Download Festival 2019: Def Leppard, Slipknot and Tool announced as headline acts

They will be joined by the likes of Rob Zombie, Trivium, Slash with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators, Whitesnake, Carcass, Delain, Die Antwoord, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Opeth, Power Trip, Reel Big Fish, Skindred, Starset, Tesla, The Amity Affliction, and Underoath for the three-day festival set to take place at Donnington Park.

Download Festival’s Andy Copping said: “We’re incredibly excited to announce three legends as Download 2019 headliners.

"It’s not quite been 10,000 Days since we have been able to indulge in one of our favourite alt-rock bands, but after thirteen years I am thrilled to announce Tool are finally making their long-awaited return to Download.

"Renowned for being one of the best live bands on the planet due to their one-of-a-kind performances, Slipknot are an incredible addition to the main stage.

"Last but not least, I am honoured to welcome true Rock N’ Roll legends Def Leppard to Download who bring with them a UK exclusive chance to see Hysteria played in full.”

Classic rock icons Def Leppard make their spectacular return to headline the main stage of the festival, playing the seminal album Hysteria in full and more, in what will be their only UK appearance of 2019.

The forerunners of the new wave British heavy metal movement have sold over 100 million records and will rip through a full-throttle stadium-sized show, built on a foundation of classics like Pour Some Sugar On Me, Animals, Rock Of Ages and more.

Talking ahead of their Download appearance, vocalist Joe Elliott said: “We are delighted to be going back to headline Download in 2019.

"The festival has a very special place in our hearts and it’s such a great place to play.

"We will be playing Hysteria in full - yes, in full - plus a load more of the hits, and we are going to put on a very special show for our UK fans. Can’t wait to see you all there”

Masked metallers Slipknot will also headline, where they stand as one of the most defining acts of the last two decades.

The sheer power of Slipknot has been proven with their pivotal appearances at the festival going down as things of legend.

The band have released a series of iconic metal tracks, such as Duality, Spit It Out, Before I Forget’ and ‘Psychosocial’

An appearance 13 years in the making, Los Angeles rockers Tool will be making their grand return to headline the festival.

The Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum, prog-metal titans are set to take fans on a grandiose career spanning journey from classic albums Undertow, Lateralus, and 10,000 Days.

Download Festival will take place from June 14 to 16 at Donnington Park.

For more information and to buy tickets, click here.