Transformers Movie 40th Anniversary Live Concert at SDCC

Originally published June 12, 2026. This article covers Hasbro’s Transformers-themed performance at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 as part of the Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Apology Tour.

Get ready for a serious serve from Cybertron! For one night only, Hasbro is bringing A Celebration of Life Concert to San Diego Comic-Con. On July 23, comic con attendees will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Knights of Unicron perform live as part of the Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary “Apology Tour.” The nostalgic tribute concert will feature power ballads, metal anthems, and synth-heavy OST samples that bring fans right back to the emotional core of the beloved ’80s animated film.

Additionally, singer Stan Bush is reported to take the stage for “The Touch,” an iconic addition to the movie soundtrack. If you’ve ever cried along to this undeniably powerful anthem, you need to be in that room. So, learn more about the show below — and how you can make it to see not only Knights of Unicron, but Cold Slither from G.I. Joe and Jem (of Holograms fame) too!

Transformers concert details:

• Ticket Prices: $53.50 for general admission or $105 for VIP
• Performance Date: Thursday, July 23
• Location: House of Blues San Diego
• Special Guests: Cold Slither and Jem

What happened in Transformers: The Movie?

• Release Year: 1986
• Genre: Science fiction
• Director: Nelson Shin

So, why the “Apology Tour?” Well, Hasbro dealt some serious emotional damage to audiences in 1986 when they killed off Optimus Prime. That’s right! The leader of the Autobots died a courageous death in the fight for his homeworld. He then passed the Matrix of Leadership to Ultra Magnus. In a heart-wrenching moment, the young robot accepted and cemented Optimus Prime’s legacy. Ultra Magnus and his allies continued to wage war against the Decepticons, as well as the sentient planet Unicron.

The significance of the name “Unicron”

You’ll notice the name “Unicron” pop up in the Knights of Unicron band name! What a cool nod to the film’s antagonist. The Knights of Unicron lead the show with a performance based on The Transformers: The Movie: The Soundtrack: The Reformatted Edition, a reimagined version of the original soundtrack. If you really can’t make it in person, you can stream the reformatted OST starting this summer on July 24, 2026.

Who else is performing?

• Band(s): Cold Slither
• Soloist(s): Britta Phillips, original voice of Jem

Cold Slither, AKA the fictional Cobra Command band from the iconic animated G.I. Joe series, played SDCC just last year. You can read all about their intense atmosphere at the Brick by Brick venue. Now, Cold Slither returns to elevate the excitement at the House of Blues. If you couldn’t physically attend in 2025, now’s your chance to see three major acts put on a concert unlike any other. Toy and rock music fans, rejoice!

Follow Cold Slither on Social

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Sideshow at SDCC

• Booth Number: #2401
• Comic-Con Dates: SDCC 2026 runs from July 23 — 26, 2026, with preview night on July 22.

Sideshow is thrilled to announce our return to San Diego Comic-Con in 2026, featuring an exciting showcase of Hot Toys deluxe action figures alongside premium statues inspired by the worlds of Marvel, DC, Star Wars™, and much, much more!

Fans attending SDCC will be able to meet the team, see all-new reveals, enjoy event exclusives, special offers, contests, and even more to be revealed. And for those who can’t attend in person, our early online-exclusive coverage begins on Monday, July 20.

Register now (it’s free!) to stay informed, as we’ll be announcing even more exciting news in the coming months. Plus, registration scores you $5 in Sideshow Rewards for your Sideshow.com account. See you soon, San Diego!

Will you be attending the Transformers concert, SDCC, or both? Join the conversation with other fans over in the Sideshow Social Network or at side.show/geekgroup. And don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!