Papa Roach will not be performing at Louder Than Life this weekend due to an “emergency” involving one of the band’s members’ health.

The band was scheduled to play at the festival in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday (Sept. 19).

Why Is Papa Roach Not Playing Louder Than Life?

In a statement shared on their social media today, Papa Roach announced their withdrawal from this year’s Louder Than Life festival following a situation concerning bassist Tobin Esperance.

“After careful consideration and advice from medical professionals, Papa Roach bassist Tobin Esperance will be unable to perform this weekend due to an unexpected emergency. Therefore, we will not be able to perform at this year’s Louder Than Life festival, and wish everyone the best.”

No further details were provided regarding Esperance’s health. The 46-year-old bassist, who joined Papa Roach in 1996, has minimal presence on social media outside of the band’s accounts.

His brother, Anthony “Twan” Esperance, also plays with Papa Roach as a touring guitarist. The Louder Than Life performance was set to be the band’s final U.S. date before they embark on a European tour starting Nov. 1.

“Right now, Tobin’s health is our immediate concern,” Papa Roach stated regarding the cancellation. “We look forward to welcoming him back on stage in November. We appreciate the continued support and respect for his privacy at this time.”

Is Anyone Replacing Papa Roach at Louder Than Life?

Papa Roach was scheduled to be the last band to perform on the Life Stage, starting at 8:25 p.m. on Saturday. Headliners Limp Bizkit were set to follow on the opposite stage after Papa Roach’s performance.

At the time of publication, Louder Than Life had not updated the daily schedule on their website or the festival’s official app.

Louder Than Life began on Thursday with a headlining performance by Iron Maiden. The music was briefly paused on Friday due to severe weather in the area.

Once gates reopened, the festival informed fans that set times would be adjusted, but no bands would be removed from the Friday schedule.

Papa Roach joins a growing list of rock and metal bands that have canceled shows in 2026. Keep reading for a complete list of acts that pulled out of shows and their reasons for doing so.