25 Bands I Want/Expect To See At Festivals Next Year

[Hart Attack]

The following is a list of twenty-five bands that I both want and, at least to some extent, expect to see at festivals in 2012. The festivals I'm referring to in particular are Download, Sonisphere and Reading (and by extension Leeds, I guess); nothing against the other festivals, those are just the three that I generally go to. Note that it reflects my own personal taste, so bands that are likely to play but that I'm not a fan of, for example Van Halen, Machine Head or Kasabian, have not been included. I have also chosen to exclude any bands that played at any of the festivals in question this year, so bands like You Me At Six, Rise Against and Bullet For My Valentine have also been left out, despite the fact that both I like them and think they will play somewhere.

Nickelback - Despite a large bandwagon of haters, they're supposed to be great live. They also don't seem to come to the UK often, and almost never for festivals, so they would be a fresh addition to any line-up. With a new album entitled 'Here And Now' coming out soon, 2012 may well be their year to finally headline a major UK festival, and given their style of music and affiliation with Live Nation, that festival is likely to be Download.

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Back with a new guitarist and a new album, the Chilis will most likely be playing somewhere next summer (after getting their own shows out the way in the form of a huge arena tour next month), the only question is where? Reading seems unlikely after the band's trainwreck performance in 2007, while Download has generally been sticking with metal, classic and hard rock headliners in recent years. Given that Kilimanjaro Live are promoting their tour, it seems logical that the Chilis will end up headlining Kili's own festival, Sonisphere.

Foo Fighters - They've come out with one of the best albums of the year in 'Wasting Light' and played several festivals around the UK, as well as two massive shows of their own at Milton Keynes, but I doubt we've seen the last of Dave Grohl and company on their current run yet. The band are known to particularly enjoy Reading, and when better to return that the 20th anniversary of Nirvana's legendary headline performance. Although they were rumoured to be in talks with Sonisphere, and are frequently requested or predicted for Download, I would be shocked if the Foos don't headline next year's Reading.

Evanescence - After falling off the radar for several years, Evanescence are back with a self-titled third album, which from what I've heard so far, sounds pretty damn good. Absent from UK festivals since 2007, they will almost certainly be making a return next summer; my best guess says they'll probably be sub-headlining, or headlining the second stage, at Download or Sonisphere.

3 Doors Down - A rarity here in the past, 3 Doors Down have shown an increased interest in the UK as of late, following up a tour earlier this year with another run of dates next Spring. As far as I'm aware they've never played a festival here before, and considering their recent exposure and great collection of catchy post-grunge songs, that really needs to change. I suspect (or at least hope) we may be seeing them at Download next summer.

Lostprophets - In my opinion one of the best bands in Britain, yet they've never quite reached the levels of success and popularity that they really deserve. With a new album in the works for early 2012, I expect we'll be seeing them somewhere in the summer; a return to Reading (where the band are known to particularly love playing) is a strong possibility, but an appearance at Download or Sonisphere would not be at all surprising either. Second stage headliner seems like a good call at any one of the three.

Within Temptation - Their latest album was released earlier this year but the band had to postpone all tour dates and miss out on the festival season due to their vocalist's pregnancy. With the rescheduled dates taking place throughout the autumn and winter, expect to see them playing the European festivals in the summer and surely making an appearance in the UK along the way. They'll probably be taking a mid main/high second slot at Download or Sonisphere.

A Day To Remember - A band that's grown rapidly over the last few years, I was expecting them to play this year's festivals after releasing their latest album 'What Separates Me From You' at the end of 2010, but sadly they were kept busy across the Atlantic with the Warped Tour for most of the summer. It seems very likely that they'll be back next year though, and could potentially play at any one of the festivals in question, maybe even two.

Incubus - Back from a three-year hiatus with a new album, Incubus are a pretty safe bet for next summer. Arguably not as popular as they once were, they still have a fairly large fanbase and ought to take a mid-high to high slot somewhere... my gut feeling says Sonisphere, but they should fit in fine wherever they play.

Shinedown - They went down very well at Download back in 2009, which I believe was the last time they played a UK festival, so a return to Donington is probably the most likely scenario. A new album is on the way, which should help the band build on their growing popularity over here and increase their chances of making an appearance.

Alice In Chains - The iconic grunge/alternative metal band are overdue for a performance at Download, or would work well at Reading (where I'm surprised they've never played before) as something a bit different but with enough popularity to avoid alienating too much of the crowd. Probably a bit too soon for them to be back at Sonisphere though, having played two-out-of-three years at Knebworth.

