Download Festival announces Slipknot as headliner for 2019

The biggest metal festival in the UK just dropped its first line-up announcement, and it's pretty tasty

Iowa metallers Slipknot return to Download, who last headlined the festival in 2015. Joining them are classic rock legends Def Leppard, playing their classic album Hysteria in full - a UK exclusive - and alternative metal band Tool, who last played in the UK at Download in 2006. Other acts announced include Slash (with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators), Whitesnake, Rob Zombie, Trivium, Amon Amarth, Reel Big Fish, Skindred, Carcass and Die Antwoord. Last year's festival was headlined by Avenged Sevenfold, Guns 'N' Roses and Ozzy Osbourne, and saw performances from Bullet for My Valentine, Black Stone Cherry and Marilyn Manson. Speaking about the band's appearance at Download Festival 2018, Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott said: “We are delighted to be going back to headline Download in 2019! "The festival has a very special place in our hearts and it’s such a great place to play. We will be playing Hysteria in full – yes, in full! – plus a load more of the hits, and we are going to put on a very special show for our UK fans. Can’t wait to see you all there!" https://twitter.com/DownloadFest/status/1045676192140062721 Slipknot are currently working on a follow-up to their 2014 album .5: The Gray Chapter, while Tool fans are hoping the band will finally release an album next year, the last release being 2006's 10,000 Days. Download Festival 2019 will take place June 14-16 at Donington Park in Leicestershire. Tickets go on sale at 2018 prices at 2pm October 25 - this Thursday - until Tuesday 6th November.