Download Festival charity T-Shirt raises over £75,000 for the NHS
And counting...
Download Festival’s special edition charity T-shirt has raised more than £75,000 for the NHS since it launched earlier this week.
Originally limited to just 500 units, the Download Festival NHS T-shirt went on sale on Tuesday (31st March) from the festival’s official merchandise store with 100% of proceeds going directly to NHS Charities Together.
Massively popular, all 500 T-shirts sold out within hours, so Download Festival are now continuing to make more T-shirts to keep up with demand and also raise more money for the NHS.
You can buy the charity T-shirt right here.
The front of the T-shirt features the iconic Download Dog with the phrase ‘Wash Your Barking Hands’, while the band includes the Download 2020 logo and the words ‘Supporting The NHS and Emergency Service Workers.’
On top of the NHS T-shirt, the merch store also features a variety of Download Festival 2020 merchandise that was due to go on sale at the festival that sadly never was.
Download Festival 2020 was officially cancelled last Thursday (26th March) because of the coronavirus with organisers saying they were “beyond disappointed” to make the decision. The event was due to be headlined by KISS, Iron Maiden and System of a Down.
The good news is that Download Festival 2021 will take place from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th June next year. Tickets to this year’s cancelled event remain valid for 2021.
Rock tours and festivals affected by the coronavirus:
Queen + Adam Lambert
Queen + Adam Lambert have postponed the UK leg of their summer 2020 Rhapsody tour until 2021 due to coronavirus. The run will start on 1 June 2021 in London, before going to Manchester, Birmingham and returning to London to close the tour.
Download Festival
In sad but completely expected news, Download Festival was cancelled on 26th March. Organisers confirmed Download Festival won't be going ahead because of the coronavirus pandemic and they're "beyond disappointed" to break the news.
Assuring fans they will be back in 2021, Download Festival added: "We'll do our best to put together an amazing line up for you in 2021 and can't wait to see you all then."
Those with tickets can hold onto them for 2021.
Van Der Graaf Generator
Van Der Graaf Generator's May tour has been pushed back until November 2020 due to the coronavirus. The new dates are:
NOVEMBER 2020
Manchester Bridgewater Hall – Mon 16th
Bath The Forum – Tue 17th
London The Palladium – Thu 19th
Edinburgh Queen's Hall – Sat 21st
Isle of Wight Festival
At the exact same time Download Festival was cancelled, Isle of Wight Festival organisers announced the event wouldn't be going ahead. They explained it was "unavoidable" given the turbulent goings-on in the world and vowed to come back stronger in 2021 when Isle of Wight Festival – the UK's oldest music festival – celebrates its 53rd anniversary.
Zeppelin Symphonic
Originally set to take place on 18th April, Planet Rock's Zeppelin Symphonic concert at the London Palladium has been rescheduled for Sunday 4th October. The event will also feature all the guest performers - Joey Tempest (Europe), Nathan James (Inglorious), Kris Barras, Mollie Marriott and Harry James (Thunder)!
King King
King King have rescheduled their spring tour for October 2020 and February 2021. The new tour dates are as follows:
OCTOBER 2020
Bexhill De La Warr Pavilion - Fri 16th
FEBRUARY 2021
York Grand Opera House - Wed 3rd
Manchester Academy - Fri 5th
Sheffield Leadmill - Sat 6th
Cardiff Y Plas - Sun 7th
Birmingham Town Hall - Tue 9th
London Electric Ballroom - Sat 13th
Salisbury City Hall - Sun 14th
Bury St Edmunds The Apex Arts Centre - Tue 16th
Newcastle Boiler Shop - Wed 17th
Glasgow Old Fruitmarket - Thu 18th
Rock The Boat
It's with a heavy heart that we have had to announce the postponement of Planet Rock's 'Rock The Boat' trip, which was due to set sail on 27th March, to a new date of 9th October. On the weekend of 15th to 16th March, the Dutch government brought in measures which has effectively locked down all social, cultural, tourist and entertainment venues in Amsterdam, and the UK Government has advised against all non-essential travel and social interaction. Therefore, we have reached the difficult decision to postpone the event.
