Download Festival 2016: 10 Essential Bands You Must See

by Simon Gallagher

1. Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath on stage at the UK Music Hall Of Fame 2005 - live final, at the Alexandra Palace, north London.
Yui Mok/PA Archive

Its somewhat strange that Sabbath arent playing on the Sabbath: not only is there the name issue, but the set comes with the added kicker that this is (supposedly) the very last time a UK audience will get to see them live.

Farewells dont always mean a lot in rock music, but you get the sense that Sabbath are really on their way out, and word is theyre playing with more ferocity and more power, emboldened by knowing their end is near. If that is the case, their last show is going to be blistering and incredibly emotional.

And if it lasts, its going to be one of those I was there Download moments.

When? Saturday, 8.50pm, The Lemmy Stage

Which bands are you most excited to see at Download festival this year? Share your favourites below in the comments thread.

Advertisement
Contributor
Contributor

WhatCulture's former COO, veteran writer and editor.