Download Festival announces 43 new bands

January 27, 2020 James Weaver

A whopping 43 new bands have been announced for this year’s Download Festival!

After previously announced 37 names back in November, including KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, BABYMETAL, THE PRETTY RECKLESS and more, now, a whopping 43 new names have been announced for this year’s festival!

Leading the charge in this morning’s announcement is ALTER BRIDGE, BOWLING FOR SOUP, FRANK CARTER & THE RATTLESNAKES, MASTODON, THE DISTILLERS, SEPULTURA, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE and FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND.

Speaking about performing at this year’s festival, Mark Tremonti of ALTER BRIDGE says, “we are very proud and honoured to be a part of the 2020 lineup. Download has always been the highlight of our touring schedule over the years, thanks for another opportunity to perform for some of the best rock fans in the world!” Chris Motionless of MOTIONLESS IN WHITE adds, “playing Download is an accomplishment that bands of every level still write home about. It is THE festival to be a part of, and I’m so proud to announce that we will be making an appearance again for the first one of the new decade. See you in a few months!”

Also confirmed in today’s announcement is 3 DOORS DOWN, AMARANTHE, EMPLOYED TO SERVE, GENDER ROLES, NORTHLANE, HAKEN, HOLDING ABSENCE, LACUNA COIL, LOATHE, SLEEP TOKEN, THE DARKNESS and MILK TEETH.

Speaking about their return to Download Festival, Justin Hawkins of THE DARKNESS says, “UK festival appearances are like children – so precious and impossible to pick a favourite. This year though, my number 1 child is our Download slot! I have a pair of pyjama bottoms designed to look like jeans with tickets for Monsters of Rock 1991 hanging out of the pocket, and that tells you everything you need to know about my excitement levels.” Ryan Richards from FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND says, “as a band, and as individuals – we’ve made some incredible memories at the hallowed grounds of Donington through the years, so it’s going to be nice to come back and make a few more together. Those trademark black fringes are a bit greyer/balder these days, but we’ll still be able to show these young ‘uns a thing or two!” Jaret Reddick from BOWLING FOR SOUP adds, “Download Festival is always something special for BOWLING FOR SOUP. So many of the stories we share with other bands and family members back home come from our time spent playing or hanging out at this festival. Very much looking forward to making more memories this summer…and of course bringing something special to our show, that only BFS can get away with!”

Rounding out today’s enormous announcement is CEMETERY SUN, HIGHER POWER, HATARI, JJ WILDE, SHVPES, THE MENZINGERS, MODERN ERROR, PRESS CLUB, RENOUNCED, POLYPHIA, THY ART IS MURDER, HEAVY LUNGS, FIRE FROM THE GODS, THE GLORIOUS SONS, KILL THE LIGHTS, SULLII, TEMPT, THE RAVEN AGE, THE HARA, WAGE WAR, TWIN TEMPLE, THE SKINTS and WILL HAVEN.