IT’S TIME FOR YOUR FIRST #DL2020 ANNOUNCEMENT! KISS, IRON MAIDEN, SYSTEM OF A DOWN AND MORE!

The legendary KISS will be performing for the LAST TIME EVER in the UK, exclusively at Download 2020.  Earlier this year they embarked under their appropriately named End Of The Road tour, and known for their trademark larger-than-life blistering performances, KISS have proven for decades why they are hands down the most iconic live show in rock’n roll.

Gene Simmons says: “I’ve said it before, Download Festival audiences are the best. 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”.

Iron Maiden will return to Download in 2020, in what will be one of only two homecoming festival shows. They’ve spent the summer on their historic and critically acclaimed Legacy Of The Beast US tour, which has been deemed ‘Maiden’s best setlist ever’ so get ready Downloaders, this is one performance you won’t want to miss.

Vocalist Bruce Dickinson tells us: “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.”

In a UK festival exclusive, System Of A Down will also headline at Download 2020. The Californian band have earned themselves a worldwide following with their unique blend of trash metal and alternative rock, and never fail to put on a mind blowing performance.

Bassist Shavo Odadjian says: “From our appearances to many of my favorite bands’, Castle Donington has always had a special place in my heart. We’re proud and excited to continue its legacy.”

If all that wasn’t enough for you, there’s no less than NINE more bands in your first announcement.

The mighty Deftones will also be making a welcome return to Donington. Having released seven albums and selling over 10 million copies worldwide, it’s sure to be a hit-packed set from the Sacramento, California band. We can’t wait to rock out to the likes of ‘My Own Summer (Shove It)’ and ‘Swerve City’.

With the release of latest album ‘The Nothing’ last week, Korn will be joining the Download 2020 line up. The two-time Grammy Award winning band have toured the world countless times and have continued to push the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres, while remaining a pillar of influence for legions of fans and generations of artists around the globe.

Over the course of their 35-year career, they have released nine studio albums, and with a tenth on the way, punk rioteers The Offspring are heading to Download Festival bringing with them punk rock anthems including ‘Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)’, ‘You’re Gonna Go Far Kid’, ‘Self Esteem’, and dozens more.

Plus, the hard-hitting, multi-platinum-selling Disturbed are returning to Donington with their aggressive blend of hard rock, alternative, and nu-metal. The band exploded onto the scene in 2000 with ‘Down With The Sickness’, and last year released their seventh album Evolution which reached the top 10 around the globe.

Still want more? Good, because there’s more. Also joining the line up are Gojira, the French death-metallers who have become famous for their sonically dense sounds and bludgeoning heavy rhythms.

Alestorm will be jumping ship to the hallowed grounds of Download Festival once again, bringing with them their pirate metal and perhaps their giant inflatable duck.

With a new album looming this Friday, Of Mice & Men have been dominating stages for over a decade, and have had a disciple like following every step of the way that will undoubtedly follow them to Donington next year.

Hollywood hard rock act Black Veil Brides will make their anticipated UK return. Renowned for their explosive live shows and tenacious fans, the five-piece have worked tirelessly to create a scene of their own.

Grammy nominated US alternative rock band Daughtry also join the line-up, following the success of last year’s album Cage To Rattle. Fronted by American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry, the band has sold over 8 million albums and 16 million singles, alongside selling out tours globally.

There you have it, that’s a whole load of bands for your buck and we’re only just getting started.

#DL2020 takes place on 12-14 June 2020.

Barclaycard customer? Enjoy 48 hours of presale access and get 10% off on every presale ticket you buy. Grab yours now! Pre-sale ends Wednesday at 2pm.