Doom and its composer melt faces in real life

Get ready to crank up the volume, because one of gaming’s most iconic soundscapes is about to hit the stage in a massive, unforgettable live experience. Composer Mick Gordon is set to headline the Radar Festival in the UK next summer, bringing the legendary soundtrack of the DOOM series to life in a way never before imagined.

Gordon is the architect behind some of gaming’s most visceral and defining music. Known for crushing riffs, industrial synths, and earth-shaking electronic production, his work on titles like Doom and Doom Eternal set a new benchmark for video game scores. Tracks such as Rip & Tear, BFG Division, and The Only Thing They Fear Is You have become enduring fan favorites, streaming millions and remaining staples long after their games launched.

While the music has always demanded a live setting, this performance at Radar Festival represents a monumental leap forward. For the first time, Gordon will deliver a full-length set featuring a live orchestra, a full backing band, and a spectacular production—transforming the digital sound into a tangible, electrifying event.

This opportunity is particularly poignant, given Gordon’s recent path following his split from id Software after Doom Eternal. The possibility of performing these epic tracks in a grand live setting was once viewed as elusive, but music, it turns out, always survives. This collaboration marks the realization of a long-held dream to merge the raw energy of heavy metal with the immersive world of gaming.

The unique appeal lies in blending worlds. Gordon expressed excitement about how this performance bridges genres. He sees the festival as the perfect platform for showcasing how video game music and live rock or metal energy can intersect seamlessly, noting that Radar Festival’s audience blend of gamers and metalheads is ideal for this kind of crossover.

To make the experience truly epic, preparations are underway for full theatrical effects. Organizers are exploring options like fire, screens, and projection mapping to ensure the performance is as dynamic and impactful as Gordon’s music. He will also be bringing his custom instrument, the legendary Doom Machine, to craft the soundscape live.

This unique fusion taps into a powerful idea: that the gap between the player and the television is not just about seeing a game unfold, but about experiencing its score in a full sensory environment. Gordon hopes this event will demonstrate the potential for future collaborations between music festivals and video game developers.

The Radar Festival takes place between July 30 and August 1, 2027, promising fans an immersive journey into the heart of the DOOM universe, all set to a blistering live soundtrack.