Gun
Gun have rescheduled their Up Close And Personal UK tour for September 2020. The new dates are as follows:
SEPTEMBER 2020
Cambridge Portland Arms – 20th
Cardiff The Globe – 21st
Nottingham Rescue Rooms – 22nd
Manchester Night People – 23rd
Newcastle The Cluny – 24th
Keighley Studio 5 Live – 25th
The Who
The Who postponed their entire March/April UK arena tour plus their headline slot at the Teenage Cancer Trust concert series on Saturday 28th March. The Who's UK arena dates have been rescheduled for March 2021 and Teenage Cancer Trust will be rearranged at a later date.
Glastonbury
The UK's biggest and most famous festival, Glastonbury, has cancelled its 50th anniversary event this summer due to coronavirus. "We are so sorry to announce this, but we are going to have to cancel Glastonbury 2020," organisers Michael and Emily Eavis said. "Tickets for this year will roll over to next year."
Saxon reschedule tour
Saxon's March 2020 shows at Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom, London Eventim Apollo and Manchester O2 Apollo have been rescheduled for the following dates:
AUGUST 2020
Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom – Sat 8th
SEPTEMBER 2020
London Eventim Apollo – Sat 5th
Manchester O2 Apollo – Sun 6th
Singer Biff Byford says: "PLEASE keep your tickets for the new show dates and lets all fight this problem we are faced with together. Stay well and Stay Safe and see you all in August & September."
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters have postponed the opening dates of their 2020 Van Tour due to coronavirus. Dave Grohl wrote: "Hi, this is Dave. Remember me? The guy who wouldn't even postpone a show when my goddamn leg was falling off? Well… playing a gig with a sock full of broken bones is one thing, but playing a show when YOUR health and safety is in jeopardy is another… We f--kin' love you guys. So let's do this right and rain check s---. The album is done, and it's f--kin' killer. The lights and stage are in the trucks, ready to go. The SECOND we are given the go ahead, we'll come tear s--- up like we always do. Promise. Now go wash your hands. Dave."
Joanne Shaw Taylor
Joanne Shaw Taylor released a statement on 15th March postponing the remaining dates on her Reckless Heart UK Tour. Fortunately, the tour has now been rescheduled for November 2020.
Fish
After playing just one show in Aberdeen, Fish postponed the rest of his Weltschmerz tour because of coronavirus (COVID-19). Fish has now rescheduled the tour for February 2021.
Francis Rossi
Francis Rossi's entire spring I Talk Too Much tour has been postponed due to coronavirus. The tour has been rescheduled for February, March and April 2020.
Alice Cooper
Planet Rock's very own Alice Cooper has postponed the North American leg of his 'Ol Black Eyes World Tour because of coronavirus. Alice said: "Due to the current concerns regarding COVID-19, the health and safety of our fans, local venue staffs, as well as the health and safety of our band and crew, is of utmost priority." Alice has vowed to reschedule the tour for the autumn and all tickets will remain valid.
Magnum
Two days after releasing a defiant (now deleted) statement claiming their UK and European tour would still go ahead, Magnum conceded defeat and postponed the entire run on 13th March. "It was never our intent to cause anger and hurt with our previous defiance," Magnum said. "With so much already paid for, contracts all in place and the band all rehearsed and ready to go we had very little choice but to try and carry on despite mounting pressure. We really wanted to play more than you can imagine. We held on as long as we could."
Evanscence and Within Temptation
Evanescence and Within Temptation have been forced to postpone their co-headline UK & European tour due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Worlds Collide Tour was due to call in at London's The O2 on 7th April before visiting Glasgow SSE Hydro (28th April), Leeds First Direct Arena (30th April) and Birmingham Arena (1st May). They are planning to reschedule.
William Duvall
Alice In Chains vocalist William Duvall has postponed his entire solo UK and European tour due to coronavirus. "To say I am deeply saddened by this turn of events would be an understatement," Duvall said. "I was so looking forward to seeing all of you." He is hoping to reschedule most of the shows for a later date.
Rage Against The Machine
Alongside their previously postponed headline slot at Coachella Festival, Rage Against The Machine have postponed their headline tour across North America. "Due to the current outbreak and ban on public gatherings we are postponing the first part of our tour with Run The Jewels," Rage Against The Machine said. "The safety and health of those who come to our shows is of utmost importance to us. All previously purchased tickets will be honoured for newly scheduled shows. As it stands, the July and August tour is still on. We will be in touch soon about rescheduled dates."
