Donington Park is considered sacred ground in the world of Heavy Metal, having hosted major rock events since 1980. For the past 11 years it has been the home of Download festival, and has capably held up and expanded upon the rich legacy of the site. The 2014 edition is to be no exception to this, with another cracking line up in store.
The first day is to be headlined by Avenged Sevenfold, whose meteoric rise is not yet slowing after the huge success of their latest album Hail to the King. The mighty Rob Zombie will be bringing his spectacularly mental stage show along to support, along with the likes of Skindred, Within Temptation, and Rob Zombie’s brother, Powerman 5000 and his recently re-charged band. Expect a punk party over on the second stage, featuring appearances by Flogging Molly, Bad Religion, and headlined by The Offspring, whereas Prog overlords Opeth will take control of the Pepsi Max tent.
Saturday is set to be a special one, with Linkin Park playing their classic debut album Hybrid Theory in its entirety, as well as appearances from pop-punk giants Fall Out Boy and Brit metalcore heroes Bring Me the Horizon. Some old-school awesomeness is in store on the second stage, courtesy of Status Quo and Twisted Sister, alongside stoner-friendly types such as Monster Magnet and Orange Goblin. One of the most anticipated sets of the weekend is the return of Sikth, who will headline the Red Bull studio stage.
As if that wasn’t enough greatness for one weekend, Sunday’s main stage will play host to modern master of blues, Joe Bonamassa, the hilarious Steel Panther, and the mighty Alter Bridge, before hard rock juggernauts Aerosmith arrive to close the festival in style. Meanwhile, Trivium will headline the second stage, which will also feature The Pretty Reckless, and metal legend Philip Anselmo’s solo band, whereas The Dillinger Escape Plan will tear the Pepsi Max stage a new one, after deathcore stalwarts Suicide Silence and Nu metal mob Crazytown make their return to our shores.
With all of these and many more, this year’s Download is not one to be missed.
For the full line up and to purchase tickets, click here.
