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Dead Head’s Festival Guide For 2021

There’s no doubt that we’re all missing one thing, scorching in the sun, going to bed with a headache, wondering if that’s slightly warm beer that’s been thrown over your jacket or the contents of an acquaintance’s bowels – but still waking up and doing it all again the next day regardless. We’re all fed up with indefinite reschedules, and the classic ‘do you want a refund or keep your tickets for next year (which probably won’t happen anyway)’, but finally the time has come. And yes, it is long overdue, no thanks to our ever-mutating frenemy Covid-19.



Long gone are the days where we can share a drink with a stranger, openly cough without a care in the world, or even barge past an unwitting music lover to get to the front of the stage. But hopefully, this Summer will see the return of waving arms, screaming fans, over-zealous performers, and wickedly overpriced booze.


Now comes the real problem, the question lingering in all our minds, which Festival to choose? With the abundance of rescheduling, postponing, and everything in between, most festivals (unfortunately) overlap, meaning it will be almost impossible to go to all your favourites – and that’s where we come in.


To ease your decision-making process and give you a nudge in the right direction, us over at Dead Head Merch are here to give the low down of all the latest info on the best picks of this Summer’s numerous shows and parties, and it’s gonna be a good one…



Bloodstock


Photo of band at Bloodstock Festival 2019 by Down The Barrel Photography
Photo by https://downthebarrelphotography.com/

When? August 11-15th

Where? Derbyshire

Headliners: Devin Townsend, Kreator, Judas Priest

Tickets: Bloodstock Tickets | 11th - 15th August 2021


Known for its juxtapose relaxed atmosphere and well-run family feel, Bloodstock is one not to look over this summer. With its ever-expanding line-up and plethora of the best metal and rock bands, it’ll be a shame if this doesn’t go ahead.

9/10



Reading and Leeds

When? August 27-29th

Where? Leeds / Reading

Headliners: Stormzy, Liam Gallagher, Queens Of The Stone Age

Tickets: Reading and Leeds Festival 2021


A firm, fan favourite every year, the pair of annual shows take place simultaneously over a sun-soaked weekend. The love of R&L comes from their ability to cater to every genre, hosting rock legends such as Liam Gallagher and British rapper Stormzy, to putting on a show for all the indie rock lovers out there with the likes of Catfish and the Bottlemen, Sports Team and Beabadoobee.

7/10.



Resurrection Fest


Meltdown in the crowd at Resurrection Fest 2019
Meltdown at Resurrection Fest 2019

When? June 2-5th

Where? Galicia, Spain

Headliners: Deftones, System of a Down, Korn

Tickets: SOLD OUT


Taking place in sunny Spain, Resurrection Fest allows the pleasure of seeing the best heavy metal and punk bands all in one place. Emerging as one of the most important music festivals in Spain, it is no wonder so many people attend with a history of performers such as theirs. Think Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Sabaton, Bullet For My Valentine and you have the recipe for an unforgettable weekend of music.

6/10.



Sweden Rock

When? June 9-12th

Where? Sweden

Headliners: Guns n Roses, Megadeth, In Flames

Tickets: Sweden Rock Festival 2021 Tickets | Line Up, Dates & Prices | Live Nation Middle East


Another of the best festivals Europe has to offer, Sweden Rock is hailed for its diversity across the metal and rock genres. 30 next year, Sweden Rock has seemingly cemented the ability to snag some of the best artists for their line-up, known for their roaring line-ups and electrifying shows, you’d be a fool to pass up the opportunity to attend.

8/10



Steelhouse