It was a weekend of firsts as Download 2025 took over the spiritual home of rock, Donington Park for, incredibly, its 22nd year. Taking place from 13th - 15th June, the midlands metal event featured a Green Day debut, a history making moment for Sleep Token, and Korn's first ever headlining performance at the festival.
Photo: Todd Owyoung.
With an evolution away from more traditional headliners, Download XXII - to give it its official billing - featured three first-time headliners, with Green Day topping the bill on Friday night, Sleep Token delivering an eerie theatrical spectacle on Saturday, and Korn closing out the event on Sunday.
Kicking off on Friday 13th, with the sun ablaze in the sky in sharp contrast to 2024's mud bath, the Download atmosphere was off the charts from the moment the gates opened. With the likes of Ireland's The Scratch, rock 'n' roll revivalists Dirty Honey, and Alter Bridge man Myles Kennedy propping up the Opus Stage, over on the main Apex stage things really got in the summer swing with the arrival of alt punks Jimmy Eat World.
Playing the infectious anthems that perfectly suited the weather, the Arizona quartet's sound perfectly matched the mood, and the weather. Clearly enjoying things as much as the the sizable crowd, front man Jim Adkins declared; "it is such an honour to be here to play for all!"
Sticking with the indie and alt vibes, Weezer's otherwise flat set was saved by bangers including post-grunge anthem 'Say It Ain't So' and a closing 'Buddy Holly', as well as singer Rivers Cuomo's dry sense of humour and qupis such as; "what a beautiful day. Is it always like this in England?"
However, day one belonged to Green Day. Having only ever played at Download Festival's short lived French happening in 2017, the Berkeley, California punks were making their official Download debut. Taking the stage by storm by opening with an incendiary 'American Idiot', they barely pausing for breath across their one hour, forty-five minute set.
Mixing punk rock sounds with a defiantly political edge, front man Billie Joe Armstrong declared; "Donald Trump and his administration is a fascist government, and its up to us to fight that".
With a career spanning more than three and a half decades, Green Day have a catalogue of big songs to rival even the greats, with the augmented three-piece completed by drummer Tré Cool, and bassist Mike Dirnt delivering hit after hit after hit. Following an impressive intro run that included an anthemic 'Know Your Enemy' and a pensive 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams', the night also included the infectious 'Minority', breakthrough hit 'Basket Case', and, closing out, what else but 'Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)'.
Kicking off on Friday 13th, with the sun ablaze in the sky in sharp contrast to 2024's mud bath, the Download atmosphere was off the charts from the moment the gates opened. With the likes of Ireland's The Scratch, rock 'n' roll revivalists Dirty Honey, and Alter Bridge man Myles Kennedy propping up the Opus Stage, over on the main Apex stage things really got in the summer swing with the arrival of alt punks Jimmy Eat World.
Playing the infectious anthems that perfectly suited the weather, the Arizona quartet's sound perfectly matched the mood, and the weather. Clearly enjoying things as much as the the sizable crowd, front man Jim Adkins declared; "it is such an honour to be here to play for all!"
Sticking with the indie and alt vibes, Weezer's otherwise flat set was saved by bangers including post-grunge anthem 'Say It Ain't So' and a closing 'Buddy Holly', as well as singer Rivers Cuomo's dry sense of humour and qupis such as; "what a beautiful day. Is it always like this in England?"
However, day one belonged to Green Day. Having only ever played at Download Festival's short lived French happening in 2017, the Berkeley, California punks were making their official Download debut. Taking the stage by storm by opening with an incendiary 'American Idiot', they barely pausing for breath across their one hour, forty-five minute set.
Mixing punk rock sounds with a defiantly political edge, front man Billie Joe Armstrong declared; "Donald Trump and his administration is a fascist government, and its up to us to fight that".
With a career spanning more than three and a half decades, Green Day have a catalogue of big songs to rival even the greats, with the augmented three-piece completed by drummer Tré Cool, and bassist Mike Dirnt delivering hit after hit after hit. Following an impressive intro run that included an anthemic 'Know Your Enemy' and a pensive 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams', the night also included the infectious 'Minority', breakthrough hit 'Basket Case', and, closing out, what else but 'Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)'.
Photo: Todd Owyoung.
Dressed in an eye-catching frilly red baby doll dress, Poppy - abetted by her balaclava-clad band - greeted early arrivers to the Apex stage as day two [Sat 14th June] got underway. Singing, screaming, and rapping every word like she meant it, the US songstress drew a sizable crowd as the sun baked in the sky.
Over on the Opus stage, following well-received sets from electronic rock act AWOLNATION and the ever-contrary Eagles of Death Metal, Download regulars The Darkness - who appeared on the bill of the very first event way back in 2003 - put in a spirited set despite battling persistent sound problems.
