Bloodstock Open Air announces first 2020 headliner

Plus two more acts

Bloodstock Open Air 2020
Author: Scott ColothanPublished 30th Sep 2019
Last updated 30th Sep 2019

Devin Townsend has been confirmed as the first headliner of Bloodstock Open Air Festival 2020.

In his only UK show of the year, the prog-metaller will top the Ronnie James Dio Stage bill on Friday 7th August 2020.

Townsend has promised a very special, unique set at Catton Park next summer, as he explains further: “OK, folks... wow. So where should I begin? Ever since I was a kid, being able to headline a festival as fantastic and forward thinking as Bloodstock has been a dream of mine.

"As some of you may know, I’ve been working on several live 'bands' lately, from acoustic, to prog and orchestral, with some really artistic and improvisational aspects. However for Bloodstock, my intention is to do something quite different, and consequently kick ass in every possible way.

"I am putting together a very special one-off show for Bloodstock, with a heavy band, playing the very best material for an outdoor festival from my entire catalogue, from SYL up to Empath. I have always felt that if I was given one shot to knock it out of the park, I wouldn't hesitate. And my friends, this is the shot!

"I have listened to what people have been asking for from my catalogue, and with a show like this, a production like we are planning, and the players who have agreed to be involved, this will surely be one of the pinnacle moments in my career.

"Thanks Bloodstock for choosing to rock with me. I can't wait to see you all there!"

"My intention over the past few years has been to find ways to use different aspects of my work (that fall on opposite ends of the creative spectrum), to ultimately make something really beautiful. Something unified. This show is meant to bring it all together after 25 years of doing this.

Also added today are Jinjer and Gloryhammer, who join the previously confirmed Skindred, Black Dahlia Murder, Vio-lence, Sacred Reich, Dark Tranquillity, and Butcher Babies on the weekend bill.

Celebrating its 20th year, Bloodstock Open Air takes place at Catton Park in Walton-Upon Trent in Derbyshire from Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th August 2020.

Early bird tickets are on sale now from Kerrang! Radio Tickets.

In other superb news, Bloodstock has announced that 2019’s event raised £7,696.44 on site to benefit this year’s official charity partner, Young Minds!

>> Click here to buy tickets <<