Not long to go Download fans! The first line-up announcement will be with us tomorrow morning and we're beside ourselves with excitement. It's been a huge couple of weeks with tour and reunion announcements across the globe so we've compiled our *~dream~* Download line-up. Meet you in the pit? 

UPDATE: See the first line-up announce for Download 2020!

The Contenders 

Rage Against The Machine 

Zack de la Rocha, Tom Morello and co are reuniting to make America rage again. When the news broke on Saturday, we almost lost it. They're slated to play three dates across the US before stints at Coachella. Headlining Download Festival in Australia would be the perfect warm-up and we'll be killing in the name of to make it happen. 

My Chemical Romance

Welcome To The Black Parade has been our go-to karaoke song of recent weeks so we're not saying we had anything to do with the reunion but... you're welcome. Zuckerberg is always listening, don't underestimate his influence. Alex Lahey on the other hand got the Gerard Way seal of approval for her recent Like A Version so we'd give her full credit for bringing MCR Down Under. Besides, a one-off reunion show, which sold out in minutes, would be far too cruel.

Iron Maiden

Ladies and gentlemen, Captain Bruce Dickinson has turned on the 'Fasten Seat Belt' sign. If you haven’t already done so, please stow your carry-on luggage underneath the seat in front of you or in an overhead bin. Please take your seat and fasten your seat belt. It's all but confirmed Ed Force One is flying south but a tour announcement is in the diary for the day after Download's announce. A red herring? Who knows. At this point we just wish you an enjoyable flight.

System Of A Down

Download UK has a hefty line-up of heavy hitters next year. Headlining on the Sunday are System Of A Down who haven't made an appearance in Australia since Soundwave (RIP) 2012. You'd expect some element of cross over so we're hedging our bets. WAKE UP!

BABYMETAL

BABYMETAL owned Good Things 2018. You haven't really lived until you've moshed in a Pikachu onesie. They've got a brand-spanking-new album and a huge fanbase all more than willing to travel for the band so the almighty Fox God demands it. Hot tip: if you're after merch, you'll want to be lining up long before gates open.

Alexisonfire

The beloved Dallas Green has already announced he'll be bringing his solo project City & Colour back to Australia in April. He's back making music with Alexisonfire so it doesn't seem like too much of a stretch to get him to extend his Australian jaunt and reunite of the Download stage. 

Ruled Out 

Slipknot

Heavily rumoured after the Metallica tour was canned (they were set to support), Download's dates have ruled out Slipknot from proceedings. The band will be in Japan throwing Knotfest at the same time and bringing a bunch of friends (see below) with them. Hey! It's not all bad news - maybe this means we'll see Knotfest make its way to Aus in 2020. 

Korn 

Yep, Knotfest. 

Anthrax

See above. 

Marilyn Manson

Goddamnit, Knotfest!

Tool 

Never ones to be outdone, Frontier Touring teased a video yesterday that has fans adamant the legendary US band Tool will announce a run of the country on Friday 15 November. Given the familiar font of the video, which has hinted at dates in Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne next February, it looks like you'll have to fork out the cash separately to see the band.

Prophets Of Rage

Good news for Rage Against The Machine fans - bad news for Prophets Of Rage. Following the reunion confirmation, the group's B-Real has announced the project has come to an end. "It's been an honour to rock stages and people of all ages with these guys," he wrote on social media. "It's been a great time and great memories in a short time. Rockin' alongside of Chuck and Tom has been amazing to say the least. It was fun while it lasted and I hope we left a big impression and that the music has been a source of inspiration for those that needed it. That was the purpose we got together. So I say to y'all stay informed, stay engaged and fight the good fight." Hear, hear.

The Menzingers

US punk outfit The Menzingers announced today they will head to Australia next year for a headline tour of the country throughout March ruling the Philly-based band out of the running.

The Local Contingent 

The Beautiful Monument 

The Beautiful Monument blew us away with their second album, I'm The Reaper. It snagged our Album Of The Month in June and earned a well-deserved slot in our Albums Of The Year (So Far). The band are playing Good Things Festival next month, but the more times we see them the better we say. 

LOSER

Break out the flannos, LOSER's thrashing guitars and strong Nirvana vibes would make for a mighty fine Download arvo set. They impressed at BIGSOUND and are supporting Ruby Fields around the country in December but have nothing lined up for 2020. 

Yours Truly 

Another Good Things Festival band but they didn't make our 'festival acts to watch' list for no reason. 2019 has been huge for this Sydney outfit and they'll be looking to carry their positive pop-punk into 2020. 

RedHook 

They won the Unearthed comp last year to play the Sydney leg before jetting over to the UK edition so RedHook could very well make an appearance of their own accord this year and we wouldn't be upset about it. 

Download Festival will go down at Melbourne Showgrounds on Friday 20 March and Sydney's Parramatta Park on Saturday 21 March.