Regardless of the gremlins, the four-piece brought the house down, with Justin Hawkins remaining, like the title of their opener, a true 'Rock and Roll Party Cowboy'. Doing handstands and even going crowd surfing during 'Get Your Hands Off My Woman', Hawkins proved that he's one of the most lithe and agile performers in rock.
Another act with enough hits to fill their own set plus that of any preceding band, the Lowestoft legends ploughed through earworm 'Growing on Me', an unseasonable 'Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End)', and of course, 'I Believe in a Thing Called Love' during what was one of the most fun forty minutes of the festival.
It was back to the old school, next, and where Green Day could are arguably the biggest of the punk rock revivalists, there is only one original. With the irrepressible Frank Carter now fronting them, The Sex Pistols are back to remind everyone just where it all began.
Former frontman, and icon, John Lydon may vocally not approve, but the remaining members; Glen Matlock, Steve Jones and Paul Cook couldn't give a monkeys. The band has been given a new lease of life by one of the best frontmen of his generation, and tossing away the rule book, Carter was his usual firebrand self, launching into the crowd following glorious opener 'Holidays in the Sun'.
Over on the Opus stage, following well-received sets from electronic rock act AWOLNATION and the ever-contrary Eagles of Death Metal, Download regulars The Darkness - who appeared on the bill of the very first event way back in 2003 - put in a spirited set despite battling persistent sound problems.
Regardless of the gremlins, the four-piece brought the house down, with Justin Hawkins remaining, like the title of their opener, a true 'Rock and Roll Party Cowboy'. Doing handstands and even going crowd surfing during 'Get Your Hands Off My Woman', Hawkins proved that he's one of the most lithe and agile performers in rock.
Another act with enough hits to fill their own set plus that of any preceding band, the Lowestoft legends ploughed through earworm 'Growing on Me', an unseasonable 'Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End)', and of course, 'I Believe in a Thing Called Love' during what was one of the most fun forty minutes of the festival.
It was back to the old school, next, and where Green Day could are arguably the biggest of the punk rock revivalists, there is only one original. With the irrepressible Frank Carter now fronting them, The Sex Pistols are back to remind everyone just where it all began.
Former frontman, and icon, John Lydon may vocally not approve, but the remaining members; Glen Matlock, Steve Jones and Paul Cook couldn't give a monkeys. The band has been given a new lease of life by one of the best frontmen of his generation, and tossing away the rule book, Carter was his usual firebrand self, launching into the crowd following glorious opener 'Holidays in the Sun'.
Photo: Andrew Whitton.
Sometimes though, even those as tough as Carter can bite off more than they can chew, and attempting to cause a storm at the centre of a circle pit for 'Pretty Vacant', chaos ensued. With the Yorkshireman failing to control the unruly crowd, and the song, and show stopping until things got under control. "That was fucking carnage!", he admitted returning to the stage; "so, apparently you can't have a circle pit on a slope, on a hill in the rain".
Getting back on track, a raucous 'Bodies' and explosive 'God Save the Queen' gave way to a delightful 'My Way', before 'Anarchy in the UK' caused exactly what it says on the tin. "It's an honour and a privilege to get on stage with these legends", said Carter signing off one of the best sets of the weekend.
And so to the most talked about appearance of the festival. Rising from seemingly nowhere, the enigmatic Sleep Token last appeared at Download in 2022. Back then they had a modest placing on the Avalanche stage, but with a recent No. 1 British album under their ornate belts, the band are now a genuine phenomenon with a deserved headline slot.
With atmospheric howling wind and ringing chimes, the eerie aesthetic was set up from the off. and arriving with probably the most understated intro in Download headliner history, the band unveiled a spectacular stage set that was part mountain, part castle ruin.
Musically, the band tend to stick to one lane, but highlights included the sax solo in 'Emergence', and dramatic set closer 'Take Me Back to Eden'. All the while, in the middle, is the prancing ringmaster 'Vessel', who leads the theatrical spectacle.
Sleep Token's alt noir might not be for everyone, but they're impossible to ignore.
Getting back on track, a raucous 'Bodies' and explosive 'God Save the Queen' gave way to a delightful 'My Way', before 'Anarchy in the UK' caused exactly what it says on the tin. "It's an honour and a privilege to get on stage with these legends", said Carter signing off one of the best sets of the weekend.
And so to the most talked about appearance of the festival. Rising from seemingly nowhere, the enigmatic Sleep Token last appeared at Download in 2022. Back then they had a modest placing on the Avalanche stage, but with a recent No. 1 British album under their ornate belts, the band are now a genuine phenomenon with a deserved headline slot.
With atmospheric howling wind and ringing chimes, the eerie aesthetic was set up from the off. and arriving with probably the most understated intro in Download headliner history, the band unveiled a spectacular stage set that was part mountain, part castle ruin.
