The first major announcement for Download 2026 has officially landed, and it's a significant one. With over 90 bands confirmed, the team at Donington has put together a bill that spans generations of rock, punk, and metal.
As soon as the list dropped, we started cross-referencing it. We’re pleased to see a huge number of bands that we support and stock here at Eyesore. So, let's break down what's heading to that hallowed ground.
Friday: A Nu-Metal Return and Heavyweight Support
Kicking things off on Friday is a headliner that promises pure, unfiltered energy: Limp Bizkit. Their recent tours have been a resurgence of their greatest hits, so we’re anticipating a setlist packed with nu-metal anthems. It’s hard to imagine Donington Park not erupting to 'Break Stuff' or 'Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)'. We'd also wager that 'My Way', 'Nookie', and the Mission: Impossible 2 classic 'Take a Look Around' will make an appearance.
Further down the bill, we are getting the Polish black metal titans Behemoth, a very significant booking for the heavier side of the festival that guarantees a full theatrical spectacle. In a brilliant move, they’re also joined by hip-hop legends Cypress Hill. Their crossover appeal is undeniable, and their inclusion feels like a perfect fit for the festival.
Also on the bill are Bad Omens, one of the most talked-about bands in modern metal, who have built a massive and dedicated following. And you won't want to miss Architects, who are a powerful force in UK metal.
Saturday: The Return of the Titans
Saturday is given over to certified legends. Headlining the main stage are Guns N' Roses. Having them back at Donington is a genuine event. The main question, as always, is what the set will look like, but their recent marathon tours give us a good idea. You can expect the cornerstones of rock history: 'Welcome to the Jungle', 'Sweet Child o' Mine', and the epic 'November Rain' are all but guaranteed. It’s a safe bet we’ll also get 'Paradise City' to close the night, alongside other hits like 'You Could Be Mine' and 'Civil War'. The main curiosity will be Axl’s vocal performance, but when that opening riff of 'Jungle' hits, it’s going to be an electric moment.
The rest of Saturday is stacked. Atlanta's progressive metal giants Mastodon will be on hand to deliver a set of complex, heavy anthems. For pure festival fun, Electric Callboy have become a sensation with their high-energy, party-metal sound. We're also pleased to see Halestorm on the bill; Lzzy Hale is a force of nature and they are a consummate festival band.
For a different flavour, Ash will deliver a set of indie classics, while punk rock icons Social Distortion bring their timeless sound. Rounding out the day are bands like Black Veil Brides, who always draw a dedicated crowd, and the impressive Mammoth WVH.
Sunday: An Emotional Close and a Metal Masterclass
Closing the festival is the booking that everyone is talking about: Linkin Park. This will undoubtedly be an incredibly emotional and historic set. With their new lineup, this performance is about honouring a legacy while forging a new path. Looking at the setlists from their recent From Zero tour, we can expect a powerful mix of eras. Their new material, like 'The Emptiness Machine', will surely be there, but the core of the set will be the anthems that defined a generation. We are fully preparing for field-wide sing-alongs to 'Numb', 'In the End', and 'Faint'. It will be a powerful and memorable way to close the weekend.
For the metalheads, Sunday is simply exceptional. We are getting Cavalera. Metal legends Max and Iggor, the founders of Sepultura, likely performing their classic material. This is a pilgrimage set for any fan of thrash metal—a truly historic booking.
The day is stacked with other heavy hitters. Trivium, always a fan favourite, will deliver a flawless set of modern metal. They’re joined by the sludgy godfathers Corrosion Of Conformity and the cosmic death metal of Blood Incantation. As if that wasn't enough, Polish tech-death masters Decapitated will be there, alongside the industrial metal revival of Static-X.
This is barely scratching the surface. We also have the return of BABYMETAL, a true festival phenomenon, and the theatrical horror-metal of Ice Nine Kills, who always put on a fantastic show. Add in The Pretty Reckless, We Came As Romans and the raw death metal of Gatecreeper, and you have one of the most well-rounded bills in years.
And this is only the first announcement. Who are you most excited to see? Let us know!!
Find Us at the Festival!
As always, the Eyesore Merch team will be at Download in person. We're proud to be celebrating over 10 years of trading at this monumental festival! You'll find us in our usual spot: up on the hard standing, right opposite the second stage, make sure to come and say hello.
Now, as you know, festival rules mean we can't sell merch for the bands playing the festival. But don't worry, we'll be showing up in our huge stall packed to the rafters with a gigantic range of t-shirts, hoodies, long sleeves, records and patches from bands that have played the festival past, present and yet to come!