By DJ Monk
There will be guitar wankery aplenty at the 20th anniversary edition of Bloodstock, with the news that the evil elf himself, Devin Townsend, will headline the Friday night.
Two other main stage bands also were announced this morning: Ukrainian metal crüe Jinjer, who release their new album, ‘Macro’, next month, will bring it down on the Saturday, while Gloryhammer will bring their inane power metal tomfoolery on the Sunday.
Speaking about today’s announcement, Devin Townsend (who tours the Über Kingdom this coming December) said:
“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!”
Bloodstock has already confirmed appearances by Skindred, The Black Dahlia Murder, Vio-lence, Sacred Reich, Dark Tranquillity and Butcher Babies.
Bloodstock 2020 takes place at Catton Park, Derbyshire from 6 – 9 August. Discounted early bird tickets, VIP tickets, child tickets and car parking tickets are available now at the ticket store.