BABYMETAL and Mexican rock trio The Warning met backstage at SUMMER SONIC Tokyo 2026 for a special conversation published by Rolling Stone Japan.
The meeting took place around the SONIC “METAL” STAGE, which was curated by BABYMETAL and brought together artists from different parts of the international rock and metal scene.
The Warning—sisters Daniela, Paulina and Alejandra Villarreal—described their invitation to the festival as both an honor and an important opportunity. The performance marked their first Japanese festival appearance, and the band highlighted the enthusiastic response they received from the Tokyo audience.
BABYMETAL praise The Warning’s performance
SU-METAL was impressed by the contrast between The Warning’s friendly personalities backstage and the intensity they displayed onstage. She praised the power of their music and their ability to command attention through their voices and presence.
She also noted that members of several Japanese women-led bands watched The Warning from the side of the stage. For SU-METAL, that exchange of respect could help strengthen the scene and potentially inspire new musical connections.
MOAMETAL explained that she frequently recommends The Warning when people ask her about exciting bands. She said it was inspiring to see artists from the same generation developing an audience across many countries.
The Warning enter a new chapter
The Warning also discussed their upcoming album, Everything’s Falling, scheduled for release on August 28.
Paulina explained that the band used the creative process to examine how they had changed after spending 13 years together. Having started as children, the sisters have grown both personally and musically while touring around the world.
Stepping away from touring for a period allowed them to explore their experiences more deeply in the studio. The resulting material addresses personal subjects and reflects the stronger connection they have developed as sisters and bandmates.
Their SUMMER SONIC performance felt like the conclusion of one stage in their career before the beginning of another.
Japan, Mexico and the energy of home audiences
The two groups compared their experiences performing in Japan and Mexico.
MOMOMETAL remembered the remarkable intensity BABYMETAL encountered while touring Mexico in 2024. SU-METAL added that the energy of Mexican audiences helps the group discover new qualities in its own music, even while performing under the demanding conditions created by Mexico City’s high altitude.
The Warning similarly described the importance of performing at home. Touring internationally gives the band an opportunity to represent Mexican culture, while returning home allows them to share their growth with local audiences.
SU-METAL said BABYMETAL experiences something similar in Japan. After developing through performances overseas, returning to Japanese fans feels like coming home with renewed confidence and experience.
A heavier BABYMETAL and The Warning collaboration?
The most exciting part of the conversation came when both groups considered what a future collaboration might sound and look like.
The Warning suggested combining their musical identities and making the result even heavier. They also expressed interest in incorporating BABYMETAL’s choreography, despite joking about their own dancing abilities.
MOAMETAL expanded the idea beyond a single song. Possibilities discussed included performing together at a festival and creating a music video filmed across both Japan and Mexico.
No collaboration has been officially announced, but the enthusiasm shown by both groups makes the possibility especially intriguing.
From musical heroes to supporting the next generation
When asked about their musical influences, The Warning mentioned artists including Muse, Hayley Williams, Foo Fighters, Guns N’ Roses and Royal Blood. Performing alongside musicians they admired while growing up has encouraged them to continue expanding their career.
MOAMETAL said BABYMETAL would like another opportunity to perform with Metallica. She also reflected on how established artists helped BABYMETAL during the group’s international rise.
Now, BABYMETAL hopes to provide similar opportunities to younger artists who may view them as an inspiration—continuing the cycle of support that helped the group reach the global stage.
The backstage meeting at SUMMER SONIC revealed considerable mutual respect between BABYMETAL and The Warning. Whether that connection eventually produces a heavier song, shared choreography or an international music video remains to be seen.
Source: Based on an interview published by Rolling Stone Japan. The interview has been independently summarized and paraphrased in English.
