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Download 2026


Andre91

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1 hour ago, Marka23 said:

Also with Guns n Roses's tour ending on the 8th November it looks like they're waiting for their tour to end before they announce dates for 2026 otherwise they'd have announced some by now. With Download announcing on the 3rd this pretty firmly rules GnR out. 

How does that rule them out 🤣 them being announced for Download whilst a Latin America tour is ongoing effects nothing. It also does not affect them announcing other European dates later in the week. I’m not saying you have to believe me feel free to make own decision. 

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13 minutes ago, kitatus said:

That is directly conflicting with the rumours of Ghost / Linkin Park - the origin of the rumour of Ghost is they "got" them when Ghost were over just a little bit before Download this year. So the rumour is they always wanted Ghost. 

 

Edit: Additional thought: I think Ghost is pretty much a given considering the rumour, the origin of the rumour and the fact they sit quite nicely in the "style" of headliners we've been getting since the Download refresh ("new" headliner bumped up ala Bring Me, Sleep Token .etc).

 

So we don't know Download didn't get their first choices. We can make an educated guesses, such as the fact the rumours have been pretty consistent with Linkin Park / Ghost for a while with no firm third headliner, which probably means they didn't get a lock until recently.

 

I would argue Iron Maiden are not in-line with "Download 2.0" and the rumours always were that they'd be playing a "Thursday" hinting at four days again, which I think was just people putting two+two together of Iron Maiden's anniversary and trying to put them on a line-up which isn't really focused on acts like Maiden anymore imo. But after what happened at the last four dayer, I swear I recall Download said they wouldn't be doing that again anytime soon since they almost lost their license over it, lol

 

There were rumours for a while of MCR, which I believe stem from that fact Andy wanted to book them for quite a while and if I have my conspiracy hat on, that was probably a headliner they "tried to get" before MCR decided to do their own thing with a couple of UK dates. But it was pure speculation of what's been said in the past, not based on any evidence in reality.

 

I think SOAD came up because they've been playing shows and haven't played the UK in a while, I don't think there was any ever any evidence that even hinted that Download wanted SOAD, even though it would have been a good booking and we can speculate they were probably at least asked but there was never a "it could happen" imo outside of fan wishing.

 

Metallica, I don't think makes sense to have them back so "soon". We haven't had any repeat headliners since the Download 2.0, I think booking them again would be against the "Download 2.0" image they're trying to push with the "leaner, fresher" versions of their line-ups as booking the same people became a common complaint with Download.

 

Hell even NIN only came into question because of a false rumour of playing a nearby festival but the stars have aligned in such a way that it's become a "maybe" from nothing, so who knows.

 

All speculation on my part but where there's smoke there is usually fire or at least an explanation of how people perceived said smoke in the first place.

Like I said in an earlier post, I think Ghost and Linkin Park were both booked for 2026 when they were approached about 2025. 

I heard months ago that MCR and SOAD were doing stadiums, I know I'm not the only one to hear this so I don't think they were ever really a strong rumour. Maiden made sense, but decided to do their own thing. Wouldn't be at all surprised to see them back in 2027. Since NIN announced a tour for 2025 festivals for 2026 have always been on the cards. They did fests around Europe in 2025 but not the UK so it would make sense for them to play summer fests in the countries they didn't. I don't know if Download will be their bag (maybe Glasto instead headlining the Other stage and doing some outdoor gigs at Piece Hall, Lytham, Eden...), then again if DL have got A Perfect Circle that could be a really solid little run. 

 

Also, I think 'Download 2.0' isn't really a thing. It's a natural evolution. Download is still a rock and metal fest I think they've just noticed the change in the wind and are booking accordingly. Nu-Metal is back in vogue and the 80's throwback stuff that had been popular pre covid doesn't have the same pull. They'll still book Metallica, AC/DC, Maiden GnR if they can, but they don't want to be hanging their hat on them anymore.  

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14 minutes ago, OllieJ77 said:

How does that rule them out 🤣 them being announced for Download whilst a Latin America tour is ongoing effects nothing. It also does not affect them announcing other European dates later in the week. I’m not saying you have to believe me feel free to make own decision. 

Because if they weren't waiting for their tour to end before announcing any dates for 2026 they'd have announced some by now. 

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21 minutes ago, kitatus said:

That is directly conflicting with the rumours of Ghost / Linkin Park - the origin of the rumour of Ghost is they "got" them when Ghost were over just a little bit before Download this year. So the rumour is they always wanted Ghost. 

Sorry, maybe my point wasn’t clear. I never suggested Metallica or MCR were likely or strongly rumoured. That in itself is proof of my point - they’re the two biggest rock bands on the market, both in the UK around the time of Download and the festival was seemingly never in the running for either of them.

 

5-10 years ago your Metallicas, Maiden, SOAD etc would build their EU tours around Download/Rock Am Ring etc. now they just bypass the festivals entirely knowing they can come back next year and get a second payday if they want.

 

Anyone who thinks Ghost were first choice in a market where MCR and Metallica are touring is lying to themselves.

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7 minutes ago, Marka23 said:

Because if they weren't waiting for their tour to end before announcing any dates for 2026 they'd have announced some by now. 

Depends if they’re doing festivals who haven’t announced their acts yet such as Download. In addition it could be an agreement with Download and other festivals that they don’t announce the dates until after the festivals have announced their lineup. 

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19 minutes ago, King101 said:

Anyone who thinks Ghost were first choice in a market where MCR and Metallica are touring is lying to themselves.

Interesting view point, I think the exact opposite. I think Ghost were in the running all along and if it wasn't Sleep Token this year, it was going to be Ghost. But that's the great thing about these kind of opinions, we can all be right until we're not.

