Def Leppard, Whitesnake and 18 more bands confirmed for Download Festival 2019

Eight years after their last appearance on the hallowed turf of Donington Park, Def Leppard will top the Main Stage bill on Friday 14th June where they will perform ‘Hysteria’ in its unadulterated entirety alongside other gems from their distinguished back catalogue.

Waxing lyrical about the headline slot, Planet Rock’s very own Joe Elliott says: “We are delighted to be going back to headline Download in 2019! The festival has a very special place in our hearts and it’s such a great place to play.

“We will be playing Hysteria in full - yes, in full! - plus a load more of the hits, and we are going to put on a very special show for our UK fans. Can’t wait to see you all there!”

Topping the main stage bill on Saturday night (15th June) are masked metallers Slipknot, who are currently hard at work on their sixth studio album which they hope to unleash in 2019.  

Thirteen years after their last headline appearance at Download Festival, Tool will bring the main stage to an emphatic close on Sunday 16th June.

Other bands confirmed across the weekend include Slash ft. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, Rob Zombie, Whitesnake, Skindred and Tesla.

Whitesnake lynchpin David Coverdale enthuses: “Once again, we’ve been honoured to be invited to participate in the legendary DOWNLOAD 2019...Can’t Wait To See You All & Kick Arse Together!!!...So Ready 2 Rock!!!”

Completing the first line-up announcement are Trivium, Amon Amarth, Carcass, Delain, Die Antwooord, Me First and The Gimme Gimmes, Opeth, Power Trip, Reel Big Fish, Starset, The Amity Affliction and Underoath.

Download Festival head honcho Andy Copping says: “We’re incredibly excited to announce three legends as Download 2019 headliners. It’s not quite been 10,000 Days since we have been able to indulge in one of our favourite alt-rock bands, but after thirteen years I am thrilled to announce Tool are finally making their long-awaited return to Download.

“Renowned for being one of the best live bands on the planet due to their one-of-a-kind performances, Slipknot are an incredible addition to the main stage. Last but not least, I am honoured to welcome true Rock N’ Roll legends Def Leppard to Download who bring with them a UK exclusive chance to see Hysteria played in full.”

Download Festival takes place at Donington Park in Leicestershire from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th June 2019.

Tickets go on sale from Planet Rock Tickets at 2pm on Thursday 25th October. They will remain at 2018 prices until Tuesday 6th November.

The Download Festival 2019 line-up so far is as follows:

Def Leppard
Slipknot
Tool

Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators
Whitesnake
Rob Zombie
Trivium
Amon Amarth
Carcass
Delain
Die Antwoord
Me First And The Gimme Gimmes
Opeth
Power Trip
Reel Big Fish
Skindred
Starset
Tesla
The Amity Affliction
Underoath

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