Ozzy, Slayer, say farewell to Australia as Download returns for second year, expands to Sydney

After drawing 30,000 for its inaugural staging in Melbourne, the hard rock Download festival returns for a second stab, this time expanding to Sydney.

Presented by Live Nation, UNIFIED & Secret Sounds, it stages at:

Saturday, March 9: Parramatta Park, Sydney

Monday, March 11, Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne

The lineup has some of the best-known game changers in metal and hard rock, including Ozzy Osbourne and Slayer who are currently on their farewell world tours, as well as Judas Priest, Anthrax and Alice In Chains.

Also plugging in and turning to 11 are Ghost, Rise Against, The Amity Affliction, Halestorm, Behemoth, Me First & The Gimme Gimmes, Prevail, Converge, Frenzal Rhomb, Luca Brasi, Code Orange, Andy Black, The Fever 333, War On Women, High Tension, Outright Ruins and Alien Weaponry.

More acts will be added to the bill, promoters said. Tickets can be purchased HERE.