
- Less grueling travel schedule bouncing city-to-city between huge venues
Of course, there are counterpoints to playing smaller venues too. Death Grips has gained enough popularity that they could likely fill larger rooms today. And the reduced capacity of club shows would make tickets even harder to obtain for fans.
However, a tour hitting more intimate venues with cheaper tickets could make for a classic Death Grips run. It aligns with their outsider ethos and would give diehards an extreme concert experience in close quarters. Based on past tours, it could make the most sense for their next round of shows whenever that may be.
Would fans pay more for Death Grips reunion tour tickets?
Considering the devoted following Death Grips has maintained even in their touring absence combined with their reputation for intense live shows, fans would almost certainly pay higher ticket prices for a reunion tour today.
Looking at average setlist.fm data, tickets for Death Grips headlining shows from 2011-2013 ranged from $20-$35 USD. These numbers reflect their status as a rising experimental act playing small clubs and mid-size theaters during that period.
In 2018 when they played two shows at the Greek Theatre in L.A., tickets were around $35-$50 USD. Since those rare shows, demand has only grown among fans online for Death Grips to tour again after a long absence from the road.
Given their popularity and mystique today, Death Grips could absolutely charge $50 USD or more for club shows on a reunion tour. For larger venues, they could easily sell tickets in the $75+ range as an in-demand live act. Especially for fans who have never had a chance to see them, there would be willingness to pay higher premiums.
Additionally, if they did a festival run or one-off appearances in certain cities, tickets for those special events could likely start at $100+ USD. Overall, Death Grips has left fans wanting more for nearly a decade since their last proper tour. That anticipation would be reflected in high demand and willingness to pay more for tickets next time the opportunity arises.
Factors supporting higher reunion tour ticket prices:
- Scalped tickets for their limited recent shows have already resold for 2-3X face value
- Only U.S. shows since 2013 have been in Los Angeles where they’re based
- Fans online actively expressing willingness to pay more to finally see them live
- Comparable experimental acts like $uicideboy$ selling out larger venues
- Death Grips’ iconic status among critics and tastemakers
Does Death Grips have reasons to tour again soon?
There are a number of compelling reasons Death Grips could have for getting back to touring in the coming year or two after being mostly inactive on the road since 2013:
- Promote a new album – Death Grips hasn’t released a full studio album since 2018’s Year of the Snitch. Once they put out a new full-length release, touring would help build interest and exposure for the music.
- Capitalize on demand to see them live – Hardcore fans have been begging nonstop for Death Grips to tour again. As interest and mystique continue growing during their absence, the next tour would have hype.
- Maintain connection to fans – Staying engaged with their cult fanbase through live shows could help Death Grips sustain long-term interest and remain creatively energized as a band.
- Expand their live reputation – Death Grips are known for their intensely chaotic sets but newer fans have had limited chances to experience that in person since 2013.
- Earn revenue – Touring would allow the group to capitalize on their fame and high public interest to generate income after not playing shows for years.
On the other hand, some potential reasons Death Grips may still avoid extensive touring include:
- Not wanting to detract focus from recording
- Concern over health, stamina, and burnout from constant travel
- Preferring to maintain reclusive public image
- Disinterest in the financial side of performing live
But the demand for Death Grips live certainly makes the notion of touring again enticing. It could come down to the band figuring out the right balance and strategy.
What cities would Death Grips likely tour?
City | Reasoning |
---|---|
Los Angeles, CA | Hometown shows generate excitement and convenient logistically |
Sacramento, CA | Original hometown where Death Grips formed |
San Francisco, CA | Major West Coast city near their roots with influential music scene |
Portland, OR | Pacific Northwest hotbed for alternative and experimental music fandom |
Seattle, WA | Another major hub in Pacific Northwest region with devoted underground fanbase |
Las Vegas, NV | Sin City shows could match the anarchic energy of their music |
Phoenix, AZ | Southwest city they’ve passed over on recent limited tours |
Austin, TX | Proven interest in Death Grips from past festival appearances and credibility within Texas music scene |
New York City, NY | Massive market and where Exmilitary mixtape originally broke out |
Chicago, IL | Midwest city they’ve drawn well in previously |
Toronto, ON | Key Canadian city with lively music culture that has embraced them before |
Given Death Grips’ geographical roots in California and early touring history, one could expect them to focus on West Coast markets if they plan domestic U.S. dates for their next tour. But major cities where experimental underground music thrives like New York, Chicago, Seattle etc. would also likely be on the itinerary. International wise, Death Grips has a strong cult following in Canada and Europe, so dates there seem probable as well.
Would Death Grips ever do a worldwide stadium tour?
It seems highly unlikely that Death Grips would ever do an extensive worldwide stadium tour like major mainstream pop acts. There are a few factors making huge stadium shows seem out of character for the experimental rap group:
- Their music caters to a niche audience, limiting ability to sell out 50,000+ capacity stadiums
- Stage productions and spectacle of stadium tours don’t fit their raw, lo-fi aesthetic
- Exhaustive schedule and promotion required for a stadium tour contradicts their reclusive nature
- Questionable whether their performances would effectively translate in giant venues
- Booking and overhead costs for renting stadiums may not offer worthwhile ROI
More realistically, if Death Grips ever does an extensive international tour, it would likely be a mix of club shows, theater dates, and major festival appearances in order to reach their specialized fanbase.
While they could potentially sell-out arenas in certain major cities thanks to their diehard following, it’s doubtful Death Grips has mainstream popularity to justify stadiums. Their music and show style is far better suited to smaller, grittier venues matching their punk ethos.
Conclusion
In summary, while Death Grips has not toured since 2013, there are strong indications they may return to the road in the coming years based on demand and their need to connect to fans. Smaller club venues would be a fitting choice vs. larger theaters and arenas. When they finally announce their next tour, expect hysteria among fans and willingness to pay higher ticket prices given the decade long anticipation. Major cities like New York and Los Angeles seem very plausible. However, a massive stadium tour seems highly unlikely to ever occur given Death Grips niche audience and anti-mainstream nature. But with one of the most legendary live shows in underground music, Death Grips hitting the road again would undoubtedly be a celebrated moment even on a smaller scale. Their reclusive tendencies make predicting future moves difficult, but the passion of their cult fanbase could motivate them to return to touring soon.