Download 2026

[foolee]

8 minutes ago, Marka23 said:

It's an odd one really. Linkin Park have been heavily rumoured for a while because there's a Download sized gap in their touring schedule and Ghost have also been rumoured because the Download booking team was seen at their shows in April with the band. Guns n Roses have also previously been mentioned by an apparent insider.

 

No real clue where Limp Bizkit has come from and it definitely seems too soon for them to headline as they only played in '24.

 

Ghost/Guns n Roses/Linkin Park makes a lot more sense. 

Limp Bizkit new song released today, new album incoming & will headline next time they play. Bookers might want to take advantage of the Nu Metal resurgence while it lasts, Korn this year, Limp Bizkit next year & then Deftones for 27 would work. 

[Andre91]

Unless we see Ghost announced for RaR, I don’t think they’re going to be about. 
 

I’m all for a Bizkit headline set now. BRING IT ONNNNN

[foolee]

1 minute ago, Andre91 said:

Unless we see Ghost announced for RaR, I don’t think they’re going to be about. 
 

I’m all for a Bizkit headline set now. BRING IT ONNNNN

Rumour has it Metallica, Volbeat & Linkin Park for RAR/RIP. 

[OllieJ77]

20 minutes ago, Cammers said:

Agreed, love that new LB song! Also gave a listen to the TOP Breach album and is brill.

It’s class!!! 

[Sparticus]

10 minutes ago, foolee said:

Rumour has it Metallica, Volbeat & Linkin Park for RAR/RIP. 

Where have you seen this, I would make the trip for that!

[OllieJ77]

11 minutes ago, Andre91 said:

Unless we see Ghost announced for RaR, I don’t think they’re going to be about. 
 

I’m all for a Bizkit headline set now. BRING IT ONNNNN

Just think it’s too soon since they last played in UK. Like I’d see them but if I hadn’t booked my ticket already and they were announced I probably wouldn’t be arsed having seen them the last 2 years in a row pretty much the same set.

[Jos92]

11 minutes ago, Sparticus said:

Where have you seen this, I would make the trip for that!

Was posted ages ago by someone that just said they knew someone that worked in the industry

[Frankly Mr Shankly]

2 hours ago, Andre91 said:

Unless we see Ghost announced for RaR, I don’t think they’re going to be about. 

Why RaR specifically? There’s plenty of festivals that haven’t announced anything yet. 

[Audiorocker]

Ghost - Limp Bizkit - Linkin Park suits me to be honest! 

 

How about Spinal Tap or Twisted sister making an appearance this year?

[Jos92]

Just now, Audiorocker said:

Ghost - Limp Bizkit - Linkin Park suits me to be honest! 

 

How about Spinal Tap or Twisted sister making an appearance this year?

Don't tease me with a spinal tap appearance, still gutted I missed that wembley show 

[Andre91]

I don’t think it will be Bizkit, GNR & LP but if it is, I’ve sling this together: 

 

[northernangel]

17 hours ago, OllieJ77 said:

i mean out of everyone commenting on the forum your the only one who really has taken an issue with TOP so if the majority of people in here are in support would that not translate to the wider public going? I don’t disagree that there would be a very loud portion of the fanbase who would kick off but generally I think most people would be fine with them headlining. I also don’t think you appreciate how big of a band they are and the crossover appeal. If and it is a big if because whilst I’d love it I don’t think they get booked they would do very good day ticket sales as the younger generation who can’t afford weekend tickets would turn up for them. Be an interesting one just need more news to break!!

That doesn't bother me really. Certain people are the only one's that said Deftones will headline in 2026, SOAD will play Wembley and here we are.

 

Just to say, I don't dislike TOP, it's just about the worst fit.

 

@andyrhodes24 comparing TOP to ST is a bit silly really. They are at least a rock band, whereas TOP aren't.

[DomDom1984]

I'll go with anyone saying TOP should definitely be considered by a DL who are swaying a bit. 

 

I'll also agree with whoever predicted it's too soon for Bizkit to come back and headline.

[andyrhodes24]

19 minutes ago, northernangel said:

@andyrhodes24 comparing TOP to ST is a bit silly really. They are at least a rock band, whereas TOP aren't.

What I was saying was that a few years ago bands of 21P and ST’s genres would’ve been laughed out of Donington as headliners but both those bands appeal to today’s Download crowd despite neither being metal.

 

Genres aside, 21P are also unbelievably more interesting than ST fwiw.

