2026 POWER TRIP FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED: BACKSTREET BOYS FOR THE BIGGEST ROCK EVENT OF THE DECADE — SET TIMES REVEALED
Music history is being rewritten — and nobody saw this twist coming. The 2026 Power Trip Festival has officially been announced, and this time, it’s breaking every rule in the rock playbook. The once strictly heavy-rock festival — known for hosting titans like Metallica, AC/DC, and Guns N’ Roses — is making a daring move by inviting none other than the Backstreet Boys to join its all-star lineup. Yes, you read that right — the iconic pop group is crossing over into the rock world for what’s already being dubbed “the most unexpected and talked-about music event of the decade.”
The three-day festival will return to Empire Polo Club in Indio, California from October 2–4, 2026, featuring a mind-blowing combination of classic rock powerhouses, modern legends, and one pop act ready to defy all expectations.
A Genre-Defying Lineup for the Ages
According to festival organizers, this year’s Power Trip lineup is all about bridging eras and breaking barriers. The official bill features:
- Metallica
- AC/DC
- Guns N’ Roses
- Foo Fighters
- Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Backstreet Boys
In a surprising yet strategic move, the inclusion of the Backstreet Boys represents Power Trip’s new mission to expand its sound beyond traditional hard rock — celebrating the cultural impact of all “power performers,” regardless of genre.
Festival promoter Paul Tollett (Goldenvoice CEO) explained in a statement:
“Power Trip has always been about energy, emotion, and legacy. The Backstreet Boys have proven they can command a stage with the same passion and intensity as any rock band. This year, we’re uniting fans from every corner of music — rockers, pop lovers, and everyone in between.”
The Backstreet Boys’ Bold New Era
For the Backstreet Boys, this marks a defining moment in their 30-year career. After announcing their 2026 World Tour and new album “Sorrowful Days Are Gone,” the group is entering a new creative phase — one that embraces darker tones, deeper lyrics, and a more mature sound.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, AJ McLean hinted that their Power Trip set will showcase “a side of the Backstreet Boys fans have never seen before.”
“We’re not just doing pop songs — we’re doing something raw, powerful, and real. We’re bringing a rock edge to our music and reimagining what it means to be the Backstreet Boys in 2026.”
Expect a completely reworked live show, featuring live guitars, drums, and reimagined versions of classics like “Larger Than Life,” “I Want It That Way,” and “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” — performed with the thunder and grit of a rock performance.
Official Set Times Revealed
The full schedule dropped today, and it’s a lineup that promises no downtime for fans:
Friday, October 2
- 3:00 PM – Opening Ceremony
- 4:30 PM – Foo Fighters
- 7:00 PM – Red Hot Chili Peppers
- 9:30 PM – AC/DC
Saturday, October 3
- 3:30 PM – Backstreet Boys
- 6:30 PM – Guns N’ Roses
- 10:00 PM – Metallica
Sunday, October 4
- 2:00 PM – Special Acoustic Set (TBA)
- 5:00 PM – Surprise Collaboration Set (rumored to feature members of all headliners)
- 8:30 PM – Finale Jam: All Artists Onstage
Sources close to the festival claim that the Backstreet Boys may join Metallica for a surprise cross-genre finale, possibly performing a mashup of “Enter Sandman” and “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” — a collaboration already causing a frenzy online.
A Festival Unlike Any Other
The 2026 Power Trip is more than just another festival — it’s a celebration of performance evolution. The production will feature a 360-degree rotating stage, AI-driven lighting effects, and augmented-reality fan experiences that bring fans closer to the action than ever before.
VIP packages reportedly sold out in under 20 minutes, with general admission tickets nearly gone within hours of the announcement. Fans across social media are calling it “Coachella’s heavier, louder, wilder cousin — with a twist.”
The Cultural Collision We Didn’t Know We Needed
Reactions have been explosive. Hardcore rock fans were initially skeptical, but the idea of seeing the Backstreet Boys share the stage with rock’s greatest icons has turned intrigue into excitement. On social media, the hashtag #PowerTrip2026 has been trending globally since the announcement.
A viral tweet summed it up perfectly:
“Metallica and Backstreet Boys on the same lineup? This is either madness or genius — and I’m here for it.”
Music critics are calling it a cultural milestone — a statement that the boundaries between genres are more fluid than ever. From hard rock to pop harmonies, 2026’s Power Trip proves that “power” in music comes in many forms.
Tickets and Streaming Details
Tickets for Power Trip 2026 officially go on sale Friday, November 7 at 10 AM PT via powertripfestival.com. Weekend passes start at $499, with exclusive Rock Royalty Packages offering backstage access, soundcheck viewing, and limited-edition merchandise.
For fans unable to attend in person, the entire festival will stream live through Amazon Music and Paramount+, with exclusive behind-the-scenes content available to subscribers.
The Future of Power Is Here
What started as a festival for rock purists has evolved into something far more universal. The 2026 Power Trip Festival is not just about guitars and amps — it’s about legacy, reinvention, and fearless collaboration.
As Brian Littrell of the Backstreet Boys put it:
“We grew up on rock ‘n’ roll. This isn’t us stepping out of our lane — it’s us coming full circle.”
Get ready for the loudest, boldest, and most unforgettable Power Trip yet — because when pop meets rock, history doesn’t just happen… it explodes.
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