Mad About Rock

  Download Festival, the greatest celebration of alternative music in the UK, united fans to witness its most expansive and diverse lineup yet. Over five incredible days, Donington Park, the spiritual home of rock, burst to life as the Download community joined forces once again. From returning champions of the main stage, to the genre's most formidable acts and hotly tipped newcomers, this year's festival had something for everyone. The beloved and long-running gathering of rockers, moshers and metalheads was headlined by Limp Bizkit, Guns N’ Roses and Linkin Park, while the hardcore haven also stepped into new and exciting territory, shining a spotlight on the buzziest up-and-comers the genre has to offer. Limp Bizkit kicked off proceedings with a barnstorming set on Friday, sparking waves of crowd-surfing as far as the eye could see. Rock and roll legends Guns N’ Roses followed on Saturday with a vast catalogue of classic hits, while Linkin Park, returning 12 years after the...

  Ahead of the August 7 release of their eighth studio album, Give Me Dirt, six-time JUNO-nominated Canadian hardcore punk heavyweights, Cancer Bats, unleash the blistering new single “Long Tooth”. The track is now available on all digital streaming platforms HERE . Featuring guest vocals from queer indie folk singer-songwriter Brooklyn Doran, “Long Tooth” is about living in the present instead of worrying about the future. Since there’s often little we can do until things unfold, it’s a reminder to enjoy the moment and not take life too seriously. “The chorus reflects a realisation I’ve been having lately,” shares lead vocalist Liam Cormier. “I’m at the halfway point of my life (and yes, I fully intend to make it to at least 92). Like many people, I’ve spent years trying to fix certain parts of myself. Lately, I’ve found myself wondering whether those things really need fixing at all. They’ve carried me this far and have helped shape who I am. At some point, self-improvement g...

  Welsh Bilingual nu-metal duo C E L A V I continue their rise with their fiercest release yet, 'PLASTER', which is a cathartic, high-impact anthem that merges raw aggression with captivating hooks. The track is out now and is taken from the band’s highly anticipated upcoming EP, produced by Romesh Dodangoda (Bring Me The Horizon, Motörhead, Nova Twins). Watch the video here: Listen to the band at - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4OEzNJIkgsH8PTw0y86ATx Formed by married duo Gwion Griffiths and Sarah Wynn Griffiths, C E L A V I have built a reputation for emotionally charged performances and high-impact releases that explore identity, mental health, and self-expression. Their bilingual approach continues to champion the Welsh language within modern alternative music while pushing into a wider global space. Following support from Metal Hammer, BBC Radio 1, Kerrang Radio, and BBC 6 Music, plus a Match of the Day sync, the band continue to build major momentum. BBC Radio 1 have ...

  With less than one month to go until the mighty return of Download Festival, DLXXIII has unleashed its ‘Beyond The Bands’ offerings, giving Download-goers an even more exciting experience onsite with brand new food, drink, gaming, wellness and fitness options. Taking place on 10-14 June 2026 at the hallowed grounds of Donington Park, Download will be headlined by Limp Bizkit, Guns N’ Roses and Linkin Park. All weekend tickets are now sold out, but last remaining Saturday day tickets are available here: www.downloadfestival.co.uk. Brand new for this year’s DLXXIII are some huge new collaborations with Final Fantasy XIV and Fourth Wing. District X will host a Final Fantasy XIV Online stand, where rich storytelling, shared adventures, epic battles and a vast world await. Over in the arena, there will be a groundbreaking collaboration with Fourth Wing, where Download-goers and fans of the Rebecca Yarros novels can visit the General’s Office and bag an exclusive merchandise item. In...

  Monday 23 March 2026: With less than three months to go, Download Festival has revealed the thrilling line-up for its ultimate playground, District X. Featuring the likes of Five, Electric Six, Dick & Dom, The All-American Rejects, Creeper, MODESTEP, Bat Sabbath, TokenGrass and all sorts of other wild and wonderful delights, District X promises to take Downloaders to another dimension once again. Taking place from 10-14 June 2026 at the legendary Donington Park, Download Festival continues to re-define the traditional festival experience. Weekend camping tickets have now sold out, but final remaining weekend arena and day tickets are available now at www.downloadfestival.co.uk . This year, iconic 90s boyband Five will live up to their lyric “Five bad boys with the power to rock you” by playing Download Festival for the very first time and bringing their high-energy hits like ‘Slam Dunk (Da Funk)’ and ‘Everybody Get Up’ to Donington Park. Five won’t be the only act bringing a...

  Monday 23 February 2026: Download Festival, the greatest rock and metal festival of all time, has today added 14 artists to its already stellar line up for its 23rd edition in 2026. The new additions to the DLXXIII line up include A Day To Remember, THE PRIMALS, Daughtry, Creeper, Hot Milk, DECESSUS and more. Download Festival will take place on 10-14 June 2026 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire. Day tickets are now available at www.downloadfestival.co.uk . Announced today are Florida pop punk heavyweights A Day To Remember, Final Fantasy XIV’s official band THE PRIMALS (performing outside of Asia for the very first time), Creeper, Daughtry, Hot Milk, Silly Goose, Marmozets, BAND-MAID, Stampin’ Ground, Frozemode, Conjurer, Annisokay, Private School and DECESSUS, the Santiago death metal band fronted by the current Miss World Chile, Ignacia Fernández. The new additions join an already gargantuan line up headlined by Limp Bizkit, Guns N’ Roses and Lin...

