Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, and Guns N’ Roses have been announced as the headline acts for next year’s Download Festival.
The prominent trio leads a roster of approximately 90 rock and metal artists slated to perform at the three-day event, held annually at Donington Park in Leicestershire.
The lineup also includes notable acts such as Pendulum, Cypress Hill, Babymetal, and Black Veil Brides.
These artists will join metal mainstays Trivium, Mastodon, and Architects, along with indie-rock bands Feeder and Ash, throughout the weekend spanning June 10-14.
Linkin Park’s headlining slot marks a significant milestone as the first time a band with a female lead vocalist has topped the bill since the festival’s inception in 2023.
The nu-metal group reformed last year, introducing Emily Armstrong as their new lead singer.
Since then, they have embarked on a world tour and recorded new material, their first since the passing of former frontman Chester Bennington in 2017.
The selection of Armstrong has faced some controversy, with some fans citing her alleged associations with the Church of Scientology and past support for convicted rapist Danny Masterson.
Members of Chester Bennington’s family have also voiced criticism, with his son, Jaime, accusing the remaining band members of “quietly erasing” his father’s legacy.
Armstrong has since distanced herself from Masterson, while Linkin Park founding member Mike Shinoda has affirmed that she is not intended to replace anyone.
Next year’s Download will also be a landmark event for Limp Bizkit, who are set to headline the festival for the first time.
Their appearance at this year’s Leeds Festival marked the final live performance with founding member and bassist Sam Rivers, who passed away last month at the age of 48.
Guns N’ Roses are currently on a world tour and recently appeared at Ozzy Osbourne’s final live show in his hometown of Birmingham.
Download Festival is known for “spanning the full spectrum of rock, metal, punk, emo, hardcore, alternative and classic rock.”
In recent years, Download has broadened its scope to include pop acts and surprise guests, with the Vengaboys making an unexpected appearance in the 2024 lineup.
Dogstar – the band formed by actor Keanu Reeves – are scheduled to perform in 2026.
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