The Prodigy - Wildly popular and always a huge draw, these guys will be successful at any festival. They are known to be great live and are arguably big enough to headline, but then haven't released any new material or done anything to justify climbing up the line-ups since they last played, when they took second stage headlining or main stage sub-headlining slots.

Halestorm - This dirty hard rock band has been around for a while, yet they've only really been getting noticed since the release of their self-titled debut album in 2009. The momentum will surely continue with their upcoming sophomore effort, and will likely put them in line for some festival appearances. Download seems like the most likely place to see them; having played on the third stage there before, expect to see them on mid second or low main.

Soundgarden - After announcing their reunion at the start of 2010, they were expected to headline several European festivals across the summer; however they instead opted to play a handful of North American shows and get to work on a new album. This continued through 2011, but with the tour and album both now approaching completion, they ought to be free to finally hit Europe by summer 2012. They would be a perfect sub-headliner for Foo Fighters at Reading, but may prefer the headline slot that they would surely be offered at Download or Sonisphere.

Simple Plan - A fun, catchy pop-punk band that would surely bring waves of nostalgia and memories from teen years, Simple Plan would be a solid addition to any festival line-up (especially since they haven't played any here since 2008, I believe). Probably too irrelevant for Reading, these guys would fit in nicely at Sonisphere in keeping with their habit of booking older pop-punk bands (Alien Ant Farm, Good Charlotte and Sum 41 all come to mind).

Rammstein - For years they were one of the most frequently requested bands for a UK festival until 2010, when they finally accepted a headline slot at Sonisphere. This is still high demand for future performances though, and following a handful of arena shows here in the spring, a return in the summer for a festival appearance may be on the cards. Since it's probably too soon to play Knebworth again, I should think the German metallers will most likely head to Donington for a long-awaited Download headline show.

Staind - They're sadly nowhere near the levels of popularity they reached ten years ago with the chart-topping platinum album 'Break The Cycle', but Staind are still somewhat successful and of course have several hits that everyone should at least recognize. With a seventh album recently released, I expect we'll see them revisit Download next year; look for them on mid main or high second stage.

Papa Roach - Heavily requested and predicted for Download this year, but it didn't end up happening. Between that and the fact that they're always good fun live with plenty of well-known hits and singalongs, I reckon they'll be at Donington in 2012. After sub-headlining the second stage in 2009, they ought to be about halfway down the bill on the main stage this time round.

The Used - Missing from UK festivals since the inaugural Sonisphere in 2009 (after pulling out of Download 2010), The Used should be back next year to promote their fifth album, 'Vulnerable', which is scheduled for release in February. Where they will end up playing is unpredictable though, as they would fit in on any of the top three stages at any of the festivals in question.

Seether - They'll be joining 3 Doors Down on their spring tour, which will get them some exposure and hopefully expand their British fanbase; hopefully this will give them the opportunity to come back for a festival a few months later. Download or Sonisphere are the only likely options for them; either on low-mid main or high-mid second stage.

Lacuna Coil - The Italian alternative metal group will be releasing their sixth album 'Dark Adrenaline' at the start of 2012, and a festival appearance in the summer to promote it is practically inevitable. They have a big UK tour coming up next month, which should boost their status and increase their drawing power, so expect a mid main or high-mid second stage slot at Download or Sonisphere.

Creed - They're supposedly reconvening in 2012 for another tour and possibly also a new album, and despite being one of those bands that it's cool to hate, they still have a reasonably large following and should go down well at a festival. They didn't play any European shows on their first reunion tour (as far as I know), so we're really due for some this time round; they'd certainly be a fresh addition to any festival line-up. If they do play somewhere, it'll likely be an upper-mid main stage slot at Download, or maybe Sonisphere.

Saliva - A UK rarity, but they often pop up in wishlists and predictions for Download. A solid, enjoyable hard rock band with some catchy tunes, they would surely be successful in a low main or mid second stage slot and a real crowd pleaser since many people here will have never had the chance to see them live before. Probably the least likely of all the bands on this list to actually play, but I don't think the possibility should be discounted.

Billy Talent - Always a lot of fun live, and with a strong, seemingly cult-like fanbase, they would be welcomed with open arms at any festival. A new album tentatively titled 'X' is on the way and should be out in time for the summer, so the band will likely be playing somewhere. Billy Talent are regulars at Reading, and have also made numerous Download appearances in the past; but could 2012 be the year they make their Sonisphere debut?

