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"Like everyone, we were all hugely disappointed when the global pandemic forced the cancellation of Download 2020 which would have been Maiden’s seventh time headlining here," says Bruce Dickinson. "So we are delighted to be invited back and fulfil our ambition of playing Donington Park in every decade since the 1980s!
"As most people know, this festival is hallowed ground for us – and Eddie! – and our fans’ vocal support and enthusiasm is always phenomenal and much appreciated. We can’t wait to see everyone again, and are determined to make the show one hell of a party and the greatest homecoming ever!"
"I’ve said it before, Download Festival audiences are the best," adds KISS' Gene Simmons. "They are up for whatever is thrown at them. KISS is going to come fully prepared to rock their world in 2022 to say thank you for always showing up for us."
"Download will be the culmination of 47 years of unapologetic bombast and spectacle," continues Paul Stanley. "We will make this a fitting farewell to a country and its people whose music remains the blood in our veins."
Many, many more bands and artists will, of course, be announced in the run-up to Download Festival 2022.