Download promoter Andy Copping has dubbed this year’s festival as: “[…] the most diverse Download yet – a real tableau of the past, present and future of rock and metal”, a statement seen well and truly in practice in the newest recruits (all 15 – yes, 15 of them).
Don’t forget to pack your party poppers (the birthday variety … ) as pop punk legends Bowling for Soup have chosen Donington as the celebration ground for their 20th birthday! Lead singer Jared Reddick says the band can’t think of a better way to celebrate than:“Music, beer and Portaloos!” What more do you need? …
View the latest Download festival line-up info and buy tickets here »
How about some never-seen-before sets and a chance to experience brand new material from two bands? You’re in luck … Black Label Society and Opeth – two of the most anticipated spring album releases, are now both confirmed for 2014.
The latest announcement continues to bring new material in the form of Download festival virgins, Bad Religion. Lead singer Greg Graffin said the band can’t wait to see their UK fans who they describe as being among the “most dedicated and appreciative audiences the world over”.
Other newcomers added for 2014 include Powerman 500, the frontman of which, Spider One, is brother to fellow metal musician Rob Zombie, who will also be playing at Download.
As well as newcomers, Download have also secured some familiar faces and booked metalcore 5-piece Bury Tomorrow. Vocalist Dani Winter-Bates says 2013’s festival was “[…] one of the staple points of last year for Bury Tomorrow! So we can’t wait to get back to Donington and smash it!”
Although they’re returning for their consecutive year they’ve been busy producing new music to be showcased on their impending album Runes, released on May 26 and featuring the likes of their massive new single Watcher.
Joining them is Pantera and Down frontman, Phil Anselmo who will be performing as part of his latest project: PHA and the Illegals, for which Download is one of numerous festival appearances this summer.
Last seen at Download in 2011, The BossHoss will be returning for 2014 – another band who are excited for their UK visit: “We can always rely on a kick-ass party at our UK shows, so we’re more than ready to come back and have another good old riot with you crazy bunch of rock and roll maniacs!”
Also featured in the eclectic mix of new acts for 2014 are: Celtic-punk seven piece Flogging Molly; classic North American metal caballeros Skid Row; Tesla and Danger Danger.
Jill Janus’ thrash-influenced Huntress will also be playing alongside heavy blues rock band The Graveltones and newcomers Anti-Mortem, for who Download will be not only their biggest festival to date but also their first appearance as a group in the UK.
Download Festival takes place at Donington Park from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th June 2014, with headline acts including Avenged Sevenfold, Linkin Park and Aerosmith.
More information and tickets available here.
