Photo: WENN
Festival-goers have given a mixed reaction to the somewhat controversial news that Avenged Sevenfold will be headlining Download 2014.
It was announced this morning that A7X would be topping the opening day of the Donington hard rock bash, with metal icon Rob Zombie also confirmed to play.
While fans of the Californian rockers were elated at the news, others were left disappointed and outraged, calling for something a little heavier.
Ben Hill took to Facebook with the simple message "well that's a bit shit," while added: "Bradley Kaler STOP FUCKING BITCHING! Don't like it? Don't fucking go."
Those who were less in favour said:
John Corney: "Worst announcement ever. Avenged are NOT headline material ... Pull your fingers out Download!"
Barry Hames: "This announcement should have come with information on how to refund your ticket and a direct link to Bloodstock's ticket page."
Simon Jorge: "Turns Rob Zombie as 'Special Guest' fuck that, give him the headline stage."
Chelsea Frederick: "I find this slightly disappointing, hopefully the other two headliners are more to my liking."
Tracy Polhill: "Were Metallica busy then?"
Meanwhile, many jumped to the defence of A7X:
Emma Elizabeth Byrne: "Woah so much hate... you know the beauty of a festival is that more than one band is playing at the same time... so why not instead of having a pure bitchfest just go to another stage and see a different band instead...? mind blowing idea, I know."
Ashley Sallis: "People should get a fucking life! Always moaning about same old bands blah blah blah. Well now a band has stepped up in ax7, risen from playin bars n clubs to selling out wembley arena and having #1album in uk and america! There fucking huge right now and deserve it. If ur not a fan then fair enough but no need to troll."
Shane Blockley: "Download is a festival of many genres of rock and metal. Stop whining and just enjoy the experience this festival gives us. Otherwise fuck off and watch T in the Park et al."
Greig Robertson: "Metallica and Maiden and all the other classic metal/rock bands aren't gonna be around to headline festivals forever, a new generation of headliners is needed, and A7X have been the most successful modern band of this generation, Slipknot have already become headline material and been one of the most successful bands of the last decade or so, it's now another bands turn to join them."
Wesley Crawford: "Rock music needs new bands to stand up and be given a chance. Download cant just keep recycling the same headliners. A band doesnt become headline worthy without being given a chance to headline. Some people on here are incredibly self-important."
This summer's event was headlined by Rammstein, Slipknot and Iron Maiden - and also saw performances from the likes of Limp Bizkit, 30 Seconds To Mars, Queens Of The Stone Age and many more.
Download Festival 2014 will take place at Donington Park from Friday 13 - Sunday 15 June. For more information visit Gigwise gig tickets.
Below: QOTSA, Motorhead and more live at Download 2013
