Download line-up taking shape

The line-up for this year's Download festival is taking firmer shape now, with Midlands heavy metal legends Judas Priest special guests to headliners Kiss on the opening night, Friday the 13th of June.

In a major change, the opening night has more of a classic rock and metal feel than previous years which have largely been dominated by the industrial and thrash genres.

Download has now announced the latest six acts to be added to the three-day 2008 festival.

Joining headliners Kiss, The Offspring and Lost Prophets on the weekend of 13, 14, 15 June at Donington Park will be Irish rockers Ash who make their Download debut, the AC/DC-influenced Airbourne, Kentucky's newest export Black Stone Cherry, drum 'n' bass/rock crossover act Pendulum, Elliot Minor.

Intriguingly ex-Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley will be peforming on the second stage on the day his previous band appear on the main stage, which is bound to spark "what if" speculation among Kiss fans.

It will be the second time that Judas Priest they have appeared at Donington, considered the spiritual home of British rock, after they played at the first ever Monsters Of Rock festival at the venue in 1980.

Priest, now reunited with singer Rob Halford, were formed in the early 1970s, drawing members from West Bromwich, Walsall and the Stafford area. Their line-up is Rob Halford (vocals), KK Downing (guitar) who lives in the Bridgnorth area, Glenn Tipton (guitar), Ian Hill (bass) and Scott Travis (drums).

Download 2008 weekend tickets cost from £130. For more details go to www.downloadfestival.co.uk

The line-up so far is:

Friday June 13

Main stage:

Kiss, Judas Priest, Motorhead, Disturbed, Kid Rock, Seether

Second stage:

Simple Plan, Rise Against, Ace Frehley, Fightstar, Job For A Cowboy

Saturday June 14

Main Stage:

The Offspring, Incubus, Bullet For My Valentine, Biffy Clyro, Alter Bridge, Madina Lake, 36 Crazyfists

Second stage:

HIM, Ash, Pendulum, The Subway

Saturday June 15

Main Stage:

Lost prophets, Chris Cornell, Jimmy Eat World, Coheed & Cambria, In Flames, Within Temptation. Apocalyptica, Black Stone Cherry

Second stage:

Cavalera Consiracy, Children of Bodom, Elliot Minor, Jonathan Davis, Airbourne.

Other acts announced include Dillinger Escape Plan, Bleeding Through, Black Dahlia Murder and Throwdown.