Devin Townsend has been confirmed as the first headliner at next year’s Bloodstock Open Air festival.
The festival will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire, on August 6-9, 2020, with the prog-metal legend closing out the Friday night with an exclusive UK show on the Ronnie James Dio main stage.
Townsend says: "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.
"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.
"Thanks Bloodstock for choosing to rock with me. I can't wait to see you all there!"
Also confirmed to play are Ukrainian metallers Jinjer, power-metal squad Gloryhammer, Skindred, Black Dahlia Murder, Vio-lence, Sacred Reich, Dark Tranquillity, and Butcher Babies.
Tickets – including discounted Early Bird tickets, VIP tickets, child tickets and car parking tickets – are available now.
Bloodstock have also announced that 2019’s event raised £7,696.44 on site to benefit official charity partner, Young Minds.
They say: “A giant thank you to all those who contributed to such a brilliant cause.”
- Protect your hearing at gigs and festivals with the best earplugs
