Deftones have long had a reputation for being a commanding live act. Vocalist Chino Moreno is an active, energetic frontman who runs and jumps around the stage as he sings, when he's not shredding on his guitar. The rest of the band churn out heavy grooves indebted to post-hardcore and alternative metal as well as modern rock–leaning faves such as The Cure (a band Moreno loves).

During their career, Deftones have gone on numerous high-profile tours, including the 2010 Blackdiamondskye trek with Mastodon and Alice in Chains, and a 2018 South American tour with post-hardcore icons Quicksand. (The latter's Sergio Vega also plays bass for Deftones.) They've performed on Warped Tour, Taste of Chaos, the Family Values Tour and Ozzfest, and appeared at major gatherings such as Lollapalooza, Pinkpop Festival, Roskilde Festival and the Soundwave Festival.

Deftones in Concert

Deftones' roots stem from the friendship of three friends: Chino Moreno, Stephen Carpenter and Abe Cunningham, all of whom grew up in Sacramento, California, as skateboarding and music fanatics. The trio started jamming together in the late '80s alongside other musicians, including the late bassist Chi Cheng. After honing their sound with live gigs, Deftones ended up signing a major record deal in 1994 with Madonna's Maverick Records and released their debut album, Adrenaline, the following year.

The group followed this up with 1997's Around the Fur, which cemented Deftones as a part of the burgeoning nu-metal movement. Then, starting with 2000's critically acclaimed White Pony, the band became known for boundary-stretching metal that drew on atmospheric textures and heavy riffs. White Pony spawned the alternative hit "Change (In the House of Flies)" and the song "Elite," the latter winning the 2001 Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance. Other notable songs followed, including "Minerva" (from 2003's self-titled album) and the title track of 2010's Diamond Eyes. Deftones continue to be a formidable touring and recording machine, and released Gore in 2016.