Watch: KORN’s JONATHAN DAVIS Joins YOSHIKI On Stage For Classical Reimagining Of ‘Freak On A Leash’
Korn frontman Jonathan Davis joined Japanese musician Yoshiki on stage at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles on 16 July 2026 for an orchestral reimagining of Korn's 1998 track "Freak On A Leash". The appearance formed part of "Yoshiki Classical 2026 In Los Angeles", a two-night orchestral residency, and highlighted Yoshiki's broad reach across rock and classical music circles.
"Freak On A Leash", from Korn's 1998 album "Follow The Leader", is one of the band's best-known songs, with lyrics reflecting Davis's frustration at feeling manipulated by the media, relationships and wider society. Yoshiki's residency comprised two distinct shows, "Scarlet Night" on 16 July and "Violet Night" on 17 July, each drawing on different chapters of his career, including his recovery from a serious third neck surgery. The Los Angeles dates marked his first full US performances since that recovery, following a comeback appearance at Global Citizen Live in Tokyo the previous month.
In short
- Jonathan Davis guested with Yoshiki for an orchestral "Freak On A Leash" in LA
- Part of Yoshiki's two-night "Yoshiki Classical 2026" concert series
- Marked Yoshiki's first full US shows since his third neck surgery
Explained simply
Korn is an American rock band that emerged in the 1990s and played an instrumental role in developing nu metal, a fusion of heavy metal with hip-hop and electronic elements. "Freak On A Leash" is one of their most recognisable songs, released in 1998, with lyrics centring on themes of manipulation and loss of control by external forces.
Yoshiki is a Japanese musician and composer who has spent his career working across both rock and classical music. He is best known in rock circles as the drummer and chief composer of X Japan, a pioneering Japanese rock band, and has subsequently pursued an extensive career as a conductor and orchestral composer.
Orchestral reimaginings of rock songs have become an increasingly common way for musicians to reinterpret their work for different audiences. These arrangements can introduce rock compositions to classical music listeners whilst offering fans fresh perspectives on iconic songs from their favourite artists.
Asia Celebrity Entertainment Music World