Papa Roach Delivers Relentless Rock Energy at London's O2 Arena

Papa Roach brought their relentless riff-chugging rock energy to a packed O2 Arena in London, delivering a blistering set that spanned three decades of hits. The California rockers, returning to London for the second consecutive year on their Rise of the Roach tour, proved they still possess the raw energy of their early years.

Frontman Jacoby Shaddix set the tone early, screaming, "Get out of your seats. This is a rock show!" The band wasted no time, exploding into 'Between Angels and Insects' as the curtain dropped, and immediately raging into 'Kill the Noise' with Shaddix calling for circle pits and raised arms.

Three Decades of Hits and Nu-Metal Tributes

Wearing a black studded denim jacket emblazoned with "ROACH 1993" across the back, Shaddix nailed his vocals without letting his stage presence slip. The band ripped through 'She Loves Me Not,' 'Getting Away with Murder,' and 'BRAINDEAD', with Shaddix soon glazed with sweat, subtly wiping his face between choruses.

In the spirit of honouring the greats of their era, the band interspersed the set with what they dubbed the "nu-metal time machine," delivering energetic snippets of Korn's 'Blind,' Deftones' 'My Own Summer (Shove It),' Limp Bizkit's 'Break Stuff,' and System of a Down's 'Chop Suey'.

Guest Appearances and Crowd Connection

Shaddix brought out LANDMVRKS frontman Florent Salfati for 'See U in Hell', with Salfati's raw, roaring voice adding a complementary layer to the fiery tune. Later, Sleep Theory's Cullen Moore joined for 'Born for Greatness,' matching Shaddix's all-American energy.

While the arena floor had a few pits, the real energy came from raised horns and synchronised arm waving from a crowd that has clearly grown up with Papa Roach. During 'Blood Brothers', a montage of the band's early-years shows played across the stage, a detail that resonated with the many long-time fans in attendance.

Despite the nostalgia, the band did not rely on it. They remain a powerhouse in rock, capable of captivating fans with infectious energy and unforgettable hooks. 'Last Resort,' the band's crowning glory, remains as explosive as ever, but the set around it proved they are still a band with plenty of fire.