It’s exciting to kick off our discussion with Download’s bold choice to feature three brand new headliners! The selection of bands is quite fascinating, and I can’t wait to dive into it. Here’s how the line-up poster appears after the initial announcement of bands.
Headliners
Green Day
It’s no surprise to our loyal viewers that we’re absolutely thrilled about this booking. One of our team members even shares a name with one of their songs! Plus, let’s not forget that the very first post on this site was a review of “Saviors,” and we’ve also covered a gig review. Honestly, this booking has been a long time in the making; it probably should have taken place a decade ago!
Green Day has a massive following, ensuring that their day tickets for Friday will be sold out in no time. With iconic tracks like “American Idiot,” “Basket Case,” and “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” fans can expect an unforgettable sing-along experience that will undoubtedly be the highlight of the weekend.
The lineup of other announced bands gives us a glimpse of the acts set to take the main stage on Friday. I can’t help but wonder if this has been the reason they haven’t headlined until now, as they may have wanted to influence who else gets to perform.
Sleep Token
Wow! I’d caught wind of the buzz surrounding this, and while I believe it’s an excellent choice, I honestly didn’t expect Download to actually go for it. This enigmatic UK band has only been on the scene since 2016, yet they’ve skyrocketed to fame in just a few years. Their third album, 2023’s Take Me Back to Eden, received an incredible response.
It hasn’t been too long since they graced the Dogtooth stage, so for them to headline so soon must be a remarkable achievement in their journey. Earlier this year, I had the chance to review their track, The Summoning, and I still believe it’s a challenge to categorize their sound into a single genre. However, that certainly doesn’t take away from their right to take the headline position.
While they may not appeal to everyone, it’s high time Download secured a headliner ahead of other festivals. When it comes to Download placing its bets on Sleep Token as the next big thing, it’s a solid choice. Their recent arena tour tickets sold out almost immediately, indicating the demand is there.
It’s crucial that every band member steps up their game, singer Vessel can’t face another vocal issue; if he does, the performance could fall flat. My biggest worry is that they currently have just three albums under their belt. Perhaps they’ll drop a fourth album before the show to solidify their set list.
Korn
This band, oddly enough, feels like the biggest risk to me. It’s not that I’m dismissing Korn; they’ve dedicated years of hard work to their craft. However, what have they accomplished since they sub headlined Biffy Clyro that justifies this elevation?
It was clear that after Korn left the stage that year, many in the crowd started to drift away. I used to think they would always be the underdogs, never quite reaching the top. How mistaken I was! Honestly, even those who complain about them headlining will probably find themselves right in front of the main stage, belting out the lyrics to “Freak on a Leash” or “Coming Undone.”
This booking offers something truly special. It provides hope to other bands that have found themselves in the sub-headline position, showing them that a rise to prominence is possible. You can bet that groups like Bullet for My Valentine and Alterbridge are watching this closely, eagerly anticipating their own chance to shine.
Logo Bands
Weezer
This is undoubtedly the obvious sub headliner for Friday’s lineup under Green Day, and what a fantastic choice it is! Our thinking behind this is their appearance at Hella Mega with Green Day previously. After their upcoming show sold out at Crystal Palace with Deftones (I’m thrilled that Weezer is part of the lineup), it makes perfect sense to have them on board. With close to 15 million monthly streams, it’s clear that the enthusiasm for this band, which has been around since 1992, remains strong!
With an overwhelming selection of songs to choose from, I can already tell this will be the ideal buildup to Green Day. Personally, Weezer is a band I’ve always wanted to experience live, but I wouldn’t shell out for a solo tour. So, the fact that they’ll be at Download is a fantastic chance to belt out “Buddy Holly.”
Bullet For My Valentine
I would venture to say that this is the sub headline position beneath Korn on Sunday. Bullet for My Valentine were once the shining stars of the Kerrang era, with many believing they were destined for greatness early on. Their albums, Scream Aim Fire and The Poison, catapulted them into fame, but a series of lackluster releases has since slowed their progress.
I’m excited to attend the special Bullet for My Valentine and Trivium tour next year, where they’ll perform their debut albums in their entirety! I can’t wait for this experience! It’s important to note that their self-titled album from 2021 was their heaviest release in quite some time and gained significant popularity. With the announcement of a new album set to drop in 2025, it seems like a thrilling new chapter is on the horizon for the Welsh band!
Jimmy Eat World
Jimmy Eat World is another ready-to-go band for the main stage on Friday. With colossal hits like “The Middle,” it’s evident that Download is embracing the sing-along vibe. What intrigues me is that I’ve caught them live twice on the second stage. If they do indeed make the leap to the main stage as expected, it could mean a longer set and a whole new energy in the crowd. Here’s hoping it turns out to be an amazing experience!
Don Broco
This rock band has skyrocketed in popularity, and their tunes are undeniably infectious (shoutout to “Everybody”). I haven’t had the chance to see them perform live yet, but I’m determined to be in the audience, as long as nothing clashes with it! Perhaps I’m underestimating their fame, but I thought they might be positioned a bit lower on the lineup. Regardless, I’m thrilled to see what they bring to the stage!
Spiritbox
YES! I was eyeing the Alexandra Palace concert, regretting not purchasing tickets, mainly because it was in London (Seriously, there are other cities out there). I’ve been eager to catch the Canadian band live ever since I first heard “Circle With Me” from their debut album “Eternal Blue” back in 2021. Although they can be a bit inconsistent at times, they usually manage to hit the mark quite well.