Orestea - With a bit of luck, the up-and-coming Surrey-based melodic metal group could go a long way; they certainly have the potential to be the future of British metal. Their seemingly relentless touring and fantastic debut album 'Love Lines And Blood Ties' has been slowly but surely earning them fans, and they already have a Download performance in the form of a 2009 Boardie Takeover slot under their belt; 2012 may well be their year to finally play a well-deserved main arena set.

Edited October 8, 2011 by Hart Attack

[JC-Mo'Fucka]

You lost me at nickleback.

[GRichards23]

Avenged Sevenfold, MCR (again), Green Day, Sum 41, Nickelback, Slipknot, The Killers, Metallica, Rammstein, Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Jay-Z, Linkin Park, The Vaccines, Kasabian, Atreyu, Mumford and Sons, Limp Bizkit, Blink 182, Black Veil Brides, Bruno Mars, BFMV, Evanescence, Paramore, Lacuna Coil.

Had to really think about this!

[lharris92]

if billy talent have a new album then they will probably do one or more of the fests and then a tour at the latter end of the year

also i expect InMe to be at sonisphere again - although could be at download as AC booked the lead singer as a solo act (possibly trying to persuade them to play)

as for the bands you've mentioned yeah probably most of them will appear somewhere

[Joe-]

Avenged Sevenfold, MCR (again), Green Day, Sum 41, Nickelback, Slipknot, The Killers, Metallica, Rammstein, Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Jay-Z, Linkin Park, The Vaccines, Kasabian, Atreyu, Mumford and Sons, Limp Bizkit, Blink 182, Black Veil Brides, Bruno Mars, BFMV, Evanescence, Paramore, Lacuna Coil.

Had to really think about this!

[GRichards23]

Well, if it's anything like that I'm really not going to go.

Can't imagine Bruno Mars going down well, but saying that, I wouldn't be surprised if all the Reading indie coolkids went to see him. I'd class Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars in the same category.

[Jackmypie]

Libertines, Biffy Clyro, Prodigy, Foo Fighters, Subways, At The Drive in (reformation), Bon Iver, Youth Lagoon, Beach House, Beastie Boys, Deftones (missed them this year), Foals, Modest Mouse, Bad Religion

[Bisque]

I'm expecting Modestep, Knife Party, Feed Me, Skrillex to show up at a few UK festivals next summer & the return of Magnetic Man + Chase & Status double bill at Reading. I'm thinking mostly Reading as I'm undecided on next years festivals.

[Chihiro Cheeks]

1. Pink Floyd

2. Idlewild

3. Travis

4. Brand New

5. Placebo

6. Weezer

7. The Airborne Toxic Event

8. The Bloodhound Gang

9. The Cure

10. Eels

11. Transplants

12. They Might Be Giants

13. The Ataris

14. Rancid

15. Riverboat Gamblers

16. The Shins

17. Millencolin

18. Green Day

19. Alkaline Trio

20. Smashing Pumpkins

21. Eminem

22. Hole

23. The Presidents of the USA

24. Goldfinger

25. Manic Street Preachers

[alex28]

1. Lostprophets - My favourite band of all time, when they're on the bill then I'm always tempted to go. New album coming out early next year (hopefully) which I can't wait for so no doubt they will be somewhere. Obviously they always play at Reading and would be happy with that again, either 3rd top or headlining the second stage. I can potentially see them subbing at sonisphere too.

2. Funeral For A Friend - Off the back of a great album which I'm yet to see live. Was expecting them to be at Reading this year so was very disappointed when they weren't announced. Surprisingly put on the 3rd stage at download which didn't do them justice so I can see them halfway up the main stage at Reading or possibly subbing the NME stage.

3.Incubus - Haven't heard great things about their live performances especially on this website but I'm still holding hope. Haven't played since Download 08, I can see them either at Reading or Sonisphere next summer, I personally would like to see them 4th top on the main stage at Reading.

4.You Me At Six - Really great live band who's popularity seems to be ever increasing so no doubt in my mind they will be back at Reading next year and I can see them being pretty high up the bill potentially taking the same kind of slot friendly fires did this year.

5.Queens Of The Stone Age - Not entirely certain they will be anywhere in the UK next summer but it's an obvious possibility as they're recording the new album. Played the same slot at Reading the last 2 times they played so not sure they would play there unless they got offered a headline slot which they deserve. Real tricky one but I would go with Sonisphere just over Reading.

6.Red Hot Chili Peppers - I think these guys are an absolute certainty for Sonisphere next summer, the rumours are there and it's been spoken about time and time again so not going to go into it. New album is decent, I was at the Reading show in 07 which was my first festival so was good to see them but obviouly they were very disappointing so Reading is a no go for next summer.