  Monday 3 November 2025: Download Festival, the greatest rock and metal festival of all time, returns for its molten hot 23rd edition, reborn and recharged in 2026 as DLXXIII. Announced today are three monumental headliners, with their only UK shows in 2026 - Limp Bizkit, Guns N’ Roses and Linkin Park – with over 90 more colossal names spanning the full spectrum of rock, metal, punk, emo, hardcore, alternative and classic rock. This year’s festival will take place on 10-14 June 2026 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire. Tickets onsale now at www.downloadfestival.co.uk . In 2026, Download XXIII will host a trio of legendary headliners: nu-metal icons Limp Bizkit – headlining Download for the very first time - on Friday, hard rock royalty Guns N’ Roses on Saturday and the mighty Linkin Park performing at Download for the first time since the band reformed in 2024 with lead singer Emily Armstrong. With this holy trinity of headliners and a mammoth undercar...

  More than 75,000 fans descended on Donington Park this week for an abundance of unforgettable moments at the most anticipated Download Festival ever. Across five sun-drenched days, the site was alive with energy as the Download community came together once again to celebrate the best in rock, metal and alternative music. This year’s festival marked a new chapter, with all three headliners – Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn – taking the top slot for the first time. From chart-topping legends to fast-rising newcomers, the line-up reflected the ever-evolving sound of the scene and the diverse tastes of today’s audience. With packed crowds, electric atmospheres and standout performances across all stages, Download 2025 delivered a week to remember. The Humans of Download returned to Donington to soak up a packed programme of music and entertainment across the Arena and District X. Green Day headlined on Friday with a high-octane, hit-filled set. Sleep Token followed on Saturday, de...

  With less than two months to go until the mighty return of Download Festival, DLXXII has unleashed its ‘Beyond The Bands’ offerings, giving Download-goers an even more exciting experience onsite with brand new food, drink, wellness and sport options. Taking place on 11-15 June 2025 at the hallowed grounds of Donington Park, Download will be headlined by Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn. You can buy the last remaining tickets here: www.downloadfestival.co.uk. Brand new for this year’s DLXXII are the Mercian Axe brewery bar where you can find locally brewed beers, the Hair Of The Dog pub complete with roof terrace and beer garden, and brand new arena bar The Iron Harp. Our Low & No bar, Bar Zero returns, as well as the Raven Records’ pop-up vinyl store, which also offers alcohol-free options, coffee and heavy metal talking therapy. For the first time, Download will see live blacksmithing workshops, new immersive experience Darkfield Séance and a Heavy Metal Sports Day. There w...

  Download Festival is bringing the noise to Brighton next month at The Great Escape with its very own stage under the famous city seafront arches at The Volks. Spanning three days of heavy hitters, rising alt-stars and future Download favourites, the stage will spotlight the best of the new wave – all primed for bigger things. Catch chaos-ready sets from Mouth Culture, Twenty One Children, Karen Dio, Zetra, Vower, James and The Cold Gun, BEX, Jayler and more across Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 May. Whether you’re scouting your next favourite band or want a taste of what’s to come at Donington at DLXXII, this is your chance to get up close and loud as the festival season kicks off. The Download stage at TGE highlights the festival’s ongoing commitment to championing new music. Artists like Sleep Token made their mark at the festival in 2018 and now headline Download 2025 – a testament to the platform and progression the festival supports. Download also partners with Kerrang! Radio on...

  Download Festival have confirmed that London-based heavy metal record shop, coffee shop and alcohol-free bar Raven Records will have a pop up at this year’s festival, which will feature a curated selection of metal music, merchandise, a wide range of alcohol-free drinks, and metal-inspired coffee. In addition to the record shop, coffee shop and bar, Raven Records will also host a full events programme, including Heavy Metal Therapy meetings (mental health peer support), Satanic Recovery meetings (secular addiction recovery support), Download’s best battle jacket competition, battle jacket meet ups and sewing workshops, Slam Poetry competition and workshops, a late night DJ and much more. This will be the first time a record shop features on the Download Festival roster, and the first time addiction recovery and mental health peer support will be provided for festival attendees. Founded in 2023 by Chloe Marlow and Ben Dean, Raven Records has quickly built a reputation for reimagin...