Edited by kitatus
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Don't promoters and management companies often have a big say in these things as well? 

 

You wanna book this act, well you also need to book this one next year etc. 

 

Sometimes you gotta make deals and record labels etc will look for ways to push acts up naturally. 

 

Other than the bookers and a select few others no one really knows what and why who is booked tbf. 

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29 minutes ago, King101 said:

Sorry, maybe my point wasn’t clear. I never suggested Metallica or MCR were likely or strongly rumoured. That in itself is proof of my point - they’re the two biggest rock bands on the market, both in the UK around the time of Download and the festival was seemingly never in the running for either of them.

 

5-10 years ago your Metallicas, Maiden, SOAD etc would build their EU tours around Download/Rock Am Ring etc. now they just bypass the festivals entirely knowing they can come back next year and get a second payday if they want.

 

Anyone who thinks Ghost were first choice in a market where MCR and Metallica are touring is lying to themselves.

Were MCR and Metallica ever really realistic though? Think everyone knew if MCR were coming over they’d do their own show and same with Metallica.

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54 minutes ago, kitatus said:

If I recall the news articles at the time, earlier camping wasn't an option because of licensing / events on at the race track. I think it also wasn't JUST the traffic, though it was a big issue. Metallica's sound issues were also a cause for many complaints if I am remembering correctly but the traffic caused was a huge deal for the local council / the airport.

 

Yes it was the worst planned traffic entrance I've ever seen for a festival, closing and shutting car parks off that people had passes to and saying theh were full when they weren't. My brother in law went on the Wednesday afternoon and parked his car outside a half empty car park telling them he's not moving the car, hes got a pass for the car park so they let him in or it holds traffic up and I wish I just did the same. If it was clearly full then obviously not. To be honest ive never seen as many continuing multiple issues for a festival as I have download over the years apart from Glastonbury planning recently and I first went in 2011. Hence why I go when I really want to see something but im more than happy for bands to play elsewhere. Had they booked Maiden and LP next year I'd have likely been there for two days. The shuttle system they operate and the sound in general at the stages are what they get right.

42 minutes ago, OKMess said:

Like I said in an earlier post, I think Ghost and Linkin Park were both booked for 2026 when they were approached about 2025. 

I heard months ago that MCR and SOAD were doing stadiums, I know I'm not the only one to hear this so I don't think they were ever really a strong rumour. Maiden made sense, but decided to do their own thing. Wouldn't be at all surprised to see them back in 2027. Since NIN announced a tour for 2025 festivals for 2026 have always been on the cards. They did fests around Europe in 2025 but not the UK so it would make sense for them to play summer fests in the countries they didn't. I don't know if Download will be their bag (maybe Glasto instead headlining the Other stage and doing some outdoor gigs at Piece Hall, Lytham, Eden...), then again if DL have got A Perfect Circle that could be a really solid little run. 

 

Also, I think 'Download 2.0' isn't really a thing. It's a natural evolution. Download is still a rock and metal fest I think they've just noticed the change in the wind and are booking accordingly. Nu-Metal is back in vogue and the 80's throwback stuff that had been popular pre covid doesn't have the same pull. They'll still book Metallica, AC/DC, Maiden GnR if they can, but they don't want to be hanging their hat on them anymore.  

Maiden for 2027 yes. Download 2.0 is the biggest gimmick not starter going.

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36 minutes ago, King101 said:

Sorry, maybe my point wasn’t clear. I never suggested Metallica or MCR were likely or strongly rumoured. That in itself is proof of my point - they’re the two biggest rock bands on the market, both in the UK around the time of Download and the festival was seemingly never in the running for either of them.

 

5-10 years ago your Metallicas, Maiden, SOAD etc would build their EU tours around Download/Rock Am Ring etc. now they just bypass the festivals entirely knowing they can come back next year and get a second payday if they want.

 

Anyone who thinks Ghost were first choice in a market where MCR and Metallica are touring is lying to themselves.

And to add to your point times have changed since 5-10 years. Bands know they can make more money on their own stadium shows and still get booked for festivals a year later. They’re the acts in demand not the festival now.

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54 minutes ago, TWY2911 said:

2026: Limp Bizkit, Ghost, Linkin Park 

 

2027: Deftones, Blink 182, System Of A Down 

 

2028: Slipknot, Bad Omens, My Chemical Romance

I can definitely see Bad Omens headlining in '28. Sub Linkin Park next year, full arena run in '27 and headline in '28. 

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1 hour ago, Marka23 said:

I can definitely see Bad Omens headlining in '28. Sub Linkin Park next year, full arena run in '27 and headline in '28. 

 

Need to keep away from having bands return to play within 2 years that are on their 3rd year of touring in the country. It's not great when the likes of Maiden do it but they at least sell out huge venues

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3 minutes ago, foolee said:

Yeah I’d expect Trivium, Bad Omens & Volbeat as the subs as it stands. 

 

22 minutes ago, northernangel said:

Ive not seen the leak but didnt think Papa Roach woukd do it. But judging by things, likely makes Bad Omens much more likely. Makes Volbeat more likely.

 

If I've found the right list, Bad Omens is also on the list.

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4 hours ago, Marka23 said:

Because if they weren't waiting for their tour to end before announcing any dates for 2026 they'd have announced some by now. 

 

Why are you assuming they were waiting for someone then? This announcement date lines up pretty well with most over first announcements over the years. GnR are not ruled out in the slightest

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2 hours ago, northernangel said:

 

Need to keep away from having bands return to play within 2 years that are on their 3rd year of touring in the country. It's not great when the likes of Maiden do it but they at least sell out huge venues

Maiden have never returned within 2 years. Isn't the only band to do that Def Leppard in 09 and 11?

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