The recent EP, The Fear Of Fear, features Jaded a track that I believe could be my favorite song of the year. As for their lineup placement, I’m uncertain about where they might land. If I had to make a prediction, I would say they could take the third from top spot on Saturday, which would open up a sub-headlining position for another band to be announced later. However, if Spiritbox drops another album before the festival, they could very well claim that spot for themselves.
Sex Pistols ft Frank Carter
As a big admirer of Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes as well as The Sex Pistols, I have to say this collaboration feels like a perfect union. It’s great to see Glen Matlock back where he belongs; let’s be honest, Sid just didn’t cut it anyway!
This will be a truly special and exciting opportunity for me, as I’ve never had the chance to experience the songs I adore from the band live. Although I was disappointed to see Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes go, this definitely compensates for that loss.
The Darkness
Who wouldn’t want to belt out a Christmas tune in June? If everything goes as planned, I certainly will be! After catching their performance a few years ago, I can honestly say I was blown away, and I have no doubt they’ll be just as fantastic this time around. When the first chord of I Believe In a Thing Called Love hits, the audience is guaranteed to go wild!
Steel Panther
They consistently deliver an entertaining performance, and as a comedy act, their musical skills are impressive. I get that some might be turned off by their playful antics and suggestive lyrics, but if you embrace their vibe, it’s all about having a good time!
McFly
I saw this coming from a mile away. After booking Busted to headline the third stage last year, this was inevitable. I’m sure the crowd will love it, and getting into the tent will be just as challenging as it was last year. However, I won’t be in the audience since I already have tickets for the McFly Vs Busted co-headline tour, and I’m really looking forward to it! This however really will go down a treat.
Apocalyptica
This booking took me completely by surprise, and I find this situation quite fascinating. The musicians in question are exceptionally skilled, yet to my knowledge, their most popular tracks feature guest vocalists.
Unless they invite some special guests to perform alongside them—of which there are so many possibilities, (and I’m really hoping for Adam Gontier!) ;—I’m uncertain about how this will unfold. That said, the allure of such remarkable vocalists collaborating with this incredibly talented band is definitely enough to pique my interest.
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Best Of The Rest
Airbourne
Upon learning that this band was available, I couldn’t help but wonder if they would be at Download. It also sparked a glimmer of hope that AC/DC might take the main stage, but sadly, that didn’t come to fruition. Nevertheless, I won’t let that dampen my spirits as I raise a glass to “Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast.”
I’m curious if we’ll witness another wild stage-climbing spectacle like we did last time. Regardless, it’s an excellent choice for both the band and the festival, and I’m certain the audience will be huge.
Alien Ant Farm
They offer so much more than just an incredible cover of a Michael Jackson classic! That said, their rendition of Smooth Criminal is absolutely fantastic! I’ve had the pleasure of meeting them before at the signing tent during Download, and I can confirm they are genuinely great guys as well!
My initial encounter with the band was through their track “Wish” featured in the Tony Hawk Pro Skater games, and that song is what I most closely link to them. I’m confident they’ll deliver an incredible performance, no matter where they are placed in the lineup. I just hope the audience gives them the recognition they truly deserve!
Their recent album, mAntras, which came out earlier this year, is also fantastic, so make sure to give it a listen if you haven’t yet!
Mallory Knox
What a delightful blast from the past that I never saw coming, but I truly can’t wait for! For those unaware, Mallory Knox split up in 2019 and reunited just this year. They’ve put out two of my all-time favorite albums, Signals and Asymmetry, and it’s shocking to admit that I’ve never caught them live. That’s about to change! No matter what clashes I have, I’m determined to see them perform! Come June, I’ll be singing Lighthouse at the top of my lungs!
Bands That On First Listen Intrigue Me
Trophy Eyes
They seem to be a pop-punk band that describes their music as sad songs disguised as happy songs. Regardless of the mood, I’m impressed!
The Southern River Band
I openly admit my passion for music that has that deep southern vibe, particularly when it blends rock and blues! After just two songs, I’m eager to explore the entire back catalogue!
Riding The Low
Did you know that Paddy Considine, the king from House of the Dragon, was part of an indie band? I certainly didn’t until now! I’m determined to catch their performance at Download Festival. Plus, he’s featured in this year’s video announcement for the bands, so if you have a moment, be sure to check it out!
Dead Poet Society
I missed out on this band at Download because of a scheduling conflict, but I definitely won’t let that happen again! The track “.intoodeep.” is fantastic, showcasing impressive lyrics and vocal delivery. Give it a listen and see what you think!
The Funeral Portrait
It would be a shame not to highlight them again after my earlier review on the site! Their latest album, Greetings From Suffocate City, is absolutely incredible! The collaboration with Spencer Charnas from Ice Nine Kills is equally impressive. This band has reignited my emo spirit!
Polaris
Metalcore has a special place in my heart; the combination of aggressive vocals and melodic elements really hits the mark for me. The first time I listened to The Remedy, I was completely blown away. I can already tell I’ll be diving deep into their tracks for hours as the festival approaches.
Starset
I had never come across this band until today, but within just an hour, three different people raved about how amazing they are. Turns out, they were right! To my surprise, I recognized one of their songs, “Monster.” While that alone might not be enough to guarantee I’ll catch them live, if my schedule allows, you can bet I’ll be right up front!
Conclusion
This is one hell of a first announcement , with a refreshing feel to it. With plenty more bands to be announced we will be keeping an eye on an announcement date!
What did you think to the first announcement and our summary? Let us know in the comments section below!
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