7.Parkway Drive - Only recently got into these guys and wow is all i can say they are truly unbelievable and was lucky enough to see them supporting BMTH, they blew everyone away so would love them to do something next summer. They've played Sonisphere and Download I believe so wouldn't be surprised if they were at either again. However I wouldn't be too surprised if they were announced for Reading, think they would fit nicely in an early main stage slot.

8.Slipknot - Wasn't expecting these guys to be doing much next summer but seeing as they are playing Soundwave maybe I was wrong. Reading would be the only possibility considering they headlined Download and Sonisphere but would Reading have the guts to book them? I think they're an outside bet but come on festival republic, YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!

9.Mumford & Sons - A lot of hype surrounding this band after the debut album so I suspect festival bookers will be keen to book this band. With no Glastonbury surely they're going to be at Reading, I could see them propelling up to a high slot on the main stage, not sure if they could sub yet so would put them 3rd up.

10.Rammstein - I really need to see this band live, I think that they are a strong rumour for Download this year as they've already done Sonisphere. I believe Download have been trying to get them for ages so I believe that this year will finally be the year.

11.Paramore - I think this is a really interesting one after the departure of the brothers as I'm not sure where they would be on a line up. Are they big enough to headline? I don't think they could do Reading but having said that they're not too far off. I think they could headline Download but doubt it would be next summer. I guess this one is up in the air, I think they could be somewhere next summer but where is anybodys guess.

12.Biffy Clyro - Off the back of a headline slot at Sonisphere I think Reading will be after them for next summer, not sure if they would headline but they could defo sub potentially to Foo Fighters. I reckon they will either sub at Reading next year or headline the following summer.

13.Bloc Party - I seriously can't see this band headlining Reading until they release a new album, obviously there is one in the pipeline and I don't believe all this news about Kele being booted out, i think it's just for the publicity. If they were to play next summer I think they would sub to Kasabian but I doubt they would take that slot again. It's a tricky one so my gut feeling is they could healine 2013 but maybe I'm wrong and they could co-headline next summer.

14.Foo Fighters - They're a dead cert for Reading in my eyes with the 20th anniversary of Nirvana's performance and they would be an exclusive which Reading loves. Can see them headlining the Sunday.

15.Kasabian - Really big fan of Kasabian, they've made four quality albums so our defo worthy of a headlining slot at Reading next year, I reckon they will then go on to headlining Glastonbury the following summer.

16.Bullet For My Valentine - Thought these guys would be at Reading this year as they have played both Download and Sonisphere recently on numerous occasions but that wasn't the case and Download got them yet again. I think 2012 is the year they return to Reading either 3rd top on the main stage or headlining the NME tent.

17.Limp Bizkit - A new album usually means a festival appearence so I think there will be high demand for them next summer. They could easily play all three but I'm going to rule out Sonisphere as they've played it twice. I would love Reading to book them and I could see it happening, moving up a slot on the main. Ultimatley I think they will be at Download next summer.

18.Middle Class Rut - Not very big over here but I highly recommend them, they're seriously underated. Never played a festival over here and would be suited to playing the festival republic stage at Reading, could easily play at Sonisphere too.

19.Weezer - Best band of the whole weekend at Reading 2010 for me which I really wasn't expecting, can't see them playing anywhere next summer but I'm sure any of the three would take them, especially Reading after that killer performance.

20.System Of A Down - Didn't hear great things about them at Download but I wasn't there so I can't judge, they are the one band I need to see more than any other in the world so my fingers are firmly crossed they return. The announcement of Soundwave has given me a bit of hope so I think there's an outside bet of them headlining Reading with Slipknot.

21.Rage Against The Machine - Heard a while back they were going to write a new album but haven't heard anything since, I reckon they're an outside bet for Sonisphere if they release anything prior to the festival. No doubt that whenever they return they will be booked somewhere.

22.Brand New - One of my favourite bands around and recently announced a tour which I'm lucky enough to be going to. They've played Reading on a few occasions so I expect them to be back next summer either taking a high slot on the main stage or headlining the NME tent.

23.Billy Talent - Were really great at Reading 2010, full of energy and great crowd reaction, I can see them being back next summer although they haven't got any new material out I reckon they could play any of the three, maybe Sonisphere as they haven't played there before.

24. Jay-Z - There's rumours he could be at Reading next summer with Kanye and if he was to play I wouldn't complain, think it would be a great addition. I'm certain of Kasabian and Foo Fighters headlining so I suppose he would fit in well and with no Glasto maybe Reading is going to go with some diversity.

25.A Day To Remember - Thought they would be at Reading again this year with the new album out so I reckon they are going to play somewhere on the main stage next summer probably doing Download or Sonisphere as well.

