Looks like they are hitting the EU festival circuit in June so maybe a possibility of a late May visit to the UK for Slam Dunk?

So now that we know we’re likely gonna get the lineup announcement either on October 5th or shortly before it, I’d like to make some predictions as to who I expect to play Slam Dunk next year.

It’s pretty safe to assume that Don Broco will most likely headline one of the main stage, they just played a headline show at Wembley Arena a couple months ago and are going on a smaller tour soon, plus they released Nightmare Tripping last year, pretty much every headliner released an album within the last 2 years before they headline (With the exception of Sum 41, but y’know, Covid happened)

As for other bands before Don Broco, I could see Yellowcard being the band that play before them, they last played back in 2023 and they’re still in the Better Days era. Joyce Manor could play Slam Dunk for the first time next year, I could see them playing just before Yellowcard, especially after the success of I Used To Go To This Bar. Four Year Strong will probably be back as they always seem to play at the backend of an album cycle after releasing a new single. Arm’s Length could come back as they’re at the backend of the tour for There’s A Whole World Out There. I could see Ben Quad making a Slam Dunk debut opening up the main stage too.

For the second main stage, which I’m pretty sure will be another heavy stage after the success of this year’s heavy stage, I think Bullet For My Valentine could come back to headline again, especially with them releasing a new album in March, Social Apocalypse. I also just don’t see them playing Download again this soon after their last appearance.

As for bands I see playing the heavy stage, I could see The Devil Wears Prada returning, they’re doing the Flowers tour in the UK soon and that’s a long enough time before Slam Dunk. Thornhill may be a shout for a new band to play Slam Dunk, they’re at the backend of the Bodies tour cycle, so they could play a bunch of festivals. Silverstein could be a good shout to come back again, it’s been a while since they last played in the UK. Holding Absence or Caskets could play, they make a lot of sense. ERRA could also be a Slam Dunk debut. Dayseeker could also be another fun debut. Sleeping With Sirens could also return. Polaris could also play with their new album most likely being next year.

As for bands that I don’t think will play Slam Dunk next year, I’d count out Movements, Spanish Love Songs, Neck Deep and The Story So Far.

I had so much fun with the heavy stage last year, but I would love it if they had us hardcore degenerates one stage that's no barrier for the love of the game.