Iron Maiden, KISS and 10 more confirmed for Download Festival 2020
Iron Maiden, KISS and System of a Down have been unveiled as the blockbuster headliners of Download Festival 2020.
Having wowed on their swansong arena tour this summer, KISS will play their last UK show EVER when they headline the opening night at Donington Park on Friday 12th June.
Part of the band’s multi-year End of the Road World Tour, bassist Gene Simmons says their UK exclusive slot at Download Festival in 2020 will be a perfect goodbye.
“I’ve said it before, Download Festival audiences are the best,” The Demon says. “They are up for whatever is thrown at them. KISS is going to come fully prepared to rock their world in 2020 to say ‘Thank You’ for always showing up for us.”
Singer Paul Stanley adds: “Download will be the culmination of 47 years of unapologetic bombast and spectacle. We will make this a fitting farewell to a country and its people whose music remains the blood in our veins.”
The mighty Iron Maiden will have the honour of headlining the Main Stage the Saturday night four years on from their last triumphant appearance at Download Festival. Including Monsters of Rock, it’s the seventh time they’ve headlined the hallowed grounds of Donington Park.
Frontman Bruce Dickinson enthuses: "Next year we will play a number of countries and cities we have yet to visit on this incredible tour, so it is terrific to be able to accept the invitation to return to Download in 2020 and we will certainly go to town and add a few extra items to the show.
“This will be our seventh time headlining at Donington Park. It's home turf and we all really enjoy playing this Festival, the vibe from the crowd is always fantastic."
Download Festival is one of two homecoming UK festival shows Iron Maiden are playing in 2020. They also play Belsonic at Ormeau Park in Belfast on Monday 15th June two days after Download Festival.
Armenian-American metal titans System of a Down are the third headliners and they will bring Download Festival 2020 to an emphatic close on the Sunday night.
Bassist Shavo Odadjian comments: “From our appearances to many of my favourite bands’, Castle Donington has always had a special place in my heart. We’re proud and excited to continue its legacy.”
Alongside the big-name headliners, also confirmed today are Deftones, Korn, The Offspring, Disturbed, Gojira, Alestorm, Black Veil Brides, Daughtry and Of Mice & Men.
Deftones drummer Abe Cunningham says: “Download has been a big part of our history. The fans and organisers have always shown us so much love and support, so when the opportunity to play arises, we answer the call!”
Korn guitarist, James ‘Munky’ Shaffer, adds: “I’m extremely anxious and enthusiastic at the same time, but I’m looking forward to getting back out there and returning to Download!”
Download Festival takes place at Donington Park from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th June 2020.
Download Festival’s cowboy hat-wearing head honcho, Andy Copping, says:“Downloaders, your 2020 headliners are here! Rock ‘n’ roll legends KISS and System of A Down will both be headlining as UK Festival exclusives and after 4 years away from Donington, Iron Maiden will return bringing with them mascot Eddie and more fire than we can handle, I’m counting down the days already!”
The Download Festival 2020 line-up so far is as follows:
KISS (Friday headliner)
Iron Maiden (Saturday headliner)
System of a Down (Sunday headliner)
Deftones
Korn
Disturbed
The Offspring
Of Mice and Men
Alestorm
Gojira
Black Veil Brides
Daughtry
>> Click here to buy tickets <<