While She Sleeps + Code Orange + This Wild Life and more announced for Slam Dunk 2020.
Slam Dunk. Another beautiful wave crashing upon our shores
Upon seeing the latest line-up announcements, my first thought was: ‘surely this is unfair? I mean, come on Slam Dunk — give the other festivals a chance!’
But alas, Slam Dunk is hoarding all of the talent for themselves. And here’s why:
First off, While She Sleeps are back, this time headlining the Jägermeister stage. Following a show at the sold out O2 Brixton Academy, that was by all accounts a blisteringly, brain meltingly brilliant set, the British metalcore masters are sure to leave a few broken bones in the pit and a few broken hearts when they inevitably have to get off the stage. The only problem is that they’ll clash with literally any of the other incredible names on the line-up — but that’s a bridge to be crossed when we come to it.
Marking their debut appearances at the festival come Grammy-nominated Code Orange and explosively exciting emo up-and-comers Doll Skin, both of whom also had a welcome splash of diversity to a typically male dominated genre — not to say that that’s why they’re playing. They’re playing because they’re both really fucking good!
Along for the ride come Parisian post-hardcore unit Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! as a European festival exclusive. Slam Dunk to the core, these guys are also joining The Used for the maiden voyage of Slam Dunk to France!
The cult-like success story of A shall also grace Slam Dunk’s venerable stages. They’ve already promised to “Slam Dunk da Funk” out of the festival!
They’re not the only ones promising to get the crowds moving. Ska stalwarts [spunge] are sure to deliver a ridiculous amount of buoyant fun, as are London based punk-ska-dub fusion band Popes of Chillitown; both scream high energy to help incite the crowds for the sheer amount of running they’ll be doing not to miss any of the great acts.
The final names to round off the latest waves are Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, punk’s premier and positively unique cover band that are sure to have everyone scream along — especially with their cover of John Denver’s national favourite ‘Country Roads’ — and The Suicide Machines, who are set to be releasing their latest album in 2020, the first in 15 years!
These last two join Face to Face, The Vandals, Reel Big Fish, Pennywise and NOFX to complete the first fully announced stage — the seminal Punk in Drublic stage!
But wait, there’s more!
...on Monday.
So check back in the next week or so for even more exciting developments!
Words by James O’Sullivan
OPENING PARTY & FESTIVALTICKET INFORMATIONGeneral Admission tickets to Slam Dunk Festival are £75.90 (including booking fee). VIP tickets to both Slam Dunk North and South are now sold out.
Tickets to the Slam Dunk Festival Opening Party are £12 + booking fee. The event will take place at Leeds O2 Academy on Friday 22nd May from 10pm until 2am.
For more information or to purchase both opening party and festival tickets, please visit www.slamdunkfestival.com.
Big Green Coach Company are the official travel partners for Slam Dunk Festival UK 2020.
Travel packages can be found here.