Organizers for Download Festival have released the phase one lineup of artists to perform at the virtual event, including headliners KISS, Iron Maiden, and System of a Down.
The lineup release follows an April announcement that Download Festival would cancel its 2020 iteration at Donington Park in Derbyshire, England due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has forced the indefinite hiatus of most live events. Instead, Download will host a virtual event on June 12th-14th, airing via Download TV on the festival’s official social channels.
“The weekend will be split into day and evening, where the day will be everything that celebrates the spirit of Download Festival, and the evening brings 2 to 3 hours of tailor-made programming where Downloaders can tune in and rock out,” said event organizers in a press release.
In a video posted to Facebook, Download Festival also announced that Deftones, Alter Bridge, Korn, The Offspring, Disturbed, Baby Metal, Funeral for a Friend, Bowling For Soup, and many more will join the aforementioned headliners.
On Friday, Download Festival will replay KISS’ standout festival moments before Saturday sees Iron Maiden “Bringing something very special to screens, with nostalgic performances, Legacy Of The Beast snippets, and something just for Download TV,” said organizers in a press release. Furthermore, Download will air footage from System of a Down’s 2005, 2011, and 2017 performances.
Additionally, this year’s virtual Download Festival will also include special lockdown performances, music tutorials, mindfulness workshops, live artist Q&A’s, and more. Watch the festival lineup announcement video below and head here to subscribe to Download TV.
Download Festival Lineup Announcement
[H/T NME]