The highly anticipated Movement Festival 2025 lineup has undergone a major shake-up following the unexpected withdrawal of techno icon Carl Cox. Originally slated to headline this year’s edition of the legendary Detroit festival, Cox announced on February 20, 2025, that he would no longer be performing due to scheduling complications.
The British DJ took to Instagram to share the disappointing news with fans, stating:
“I regret to inform you that due to scheduling complications, my show at Movement has been postponed to 2026. I’m sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Despite the unfortunate change, Cox reassured his followers that his return in 2026 will be worth the wait, promising a full live show experience:
“I promise to make it worth the wait. It’s going to be epic! See you all in 2026 for an unforgettable show!”
Jeff Mills Steps In as Headliner
Following Cox’s announcement, Movement Festival organizers quickly revealed that Jeff Mills—a Detroit techno pioneer and one of the genre’s most influential figures—will be stepping in as his replacement. Mills will now headline the festival on Saturday, May 24, 2025, bringing his signature cosmic techno sound to Hart Plaza.
Mills, a founding member of Underground Resistance and a master of futuristic, high-energy performances, shared his excitement about returning to the city that helped shape his career:
“To be able to play in Detroit is and has always been a special kind of magic. It’s one of the few places in the world where anything could happen because of a higher premium of music ‘sense’ most people have.”
He continued by emphasizing the city’s deep-rooted connection to techno:
“Detroit is the place that understands the power of music and the value of a soulful and moving experience. It’s constantly being handed down from one generation to the next.”
Movement Festival 2025: What to Expect
Set to take place May 24-26, 2025, at Hart Plaza in Detroit, the 19th edition of Movement Festival promises an electrifying lineup of some of the biggest names in electronic music. Alongside Jeff Mills, previously announced headliners include:
- Charlotte de Witte
- John Summit
- Jamie xx
- The Blessed Madonna
- Carl Craig B2B Moodymann featuring Mike Banks
- Sammy Virji
- FJAAK
- Sara Landry
With over 115 artists across multiple stages, Movement Festival 2025 is set to be another celebration of techno’s rich past, present, and future.
Get Your Tickets
Tickets for Movement Festival 2025 are available now, with single-day and three-day passes on sale via the festival’s official website. Fans eager to witness Jeff Mills’ return and the rest of this incredible lineup are encouraged to secure their tickets as soon as possible.
While Carl Cox’s absence is certainly a disappointment for many, his promise to return in 2026 with an unforgettable full live show builds excitement for what’s to come. In the meantime, Detroit’s techno faithful can look forward to a historic performance by Jeff Mills and an unmissable weekend of electronic music at Movement Festival 2025.