Download 2026 gets an immense finale as Linkin Park return to Donington
It’s been a long time since Linkin Park have been at Download, and it’s almost as if the universe itself knew they were coming. The sky above hangs in hues of dusty lilac and pink, mimicking the swirling colours found in the cover art of their 2024 album, From Zero. It was 2014 when they were last here, and a short teaser trailer for their forthcoming film Unshatter plays out before they arrive, with Mike Shinoda confessing within it, “the hardest part of ending is starting up again.”
Their comeback single The Emptiness Machine is the only fitting way to make their return, the song that cracked open the new era, one that would be different, difficult, but ultimately rewarding, as proved by the generous turnout across the field. As Emily Armstrong tackles the chorus, she sounds brilliant. Like or lump their current form, there’s no denying how striking her vocals are.
What’s more is that she’s making history in the process of turning up today, as the first woman to headline Download. Mike beams widely as he shares the news, suppressing a little laugh. “She hates this kind of attention,” he shares, “despite what goes on up here.” But it’s certainly something to celebrate. For Two Faced, Mike asks for women to conquer the mosh-pits, this time as a way to honour their low-key singer.
Mike and Emily are clearly having the best fun, both of them making use of the runway and beaming back at Donington Park. Turntablist Joe Hahn shows up on the big screens throughout, also getting his moments of glory, flashing a cool peace sign out at Download like a mic drop. This version of Linkin Park feels like it’s in a very fruitful and healthy position, and their love of the game is indicative of how much more there is left for them to unfold, film on the horizon and all.
Though fit for the future, their set includes all the classics. From Crawling to What I’ve Done, to Numb, complete with a short nod to the historic Numb/Encore, with contributions from Jay-Z that introduced the band to a whole other side of fans. Having delivered both sides of the coin from across their catalogue, there’s something for everyone. Every fan, new and old.
In The End might seem like the natural choice for the band to leave on, but they go one step further with a last zing of energy for Faint. Pink and purple confetti rains down, carrying across Donington in the cold night breeze like falling snow.
“We love you so fucking much,” shouts Emily. Download would say it back if it could.
