U.K.’s Download festival has announced IRON MAIDEN, KISS and SYSTEM OF A DOWN as its 2020 headliners, plus DEFTONES, KORN, THE OFFSPRING, DISTURBED and more of the world’s most exciting bands in rock, pop punk, hardcore and metal yet to be announced. The three-day festival takes place June 12-14, 2020 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire. Tickets will be on sale at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25 via downloadfestival.co.uk/tickets.

IRON MAIDEN vocalist Bruce Dickinson said:
“Next year we will play a number of countries and cities we have yet to visit on this incredible tour, so it is terrific to be able to accept the invitation to return to Download in 2020 and we will certainly go to town and add a few extra items to the show. This will be our seventh time headlining at Donington Park. It’s home turf and we all really enjoy playing this festival, the vibe from the crowd is always fantastic.“

After a well-documented 45-year career that launched an era of rock’n roll, KISS will perform in the U.K. at Download festival 2020, in a U.K. exclusive.

Gene Simmons said:
“I’ve said it before, Download festival audiences are the best. They are up for whatever is thrown at them. KISS is going to come fully prepared to rock their world in 2020 to say thank you for always showing up for us.“

Added Paul Stanley:
“Download will be the culmination of 47 years of unapologetic bombast and spectacle. We will make this a fitting farewell to a country and its people whose music remains the blood in our veins.“

Also headlining Download festival 2020 will be SYSTEM OF A DOWN in a U.K. exclusive. With just five studio albums, the Californian/Armenian band have earned themselves a worldwide following, never failing to put on a mind-blowing performance.

SYSTEM OF A DOWN bassist Shavo Odadjian said:
“From our appearances to many of my favorite bands’, Castle Donington has always had a special place in my heart. We’re proud and excited to continue its legacy.”