[alex28]

forgot to add Subways! ah well I'm sure they will be at Reading anyway

[lharris92]

23.Billy Talent - Were really great at Reading 2010, full of energy and great crowd reaction, I can see them being back next summer although they haven't got any new material out I reckon they could play any of the three, maybe Sonisphere as they haven't played there before.

[jump]

Random 25 bands I want...

Gogol Bordello

Rancid

Streetlight Manifesto

Big D & The Kids Table

Skints

Pixies

Japanese Voyeurs

Jamie T

Rammstein

Green Day

T.A.T.

Beans On Toast

CAKE

Daft Punk

Prodigy

Flobots

Garbage

Arcade Fire

Mad Capsule Markets

Metric

Rilo Kiley

System Of A Down

Manic Street Preachers

Rob Zombie

Transplants

[Andrinald]

I really want:

Main: System Of A Down, Slipknot, Foo Fighters, The Beastie Boys, Eminem, Jay Z/Kanye, Biffy Clyro, Rammstein, The Darkness

NME: Brand New, Bon Iver, OFWGKTA, Justice, Death Cab For Cutie, Idlewild, The Mars Volta

Lock Up: The Wonder Years, Every Time I Die, La Dispute, Dillinger Escape Plan, Gallows

Dance: Skrillex

Festival Republic: Lower Than Atlantis, Manchester Orchestra, Tellison

Edited October 15, 2011 by Andrinald

[DanLawless]

Would love to see:

Band of Horses

Bright Eyes

Stephen Fretwell

Daft Punk

The Black Keys

Suede

Sigur Ros

The Courteeners

Blur

Little Joy

Beirut

Richard Hawley

Fleet Foxes

The White Album

The Whip

Mojave 3

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

The Hold Steady

I am Kloot

Slow Club

Iron & Wine

[Dan R]

Would love to see:

Band of Horses

Bright Eyes

Stephen Fretwell

Daft Punk

The Black Keys

Suede

Sigur Ros

The Courteeners

Blur

Little Joy

Beirut

Richard Hawley

Fleet Foxes

The White Album

The Whip

Mojave 3

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

The Hold Steady

I am Kloot

Slow Club

Iron & Wine

[mrtourette]

I can't make 25 bands that I think will play but I think these lot are in with a good shout:

The Big Pink

Band Of Skulls

The Cribs

The Black Keys

Garbage

Mark Lanegan

Rancid

Alice In Chains

Killswitch Engage

MGMT

Cat Power

The Shins

The xx

[DanLawless]

I'd be very happy with pretty much all of those, also the person I've encountered whose even heard of The White Album (the band, not an actual album)

[Dan R]

I only came across them by chance a few weeks ago, then went to their first gig in Britain and it was bloody amazing!

Edited December 28, 2011 by Dan R

[Calzum]

Simple plan? Catchy pop punk

Nah man, way off

[DanLawless]

I would also like The Morning Benders on the line up! Don't let the name put you off!

[jazz565]

1) Foo Fighters

2) Blur

3) Franz Ferdinand

4) Kaiser Chiefs

5) Vampire Weekend

6) Miles Kane

7) Jamie T

We are Scientist

9) Foals

10) Enter Shikari

11) The Early November

12) The Fratellis

13) The Maccabees

14) Fleet Foxes

15) Tribes

16) The Subways

17) Smith Westerns

18) Tame Impala

19) Biffy Clyro

20) The Racouenters

[Dukeeyyy]

1 Foo's

2 Greenday

3 Blur

4 Editors

5 Sum 41

6 Slipknot

7 Knife Party

8 Chase and Status

9 The Vaccines

10 Biffy Clyro

11 Blink 182

12 Swedish House Mafia

13 Kaiser Chiefs

14 Mumford and Sons

15 Enter Shikari

16 Nero

17 Billy Talent

18 The Subways

19 Noel Gallagher

20 Spector

21 Noah and the Whale

22 Good Charlotte

23 Korn ft Skrillex

24 Dry The River

25 Twin Atlantic

[rivalschools.price]

what about black keys for reading?

great new album.

[iPaulo xD]

Hoping for Sum41, You Me At Six, Lostprophets, Kids In Glass Houses, Foos, The Killers, Blur, Bullet For My Valentine, BVB, Wombats, All Time Low, We Are The In Crowd, Yellowcard, Noel Gallagher, Good Charlotte, Skrillex, Knife Party, Paramore, Simple Plan, Nickelback, Four Year Strong, Foster The People, Flux Pavilion

Any of above is good for me