Calling all fans of rock and metal, the UK’s largest Rock festival is back and has released a fresh chunk of its 2019 lineup to get your teeth into. 42 bands have been announced thus far, including all the headliners, and their supports.
The Headliners
Friday:
Def Leppard. Fronting the ‘new wave of British heavy metal’ in the late 70s, Def Leppard are no strangers to playing Donington. Last headlining in 2011 the band played their critically acclaimed Hysteria album, which went on to sell 25 million copies worldwide, in full. With fans eagerly awaiting their return to main stage, Def Leppard will be sure to put on a show.
Saturday:
Slipknot. Quickly becoming one of Download’s most championed headline slots, Slipknot return on Saturday night, 10 years after their first headline performance and 20 years after their self-titled debut album. With new music on the way, and supposedly their heaviest record to date, this won’t be one to miss.
Sunday:
Tool. Old and new fans alike have been praying for this announcement since this LA band last played Download in 2006, and it seems to have finally been answered. Fans will hear music from their debut album Undertow to 2006’s 10,000 Days. Also with a new album floating around the rumour mill for 5-6 years now, maybe Download will be the place it gets unleashed live.
Honourable Mentions
Slayer. One of the Big Four thrash metal bands, Slayer bring their final UK tour to Download one last time before they call it quits. Whether you managed to catch them on their tour or not, Slayer will surely do something special for their last UK show.
Anthrax. The other representative of the Big Four at Download next year. If you like Thrash Metal, then check out Anthrax alongside Slayer.
The Smashing Pumpkins. Making their Download festival debut, Smashing Pumpkins will be supporting Tool on Sunday. Look out for new tracks from their new LP, SHINY AND OH SO BRIGHT, VOL 1 /LP NO PAST. NO FUTURE. NO SUN.
The Amity Affliction. The Australian Metalcore group are sure to bring the heat over with them and provide a spectacular live show.
Slash. After playing last year with Guns N’ Roses, Slash returns with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators to show off some more of their signature catchy riffs and flashy solo’s.
Surprise Additions
Die Antwoord. When you think of Download, what comes to mind? I presume it’s not a South African rap group. If Chase and Status, Pendulum and the Prodigy can rock the Download stages, why can’t lively Die Antwoord?
What’s Missing
Bring me the Horizon. Just to get this straight, BMTH are not playing. That’s the surprise. Since 2013’s Sempiternal, BMTH have enjoyed a huge following and have redefined themselves several times. With a new album dropping next January and sold out arena shows (including Wembley), if not a 2019 headline slot, then when?
Check out the official Spotify playlist!
Also click here for the full lineup.
Download runs between the 14th and 16th June 2019,
See you in the pit.
Henry Taylor
Header Image Credit Sarah Koury