Aerosmith to Headline 2017 U.K. Download Festival

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Aerosmith in 2016

Three headliners—Aerosmith, System of a Down and Biffy Clyro—have been announced as the headliners for the 2017 Download Festival, taking place June 9-11 at Donington Park, Leicestershire, England.

Aerosmith will close the final night of the event. Guitarist Joe Perry was quoted as saying, “Every time we go on tour I look at the schedule for cities, towns or events that I look forward to playing. Download Festival is always one of the ones I circle. Donington is like home to us. I have some great memories playing there and I can’t wait to make some more.” Aerosmith also closed the festival in 2014.

System of a Down will close the first night, their third headlining gig at the festival, and Scottish band Biffy Clyro the middle show.

The lineup also features Rob Zombie, Slayer, Five Finger Death Punch, Of Mice & Men, Fozzy, Sleeping With Sirens, Simple Plan, Every Time I Die, The Story So Far, Motionless In White and AFI.

Said Download Festival’s promoter, Andy Copping, in a press statement, “We’re incredibly excited to announce the Download 2017 headliners. We have three giants of rock and metal topping the bill. As always, Download fans can expect world class performances across the weekend.”

The announcement of Aerosmith’s appearance brings hope to the band’s fans that the veteran classic rockers are not packing it in, as had been suggested by band members earlier this year. In June, singer Steven Tyler told Howard Stern that the band was planning a farewell tour for 2017. “I love this band, I really do, and I want to squash every thought that anybody might have about this: The band’s over. We’re doing a farewell tour, but it’s only because it’s time,” he said.