Watch Jonathan Davis and X Japan's Yoshiki perform orchestra-backed version of Korn classic Freak On A Leash

Jonathan Davis surprised fans at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles this week. The Korn frontman joined X Japan star Yoshiki on stage for a special arrangement of the nu metal anthem Freak On A Leash. This performance featured a full orchestral backing, marking a departure from the band’s usual electric sound.

Yoshiki led the performance from the piano before transitioning to the drums for the high-energy conclusion of the track. The choice to include a full orchestra adds a new texture to the song, which originally appeared on the 1998 Korn album Follow The Leader. Davis remains known for his vocal percussion and beatboxing, techniques that are prominently featured in the original recording.

This appearance took place during the first night of a two-day residency at the venue. Fans of both artists had the opportunity to see a rare collaboration that highlights the intersection of classical instrumentation and heavy music. Korn is set to continue their live schedule with an upcoming tour across the United Kingdom and Europe later this year, beginning in October.

Freak On A Leash stands as one of the most recognizable tracks from the late 90s metal era. The song originated from early writing sessions for Follow The Leader and is defined by the beatboxing style Davis developed after listening to hip-hop and new wave music. The orchestral version performed in Los Angeles provides a fresh perspective on a track that has remained a staple in the band’s discography for nearly three decades.