Bloodstock 2021 announces line-up changes including new Saturday headliner

Mercyful Fate will now play in 2022

Bloodstock 2021
Author: Scott ColothanPublished 9th Mar 2021
Last updated 9th Mar 2021

Bloodstock Open Air 2021 has announced some changes to the line-up including the replacement Saturday night headliner.

Danish heavy metal icons Mercyful Fate, fronted by King Diamond, have postponed their Ronnie James Dio stage headline slot until 2022 with German thrash metal powerhouses Kreator stepping in to replace them this August.

King Diamond says: “Due to the uncertainties of international touring logistics, health, and safety issues, Mercyful Fate are unable to perform at this Summer’s Bloodstock.

“Unfortunately, most of our summer routing is already postponed or postponing soon. Like many others in our position, we’re amending our plans to get back on the road as soon as possible. We’re gutted.

“However, we are happy to say that we’ve worked with the Bloodstock organisers and report that we will be back to headline the festival in Summer ‘22. Until then, stay heavy and stay safe.”

Kreator singer Mille Petrozza comments: “We are very excited to headline the Bloodstock festival for the first time!. This means a lot to Kreator since all the previous shows we have played there were exceptional!

“We promise you the most brutal show Bloodstock has ever seen! Be prepared!”

A trio of bands have been added to the bill today: Seidrblot, Bloodshot Dawn and Evile.

Other acts unable to play the Catton Park metal extravaganza this year are Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals, Butcher Babies, Life Of Agony, Sacred Reich, Necrot, Exhumed, and Unto Others.

Bloodstock organisers say: ‘While fans of these acts may be disappointed, Bloodstock knows everyone appreciates the exceptional challenges right now and we hope to welcome these bands to Catton Park before too long.

“Bloodstock remains as keen as you to be reunited with our metal brethren this summer and is determined to make it a most excellent time for all, with more bands and on-site fun still to be revealed.”

Devin Townsend and Judas Priest will still headline the Friday and Sunday night at Bloodstock 2021 with Dimmu Borgir, Skindred, Paradise Lost, Bury Tomorrow, Black Dahlia Murder, Diamond Head, Jinjer, Vio-Lence, Saxon, Gloryhammer, Dark Tranquillity, Cattle Decapitation, Bloodywood, Memoriam, Ramage Inc., Green Lung, Conjurer, Orange Goblin, The Night Flight Orchestra, Unleash The Archers, Sylosis, Toxic Holocaust, Winterfylleth, Nekrogoblikon, The Crawling, Raised By Owls, Anakim, Acid Reign, Svalbard, Soen, Dog Tired, Bailer, Blasphemer, Black Tongue, Liberty Lies, Pist and Sharks In Your Mouth also on the impressive bill.

Tickets to Bloodstock 2021 are flying fast! Get them from Planet Rock Tickets now before they’re gone.

Kreator to headline Bloodstock 2021

Bloodstock 2019 in photos:

Parkway Drive headline Bloodstock 2019


Scorpions headline Bloodstock 2019


Dee Snider rocks Bloodstock 2019


Anthrax rock Bloodstock 2019


Ross The Boss and K.K. Downing


Ross The Boss and K.K. Downing


Queensrÿche at Bloodstock 2019 


Sabaton headline Bloodstock


Sabaton headline Bloodstock


Soulfly rock Bloodstock


The Wildhearts at Bloodstock


Parkway Drive headline Bloodstock 2019


Evil Scarecrow at Bloodstock


Thy Art Is Murder at Bloodstock


Batushka at Bloodstock 2019


Bloodstock Open Air 2019


Bloodstock Open Air 2019


Bloodstock Open Air 2019


Listen to Planet Rock on DAB nationwide, on our free app, online, via your smart speaker (“Play Planet Rock”) and on Freesat.