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Southern Rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd has rearranged two shows on their farewell Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour. "Out of an abundance of caution the March stops of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour are proactively being rescheduled," the band wrote. "The band's Fresno, CA date will now be held Friday, August 14 and the Reno, NV show moves to Friday, October 2."
Steve Hackett
The former Genesis axeman postponed two shows at Scottish Rite Collingswood on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th March. He has since also postponed dates in Germany and North America.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame postponed
This spring's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony has been postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Originally scheduled to take place at Cleveland's Public Hall on Saturday 2nd May 2020, the event has been pushed back to a later date.
The Wildhearts
The Wildhearts postponed a UK show at MK11 in Milton Keynes on Friday 13th March as well as cancelling the Radio Rock Cruise in Finland. CJ Wildheart explained: "Hi due to the unfolding coronavirus situation we have been forced to cancel our upcoming shows in Milton Keynes and Finland. My parents are very sick at the moment and people close to me have been asked to self-quarantine, I'm currently waiting to hear if their test results are positive. With the current international emergency it would be wrong for us to travel."
Massive Wagons
Massive Wagons were forced to axe their entire March/April 2020 European tour, including dates in Germany with special guests Those Damn Crows, due to coronavirus. They explained: "Simply put we have to follow the international actions currently combatting the Corona virus, which of course is affecting everyone, and is seeing shows and public events, including concerts cancelled."
Santana
On 10th March, Carlos Santana and his band cancelled their whole European tour including shows in Glasgow, London and Dublin because of coronavirus concerns. "While we deeply regret this unfortunate circumstance, the safety of our fans is the main priority for the Santana Organization," said Michael Vrionis, President of Universal Tone Management. "We will keep you all informed of new performance dates as they are made and will make every effort to return to Europe soon."
Whitesnake
David Coverdale and co. pulled their entire Japanese tour on 5th March because of coronavirus. "We regret to announce that Whitesnake's Japan Tour which had been scheduled for March has been unavoidably postponed due to the ongoing threat of the Coronavirus," Whitesnake wrote. "Currently, we are working on rescheduling the dates. We deeply apologize to all parties concerned especially those customers who bought tickets and have been looking forward to the Whitesnake shows."
KISS
Initially, KISS cancelled their meet and greets with fans due to coronavirus, however they eventually rescheduled the final three dates on the current leg of their tour. "The final three shows of the spring leg of the #KISS #EndOfTheRoad Tour are being rescheduled out of an abundance of caution," KISS wrote. "Tulsa, OK will now be Sunday, October 4th at BOK Center; Biloxi, MS will now be Tuesday, October 6th at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum; and Lafayette, LA will now be Wednesday, October 7th at Cajundome. Tickets will be honoured on the new date. The Fall leg of the tour remains unchanged. The band looks forward to seeing the fans very soon."
Green Day
The pop punk trio were due to kick off their Asian tour at Singapore Indoor Stadium on Sunday 8th March before hitting Thailand, Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan. However, Green Day issued a statement on Friday 28th February confirming the tour won't be going ahead due to the coronavirus. Green Day wrote: "We know it sucks, as we were looking forward to seeing you all, but hold on to your tickets we'll be announcing the new dates very soon."
Slipknot
A week after Green Day pulled their Asian tour, Iowan masked metallers Slipknot followed suit. Corey Taylor and co. were due to headline their festival Knotfest Japan on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st March in Tokyo before playing Singapore Rockfest (Tuesday 24th March), Hammersonic Festival in Jakarta, Indonesia (Friday 27th March) and Manila Amoranto Stadium (Sunday 29th March). Apologising to fans, Slipknot said: "While decisions like this are not easy, the safety and well-being of the band's fans always comes first."
Sons of Apollo
On Thursday 5th March, Sons of Apollo became one of the first bands to pull a UK show due to coronavirus. The progressive metal supergroup pulled the remainder of their spring European tour – including a show at London Islington Assembly Hall on Thursday 19th March – due to coronavirus and said they were "devastated" at the decision. They added: "Nobody is more disappointed than we are in this moment."
Queen + Adam Lambert
Brian May, Roger Taylor and Adam Lambert were due to play Paris AccorHotels Arena on 26th May 2020 as part of The Rhapsody Tour but postponed the show on 5th March. Completely out of their hands, Queen + Adam Lambert explained the show postponement was "due to a government decree in France to cancel all indoor events over 5000 capacity until 31st May in an effort to contain the spread of coronavirus."
Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam postponed their entire March and April 2020 North American Gigaton tour due to the coronavirus less than two weeks before it was due to kick off. The band issued a lengthy apology to fans on their official website and signed it off: "We are so sorry and deeply upset. If anyone out there feels the same based on this news, we share that emotion with you." They're schedule to headline American Express presents BST Hyde Park on Friday 10th July.
Michael Schenker Fest
On Wednesday 4th March Michael Schenker Fest axed their Japanese tour, writing: "It's with great sadness that we have to cancel the Michael Schenker Fest tour in Japan due to the spread of the coronavirus. You'll be able to claim a refund for your tickets, Stay safe and sorry for the disappointment." At the time of writing, Michael Schenker Fest's UK dates are going ahead as planned.
Guns N' Roses
The rock legends' Not in This Lifetime... Tour was due to visit Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Ayma in Costa Rica on Wednesday 18th March but was pulled exactly a week beforehand because of coronavirus. Guns N' Roses have vowed to play the concert at a later date.
Sammy Hagar & The Circle
On 10th March, Sammy Hagar announced the cancellation of The Circle's shows in Chile and Brazil because of the coronavirus. The former Van Halen frontman explained: "The decision has been made along with the local promoters in order to reduce potential health risks in response to the current global health crisis."
Yes
On 12th March, Yes pulled their mini US tour and appearance on their own Cruise to the Edge festival in March/April 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Guitarist Steve Howe said: "Although YES performs with the spirit that 'the show must go on,' we've reached the point where various factors require us to cancel our forthcoming U.S. dates and cancel our appearances on the 7th Cruise To The Edge. We are full of regret, as we've been preparing for these shows with maximum excitement.
Coachella Festival
On 11th March, Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in California was officially postponed until the autumn because of the Coronavirus outbreak. "At the direction of the County of Riverside and local health authorities, we must sadly confirm the rescheduling of Coachella and Stagecoach due to COVID-19 concerns," promoters Goldenvoice wrote. Rage Against The Machine headline the Friday night this October.
South by Southwest
Just days after Ozzy Osbourne and Nine Inch Nails pulled out of their appearances, South by Southwest in Austin, Texas was postponed altogether on 7th March. The move was ordered by Austin Mayor Steve Adler, who declared "a local disaster" as the reason behind the decision. South by Southwest (SXSW) said they were "devastated" by the unprecedented decision.
Poison's Bret Michaels
Poison vocalist Bret Michaels aborted his appearance aboard the '80s Cruise due to the coronavirus and health concerns. His representatives said: "Bret Michaels, a lifelong Type1 Diabetic, falls under the category of those that run the extreme high risk of contracting this illness. Even if this illness is not contracted by Bret, he runs the risk of being quarantined on the ship with fellow music fans that might fall ill." An extremely understandable cancellation.
Machine Head
On 11th March, Machine Head postponed their UK and European Tour including their dates at London Alexandra Palace and Birmingham O2 Academy at the start of June. Explaining why they are postponing the shows, which were due to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their debut album 'Burn My Eyes', Machine Head wrote: "Of paramount importance to us is the health and safety of the Head Cases. We've worked hard with all our management, booking agents, and business associates to find other solutions or options, but the levels of risk to our audience and their communities is simply too high for our comfort level."
My Chemical Romance
My Chemical Romance issued a statement in the early hours of 12th March confirming their Japanese shows won't be going ahead. "The promoter of our Japan shows suggested that we postpone the shows in Japan for the safety of the public, and we are heeding that advice," My Chemical Romance said. "We are terribly sad to postpone, and even more distressed about what is happening the world over." Download Festival Australia has also been cancelled.
Devin Townsend
Devin Townsend has postponed the final dates of his 'Empath Vol. 1 North American Tour'. "With the travel ban in effect from Europe and the consequent chaos that has brought to travel plans, as well as the increasing social unrest, combined with the fact that half of this crew is either European or from the UK, it put us in a tenuous position," Devin Townend said. He also insisted: "This is a postponement, not a cancellation. And your support has been tremendous thus far."
Lamb of God
The heavy metallers have axed their entire European tour due to coronavirus. "Unfortunately, our upcoming European/UK tour will be postponed due to the various band on public gatherings and travel restrictions," Lamb of God said in a statement. "We also wouldn't want to put fans, crew or bands in danger or risk further spread of the virus."