Avenged Sevenfold surprised fans at their 2026 North American tour kickoff by performing their new STATICA EP under the alias Statica. The band, known for their experimental approach, dropped the EP just days before the tour began, leading to widespread speculation about the mysterious act listed on the tour graphic.
The Statica Reveal
Prior to the show at Thunder Ridge Nature’s Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri, fans noticed a band named Statica scheduled between opener Jayden Hammer and Good Charlotte. The lack of information regarding an established band by that name fueled rumors that it was a pseudonym for Avenged Sevenfold. Rather than appearing in disguise, the band performed the entire EP from backstage, with the set broadcast to the audience via large screens.
Setlist: Avenged Sevenfold (as Statica) – July 25, 2026
- “Lights”
- “Statica”
- “Rejoice”
- “Ashes”
A Career-Spanning Closing Set
Following Good Charlotte, Avenged Sevenfold returned to the stage to deliver a career-spanning set. The performance included the live debut of their latest single, “Magic,” originally released as a tie-in to the Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 video game. The band also treated fans to rare performances, including the title track of 2010’s Nightmare and “Seize the Day,” which had not been played in the U.S. since 2015.
The setlist showcased the band’s extensive catalog, featuring tracks from City of Evil, Hail to the King, and their most recent studio album, Life Is But a Dream…. The only era left unrepresented was their 2001 debut, Sounding the Seventh Trumpet.
Setlist: Avenged Sevenfold – July 25, 2026
- “Nightmare”
- “Magic”
- “Afterlife”
- “Shepherd of Fire”
- “Buried Alive”
- “Seize the Day”
- “Hail to the King”
- “Nobody”
- “The Stage”
- “Bat Country”
- “Unholy Confessions”
- “Cosmic”
The STATICA EP has sparked intense debate among the fanbase, with reactions ranging from criticism of its electronic-heavy sound to praise for its creative production. As the 2026 North American tour continues through August, fans can expect further surprises as the band balances their new experimental direction with their classic metal anthems.
