Doom Composer Mick Gordon to Perform Iconic Soundtrack Live for the First Time at RADAR Festival

Mick Gordon, the mastermind behind Doom 2016's acclaimed soundtrack, is set to bring the game's music to the stage for the first time ever, complete with his legendary Doom Machine. The announcement marks a historic moment for fans of the franchise and video game music enthusiasts alike.

Doom 2016 redefined the musical identity of the iconic shooter, with Gordon famously incorporating real chainsaw sounds to craft the distinctive guitar riffs that made the soundtrack so memorable. His innovative approach earned him a spot among gaming's most celebrated composers.

Now, Gordon is preparing to perform music from both Doom 2016 and its 2020 sequel, Doom Eternal, in a full concert setting—a first for these soundtracks. While he did a brief medley at The Game Awards in 2016, this will be the first time the music is played live by a full band for a live audience.

The performances are scheduled for RADAR 2027, a Sheffield-based festival focusing on contemporary music, tech-metal, and progressive rock. Gordon will join the band on stage, with the festival announcing the news via Instagram in late July. The post emphasized, "This isn't a DJ set. It isn't a tribute. It's the music that redefined video game soundtracks, performed live, properly loud, exactly as it deserves. Mick has never performed this music live like this."

It's been a decade since Doom 2016 took the metal world by storm, and six years since Doom Eternal expanded on that legacy with more of Gordon's brilliant compositions. Gordon has long aspired to bring these tracks to a live audience, and he says RADAR provided the perfect opportunity.

"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 told GameSpot. "Radar feels like the absolute perfect [festival] to do it. There's no better."

He added, "Ever since Doom 2016 … there's been rumblings and multiple attempts to try and get some version of this into a live setting. I've been trying for a number of years to get this thing off the ground. Then out of the blue Joe [James, RADAR Festival organizer] came to me with a really awesome opportunity through Radar."

Gordon also confirmed that the Doom Machine—his custom-built instrument designed to evoke the sounds of Hell—will be part of the show. "We're looking at all options to make it epic," he said. "Fire, screens, projection mapping are all on the table."

RADAR Festival runs from July 30 to August 1. While Gordon is excited about performing live, his relationship with id Software, the developers of Doom Eternal, remains strained following their public fallout. No updates on that front have been shared, leaving the rights for this concert somewhat unclear.