If the news of Australia’s Download Festival cancelling their event in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak broke your hearts like it did ours, then we have some semi-good news for you!
The UK-based rock music festival, which was set to take to Donington Park in England, is hosting a virtual outing which will feature hours of exclusive footage, unseen performances and interactive content – and headlined by metal giants Iron Maiden, Kiss and System Of A Down.
Kiss and Iron Maiden were both set to tour Australia in recent times, but were cancelled due to illness and the pandemic, respectively.
Aired via Download Festival’s official social channels on ‘Download TV’, the festival kicks off on Friday, June 12th with Kiss’ set from their headline set at 2015 Download Festival, while Saturday night will have Iron Maiden allegedly bringing something very special to the screens with nostalgic performances, Legacy Of The Beast snippets, and something just for Download TV.
Sunday night will wrap up with System Of A Down performances from 2005, 2011, and 2017.
The virtual festival will additionally see other performances from the likes of The Offspring, Creeper, Korn, Deftones, Babymetal, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Funeral For A Friend, The Darkness, Bowling For Soup and more. Other interactive events will include live artist Q&A’s, special lockdown performances, music tutorials and mindfulness sessions.
“Downloaders are encouraged to put tents up in the garden, wear Download merch, dress as your favourite hero, send in photos and videos – the weekend is about the fans and celebrating the Download community,” organisers revealed.
“Download Festival would like to remind everyone to stay safe, stay home and save lives – practice safe social distancing and follow government guidelines.”
Prepare to rock out in your living rooms, bedrooms and back gardens. Head here for more info.
Photo by Cameron Edney