  With less than three months to go, Download Festival has revealed its thrilling line-up for District X – Download’s renowned festival within a festival. Featuring iconic pop legends Vengaboys, special DJ sets from festival favourites, intimate acoustic performances, electrifying secret sets, new quizzes, live podcasts, comedy, and unique entertainment experiences, District X promises to take Downloaders into another dimension. Taking place from 11–15 June 2025 at the legendary Donington Park, Download Festival continues to redefine festival experiences beyond the main arena. Last remaining weekend tickets are available now at www.downloadfestival.co.uk . District X expands the Download experience with entertainment running around-the-clock, creating another dimension that sets Download apart. Offering a wide range of activities beyond the music, from immersive performances to interactive events, it ensures festivalgoers have something to enjoy at any hour. This year’s diverse pr...

  Download Festival, the greatest rock and metal festival of all time, is now only 100 days away. With the countdown now truly on, celebrate this year's festival with our round up of Download By Numbers. This year’s festival will take place on 13-15 June 2025 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire. Tickets are available now at www.downloadfestival.co.uk . DOWNLOAD BY NUMBERS 22 years of Download Festival 9 stages across the site, offering an array of entertainment across the weekend 120+ artists, from headliners Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn on the Apex Stage, to new talent on the Avalanche and Dogtooth Stages, to DJs and secret sets in District X 90,000+ fans set to descend on Donington Park 100,000 expected mosh and circle pit steps per person 30,000 Download t-shirts in production 6000 new Download patches in production 5000 members of crew needed to build the site in 20 days 3690 barrels of beer and cider being brewed 3000 Download rubber ducks in p...

  Download Festival, the greatest rock and metal festival of all time, has today added a further wave of 22 artists to an already stellar line up for its 22nd edition in 2025. The new additions include Rise Against, Opeth, Myles Kennedy, Shinedown, AWOLNATION, Power Trip, Hatebreed, Palaye Royale, Municipal Waste and more. This year’s festival will take place on 13-15 June 2025 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire. General tickets are on sale now at www.downloadfestival.co.uk . Also announced today are Crossfaith, Dirty Honey, unpeople, Smash Into Pieces, MOTHICA, Zetra, Bastardane, Kids In Glass Houses, Elliot Minor, Twin Atlantic, Cattle Decapitation, PRESIDENT and NECKBREAKKER. They join a colossal line up headlined by the mighty Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn, and also featuring the likes of Weezer, Jimmy Eat World, Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, Within Temptation, Eagles Of Death Metal, The Darkness and many more. The mighty Shinedown are ret...

  This weekend’s Liquid Death Presents Download Festival XXI welcomed over 75,000 attendees to the hallowed grounds of Donington Park. DLXXI celebrated its 21st anniversary with incredible sets from first time headliners Queens Of The Stone Age and Fall Out Boy, as well as Download favourites Avenged Sevenfold closing out the weekend with a bang. The atmosphere was electric as Download’s loyal community reunited once again to enjoy DLXXI’s mammoth line-up of bands. Queens Of The Stone Age delivered an epic set of hits on Friday, Chicago’s finest pop punk export Fall Out Boy delighted the crowd with a greatest hits set spanning their entire back catalogue, and Avenged Sevenfold closed out a sun-drenched Sunday with an incendiary set. With an unbelievable line-up over the weekend, featuring the likes of Limp Bizkit, Sum 41, The Offspring, Corey Taylor, Busted, Wheatus, BABYMETAL, Funeral For A Friend, Tom Morello, Kerry King, a mind-blowing secret set from Parkway Drive, a surprise...

  A brand-new BLEED FROM WITHIN anthem is out today, 'Hands Of Sin'. Two years on from the release of their last album, the critically lauded Shrine. This monumental new single arrives just in time for the band's intense summer of European festival shows, and teases what is next during their Winter across European arenas as special guest support to Slipknot. Watch the video for 'Hands Of Sin' now at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-aixHbS1NM Stream 'Hands Of Sin' on all platforms now at: https://bleedfromwithin.bfan.link/hands-of-sin.ema Ali Richardson comments: “Hands Of Sin marks a new chapter for Bleed From Within. We’ve worked incredibly hard on this material and pushed ourselves as songwriters. The result is one of the best songs we’ve ever written and we’re incredibly proud to share it with the world. Can not wait to play this on the festivals stages this Summer. Play it loud!” 2024 FESTIVAL RUN 12.06 - CZ - Rock For People Festival 15.06 - UK - Down...

  One of the most successful and much loved punk rock bands of all time, California legends THE OFFSPRING, today announce a brilliant, brand new album 'SUPERCHARGED '. A follow up to the massive 2021 Top 4 album 'Let The Bad Times Roll', the new record will be released on the 11th October through Concord Records, and the album pre-order begins today (Friday 7th June). The band have also today released a huge new single 'Make It All Right' which is out and streaming everywhere now. Pre-Order SUPERCHARGED HERE Listen to 'Make It All Right' HERE 'Make It All Right' is classic The Offspring, with huge punk rock riffs, massive production and a mountain sized chorus. Lyrically though, it talks about how it feels to have your “partner in crime” by your side, the person who makes you feel like you can do anything and give you confidence things will work out: “And you make it all right, And it’s gonna be fine, We’re like partners in crime, And you make...