DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL adds 15 new bands!

@DownloadFest adds fifteen more acts to the lineup for 2014! @bfsrocks @ZakkWyldeBLS

Download Festival added another 15 bands to their bill on Monday night, with some more big names in amongst the lot announced.

Leading the way are pop punk masters Bowling For Soup, who will be making their return to the UK after their final ever tour in October last year to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Singer Jaret Reddick says:

“We are really stoked to be coming back to Download this year…first and foremost, our little band turns 20 this June, so what better way to celebrate! Music, beer and Portaloos! Also, it’s a great opportunity to show our amazing UK fans that, although we don’t have plans to tour any time soon, they will still get to see our pretty faces once in a while. Can. Not. Wait!”

Following shortly on are Black Label Society, led by shred maestro Zakk Wylde and prog-metallers Opeth, both of whom will be airing new material for the first time on these shores making both sets a never-before-seen spectactle. Flogging Molly will be bringing their brand of Celtic rock to the hallowed turfs of Donington, whilst Bad Religion, unbelievably, will be making their debut at the festival a mere 35 years after their formation. Says frontman Greg Gaffin:

“Our UK fans are among the most dedicated and appreciative audiences the world over. We consider every trip to the UK a special treat, and the tradition of Donington will make this appearance all the more special. Bad Religion is steeped in tradition, so we greatly look forward to it!”

Other debutants this year include PHA and the Illegals, the new outfit from ex-Pantera and Down frontman Phil Anselmo (does the man ever stop?) and Powerman 5000, who include Rob Zombie’s little brother Spider OIne amongst their ranks.

Bury Tomorrow and The BossHoss are also returning to the festival. Bury Tomorrow vocalist Dani Winter-Bates said:

“We’re absolutely stoked to be invited back to play Download Festival. It was one of the staple points of last year for Bury Tomorrow! So we can’t wait to get back to Donington and smash it!”

Sascha Vollmer, a.k.a Hoss Power from The BossHoss, commented:

” We had a blast playing at Download in 2011 and the energy there totally blew our minds! We can always rely on a kick-ass party at our UK shows, so we’re more than ready to come back and have another good old riot with you crazy bunch of rock and roll maniacs!”

Other bands on the bill include American legends Skid Row, Tesla, Danger Danger, Huntress, The Gravletones and Anti-Mortem. Huntress frontwoman Jill Janus said:

“Huntress is honoured to play Download Festival again! We had a killer show last year, and will bring the fury to UK music fanatics once more. Spread it, shred it, behead it!”

Anti-Mortem, another band making their first appearance at the festival, had Larado Romano on hand to say:

“Anti-Mortem is extremely excited and beyond ready to play Download this year, it will be the biggest festival we’ve played to date and our first as a group in the U.K. Watch out UK, we’ll be kicking ass Oklahoma style and our rage is American made!”

The new acts join headliners Avenged Sevenfold, Linkin Park (playing debut album ‘Hybrid Theory’ in full) and Aerosmith along with previously confirmed bands including Status Quo, Steel Panther, Alter Bridge, Volbeat, a reunited Sikth and Fall Out Boy. For a full, comprehensive look at the lineup and other news, take a gander at the official festival website. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.

About Elliot Leaver

PlanetMosh's resident Iron Maiden fanboy and Mr. Babymetal. Also appreciates the music of Pink Floyd, Rammstein, Nightwish, Avenged Sevenfold, Slipknot and many others. Writing to continue to enjoy life away from the stresses of full-time employment.