In a recent statement, Download Festival founder Andy Copping addressed the backlash regarding the festival’s 2025 lineup, which prominently features Sleep Token as a headliner. This decision has sparked a lively debate among festival-goers and music enthusiasts alike, reflecting the diverse opinions on the evolving landscape of rock music.

The festival’s initial lineup announcement this week showcased that Sleep Token will share headlining duties with iconic bands like Korn and Green Day. While a significant number of Sleep Token’s dedicated fans expressed their excitement over the band’s rising status, others voiced concerns, believing that they were not quite ready for such a prestigious position compared to some established artists on the bill.

One fan, expressing their thoughts on X, mentioned, “I appreciate Sleep Token, but I think they are not ready to headline Download; I think Bullets should instead,” referring to the popular band Bullet for My Valentine, who is also featured in the lineup. This highlights the ongoing conversation about what it means to be a headliner in today’s music scene.

In an interview with NME, Copping defended the choice to include a relatively newer band like Sleep Token in such a prominent role, emphasizing their “meteoric rise over the last two years.” He articulated the festival’s commitment to showcasing fresh talent and acknowledged the changing dynamics of the music industry.

“It’s crucial for the festival to introduce new bands as headliners. In the past, I took this leap with bands like Slipknot, Avenged Sevenfold, and Biffy Clyro. In 2023, we did it with Bring Me The Horizon. Today, each of these acts is recognized globally as a major festival headliner,” he shared with the publication, underscoring the importance of nurturing new talent.

“I believe it’s Sleep Token’s moment to shine. We’re likely the first major festival to recognize this and say, ‘Alright, it’s time for them to take the stage.’ I’m confident this will be a transformative experience for them, a highlight for the festival, and a memorable moment for the fans,” Copping added, reinforcing his vision for the event.

READ MORE: Pollstar’s Rock Tour of the Year Nominees Revealed

Copping also stressed the significance of staying relevant by tracking which artists are gaining traction on social media platforms, particularly TikTok. This platform has been pivotal in propelling bands like Sleep Token and Bad Omens into the spotlight, demonstrating the power of digital platforms in shaping modern music trends.

So far, the festival has announced a total of 92 artists for the 2025 event and hinted that additional names will be unveiled in the coming months, likely around January or February. Fans and followers should stay tuned for more exciting updates regarding the lineup and festival happenings.