Musically, the band tend to stick to one lane, but highlights included the sax solo in 'Emergence', and dramatic set closer 'Take Me Back to Eden'. All the while, in the middle, is the prancing ringmaster 'Vessel', who leads the theatrical spectacle.
Sleep Token's alt noir might not be for everyone, but they're impossible to ignore.
Photo: Matt Higgs.
Sunday [15th June] saw Scotland's Bleed From Within wake the bleariest Downloaders with their early afternoon Apex stage set, while Alien Ant Farm brought the good time vibes and 2000s' throwback over on the Opus Stage.
Acknowledging the date, AAF singer Dryden Mitchell took time to remember all the parents on father's day, calling out one special dad in particular, saying; "happy fathers day, Jesus. God, I love your dad!"
Jerry Cantrell followed, mixing up tracks from latest solo set 'I Want Blood' with Alice in Chains classics. Playing a succinct set, the grunge godfather declared; "I'm tying to keep the bullshit to a minimum so I can play more songs for you", before launching into surprising solo deep cut 'Cut You In'. A cover of AIC's 'Rooster' meanwhile, might just have raised the loudest singalong of the entire weekend.
Download festival house band, Steel Panther were up next, delivering their usual mix of bad taste songs and off kilter banter that included thanking "Jerry Garcia from Alice in Chains" for his set.
Celebrating fifteen years of debut 'Feel the Steel', the glam metal parody act delivered seven of that album's eleven tracks, including the classic 'Death to All But Metal' and spot-on '80s ballad send-up 'Community Property', complete with pyro and pole dancers.
With a huge mainstage-worthy crowd gathering, and the excitement causing a crush, the show however had to be paused to prevent any accidents. Proof, if it were needed, that Steel Panther remain one of Download's favourite bands.
Acknowledging the date, AAF singer Dryden Mitchell took time to remember all the parents on father's day, calling out one special dad in particular, saying; "happy fathers day, Jesus. God, I love your dad!"
Jerry Cantrell followed, mixing up tracks from latest solo set 'I Want Blood' with Alice in Chains classics. Playing a succinct set, the grunge godfather declared; "I'm tying to keep the bullshit to a minimum so I can play more songs for you", before launching into surprising solo deep cut 'Cut You In'. A cover of AIC's 'Rooster' meanwhile, might just have raised the loudest singalong of the entire weekend.
Download festival house band, Steel Panther were up next, delivering their usual mix of bad taste songs and off kilter banter that included thanking "Jerry Garcia from Alice in Chains" for his set.
Celebrating fifteen years of debut 'Feel the Steel', the glam metal parody act delivered seven of that album's eleven tracks, including the classic 'Death to All But Metal' and spot-on '80s ballad send-up 'Community Property', complete with pyro and pole dancers.
With a huge mainstage-worthy crowd gathering, and the excitement causing a crush, the show however had to be paused to prevent any accidents. Proof, if it were needed, that Steel Panther remain one of Download's favourite bands.
Photo: James Bridle.
Celebrating thirty years since the release of their own debut, Korn's headline slot has been a long time coming. Having played the festival an incredible eight times since it's inception - first appearing as second on the bill to Metallica in 2004 - it's fair to say that the nu metal giants have earned their place.
Going right back to the start as they did in May at Sonic Temple Festival, the Bakersfield five-piece kicked off their set with debut album banger 'Blind', before going on to deliver no less than five from the self-titled release.
Acknowledging their history at the Donington Park site and clearly relishing their billing as the final band of the festival, frontman Jonathan Davis basked in the adulation, declaring; "We’ve been up, we’ve been down... now look where we are!"
Focusing mainly on their history and playing only one track from the last decade and a half - 'Cold' from 2019's 'The Nothing' - this was a victory lap like no other.
Although shifting gears more dramatically in the last few years, Download Festival's evolution has been a natural one, and it's still one of the best weekends in the UK heavy music calendar. With headliners already booked in for 2026, it's safe to say the future is bright.
Download Festival returns in 2026, with early bird tickets already on sale. For more, visit the official Download Site.
Going right back to the start as they did in May at Sonic Temple Festival, the Bakersfield five-piece kicked off their set with debut album banger 'Blind', before going on to deliver no less than five from the self-titled release.
Acknowledging their history at the Donington Park site and clearly relishing their billing as the final band of the festival, frontman Jonathan Davis basked in the adulation, declaring; "We’ve been up, we’ve been down... now look where we are!"
Focusing mainly on their history and playing only one track from the last decade and a half - 'Cold' from 2019's 'The Nothing' - this was a victory lap like no other.
Although shifting gears more dramatically in the last few years, Download Festival's evolution has been a natural one, and it's still one of the best weekends in the UK heavy music calendar. With headliners already booked in for 2026, it's safe to say the future is bright.
Download Festival returns in 2026, with early bird tickets already on sale. For more, visit the official Download Site.