This blistering performance captures Slipknot's headlining set on the second day of their own curated festival, KNOTFEST, in San Bernardino, California, on October 26, 2014. The event was a monumental occasion for the band and their fans, serving as the official live debut of material from their critically acclaimed album ".5: The Gray Chapter," which had been released just days earlier. The album was the band's first in six years and a poignant tribute to their late bassist, Paul Gray.
The atmosphere at the San Manuel Amphitheater was electric, with over 50,000 fans in attendance over the weekend. This show was part of a unique two-night engagement where Slipknot performed different sets each evening. The setlist for this second night was packed with raw energy, opening with "XIX" and immediately launching into the live premiere of "Sarcastrophe." The performance showcased the band's ferocious stage presence and the cathartic power of their new music, which confronted the grief and rebirth of the band following Gray's passing. This concert was not just a festival appearance; it was the explosive start of a new era for Slipknot, marking the beginning of their "Prepare for Hell" world tour.