Edited September 12, 2025 by andyrhodes24

[TWY2911]

Not playing any European festivals doesn't rule a band out 

 

It makes them more unlikely but FOB were a European exclusive in 2024 I'm pretty sure 

[foolee]

23 minutes ago, TWY2911 said:

Not playing any European festivals doesn't rule a band out 

 

It makes them more unlikely but FOB were a European exclusive in 2024 I'm pretty sure 

Weren’t they also like 24th choice on the list? I think if any of Ghost, Limp Bizkit, Iron Maiden or Guns N Roses are touring in the summer they’ll be booked. 

[Jos92]

1 hour ago, Andre91 said:

I don’t think it will be Bizkit, GNR & LP but if it is, I’ve sling this together: 

 

Too many acts on Saturday to allow for a 5hr roses set 

[foolee]

5 hours ago, Sparticus said:

Where have you seen this, I would make the trip for that!

Was just the rumour a few months back. Not sure how legit. Seems talk of Limp Bizkit now on the RAR/RIP forum. Will be interesting to see that RAR/RIP announcement now as if it’s Bizkit Volbeat & LP I think that nails on Bizkit for Download. Lots of ifs though

[Siddey1994]

Breach is a fantastic album, get those boys headlining at some point.

[AwakeToken4]

Personally think we're getting LP, Ghost and Twenty One Pilots which Imo is a pretty good lineup. wouldn't complain at GnR or Limp Bizkit either tbh. Don't see Muse or Biffy being in the headline slot again. Probably get Yungblud subbing for Twenty One Pilots or Bizkit and Volbeat subbing for Ghost or GnR. 

[OllieJ77]

1 hour ago, AwakeToken4 said:

Personally think we're getting LP, Ghost and Twenty One Pilots which Imo is a pretty good lineup. wouldn't complain at GnR or Limp Bizkit either tbh. Don't see Muse or Biffy being in the headline slot again. Probably get Yungblud subbing for Twenty One Pilots or Bizkit and Volbeat subbing for Ghost or GnR. 

I cannot say express how much better and more excited for the festival I would be if it was Ghost TOP LP rather than LB GnR LP. 
 

I have no issues with LB but I saw them at Reading and DL last year I’m not arsed about them 3 years in a row it doesn’t excite me. Don’t know what I’d do on that Saturday if it is GnR, probably  just go back to tent and get pissed 🤣

 

LP is good.

[OllieJ77]

3 hours ago, Andre91 said:

I don’t think it will be Bizkit, GNR & LP but if it is, I’ve sling this together: 

 

There’s enough to make it a decent festival but Saturday away from the main stage for me 🤣

[AwakeToken4]

1 hour ago, OllieJ77 said:

I cannot say express how much better and more excited for the festival I would be if it was Ghost TOP LP rather than LB GnR LP. 
 

I have no issues with LB but I saw them at Reading and DL last year I’m not arsed about them 3 years in a row it doesn’t excite me. Don’t know what I’d do on that Saturday if it is GnR, probably  just go back to tent and get pissed 🤣

 

LP is good.

Honestly I understand GnR get a lot of grief for Axls Vocals but when I seen them in Glasgow they were incredible. I think ToP, Ghost and LP are most likely if maiden aren't doing it. Download want to bring in a younger audience who are willing to spend ridiculous money to see their favourite bands. Ghost, LP and ToP sold out instantly, 2 cheaper headliners and a guarantee to sell out day tickets for those days is a no brainer 

[Spiral_Low]

3 hours ago, AwakeToken4 said:

Personally think we're getting LP, Ghost and Twenty One Pilots which Imo is a pretty good lineup. wouldn't complain at GnR or Limp Bizkit either tbh. Don't see Muse or Biffy being in the headline slot again. Probably get Yungblud subbing for Twenty One Pilots or Bizkit and Volbeat subbing for Ghost or GnR. 

Metallica, SOAD and MCR all doing their own big shows.....a headliner set like that and Download gonna be looking at a drop in numbers again, just have they have experienced over last 2 years. Pre covid they were regularly hitting 80000+ and last 2 years it's been 75K. That headliner set in a year vs these shows and I think it drops even further, 65 to 70K. 

[Marka23]

9 hours ago, Frankly Mr Shankly said:

Why RaR specifically? There’s plenty of festivals that haven’t announced anything yet. 

Generally RaR and Download share a lot of acts