Mick Gordon to Debut Full Doom Soundtrack Concert at RADAR Festival 2027
The composer brings his industrial metal scores to Manchester with a live band, orchestra, and the custom 'Doom Machine'.
Composer Mick Gordon will headline the RADAR Festival 2027, marking the first time the soundtracks for Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal will be performed in a full-length concert. Scheduled for July 30 through August 1, 2027, in Manchester, UK, the event transforms one of gaming's most aggressive digital experiences into a live spectacle.
The performance is a massive production, utilizing a live band and a full orchestra to recreate the franchise's signature wall of sound. Central to the show is the 'Doom Machine,' a custom-built instrument Gordon created specifically to achieve the distorted, industrial textures of the scores. While Gordon previously performed a short medley at The Game Awards in 2016, this marks the first time the music will be presented as a comprehensive concert.
The Evolution of Industrial Gaming Music
Gordon's work on the Doom series is a benchmark for modern video game music. His approach to the 2016 reboot and the subsequent Doom Eternal (2020) moved away from traditional orchestral scoring in favor of an industrial metal hybrid. The process was famously unorthodox, involving the sampling of real-world machinery and chainsaw noises to mirror the brutality of the gameplay.
Despite the immense popularity of the music, a full-scale live production has remained elusive for years. Gordon has faced significant hurdles in bringing the project to fruition, including a highly publicized falling-out with the development team at id Software. This upcoming festival appearance represents the culmination of a long-term effort to translate these complex, synthesized compositions into a physical environment.
Impact on the Metal and Gaming Communities
Bringing the Doom score to a festival setting bridges the gap between the gaming and heavy metal communities. By integrating a live orchestra with industrial elements, the performance aims to replicate the high-energy atmosphere of a rock show while maintaining the cinematic scale of a game score.
"For a long time, I’ve wanted to take what I love about video game music and put it into a live setting that matches the energy you would get from a live rock or metal show," Gordon stated, according to IGN.
What to Watch
As the 2027 date approaches, the industry will be watching how Gordon manages the technical integration of the 'Doom Machine' within a live orchestral setting. While the core performance details are confirmed, further specifics regarding the setlist and the full lineup of the accompanying band are expected to be released as the festival draws closer.