Yes! They’re back! Download Festival organisers today confirmed that System Of A Down, the Grammy award winning US-Armenian rock group who are reuniting next year for a series of live dates are to headline the 2011 Download Festival, which will take place 10-12 June at Donington Park.
System of a Down has sold in excess of 20 million albums worldwide. The band released five albums between 1998 and 2005, which spawned the singles and rock club staples ‘Suite-Pee’, ‘Chop Suey’ ‘Toxicity’, ‘B.Y.O.B.’ and ‘Hypnotize’. Their subject matter marked them apart from the other rock and metal acts dominating the late 90s and early 2000’s, with topics ranging from genocide, Armenian and world politics. Having been away for five years, this reunion at Download will be one of the most talked about events of the rock and metal calendar.
In a statement today the band said, “We are excited to announce that System will be playing some dates together in 2011. We also want to thank you for your loyalty and support, not only to System Of A Down, but to all of our solo efforts as well. We have no master plan of sorts – we are playing these shows simply because we want to play together again as a band and for you, our amazing fans. We look forward to seeing all of you! For more updates, visit systemofadown.com.”
It has also been confirmed that American heavy metallers Avenged Sevenfold will perform at next year’s Download. Avenged Sevenfold’s performance follows two previous appearances at the festival in 2006 and 2008. Their last studio album ‘Nightmare‘ went into the UK Top 5.
Live Nation’s VP of Promotions Andy Copping said, “After the huge success of this year’s Download, where over 100,000 fans came to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Donington, I am pleased to say that Download 2011 is already shaping up to have another stellar line up.
“To have the mighty System Of A Down headlining next year after a 5 year break is just fantastic, they’re a world class band and I’m personally very excited to have them on the bill. Also, Avenged Sevenfold agreeing to come back and play at Download after the runaway success of their recent sold-out UK tour is a real privilege…they are a future Download headliner for sure. We’ve got loads more to come over the next few months so watch this space, this is just a very small tip of a very big iceberg!! – and make sure you grab your tickets as we are not increasing the price for 2011, so the prices are the same as what we had this year.”
Over 100,000 fans descended onto Download this year to celebrate 30 years of rock at Donington, making Download the second biggest festival in the UK after Glastonbury. This month, Download was named ‘Top Festival’ at the prestigious Billboard Touring Awards in New York, adding to a list of numerous accolades and awards that includes ‘Best Festival’ (UK Festival Awards), ‘Best Music Community’ (BT Digital Music Awards). Download is now heading into its nineth year.
A limited amount of weekend with camping tickets for the Download Festival 2011, will go on sale at 9am Friday, December 3 from www.downloadfestival.co.uk. This ‘early bird’ offer ends 5pm Monday, December 20, and includes three day and five-day camping options.
Organisers have also confirmed that prices will remain the same for Download 2011 as they were in 2010. The popular Download RIP packages will also go on sale. Vodafone customers can buy tickets, 48 hours before they go on general sale. Buy your tickets from 9am, December 1, at vodafone.co.uk/vip.
For more information visit the links.
