Machine Head To Headline Bloodstock Open Air, Fans To Choose Set List

Band Photo: Behemoth (?)

The 2012 edition of the Bloodstock Open Air festival will take place this coming August 9th - 12th, and the organizers of the festival have now issued the following statement about confirming Machine Head:

"It is with tremendous excitement that we can now reveal our final headliner to be Oakland metal titans Machine Head, who will make their first ever UK festival headlining appearance on Saturday, August 11th on the RONNIE JAMES DIO main stage.

"Machine Head first graced UK shores in the wake of their landmark debut album 'Burn My Eyes' in 1994 as main support to Slayer. Fan reaction to Machine Head’s signature brand of crushing metal was so intense that the band would return immediately afterward to headline their own sold-out shows at many of the same venues, launching a massive swell of passionate fan support that continues to this day.

"Seven albums, a Grammy nomination and countless tours later, UK fans continue to champion and support Machine Head as feverishly as they did at those first shows, and this year, at Bloodstock Open Air 2012, they will be given the unprecedented opportunity to influence Machine Head’s set list!

"Commemorating the 20th anniversary of Machine Head’s first-ever live performance at their roadie Mike Scum's getting-evicted-from-his-house party - for which they performed five songs – Bloodstocker ticket holders will be given the opportunity to vote for the five 'Burn My Eyes' songs they most want to hear Machine Head play during their headline set Saturday night, with the five that receive the most votes included in the set list (details to follow)!

"Anyone that’s ever witnessed Machine Head live will attest to the fact that the raw, unbridled energy of their performance is unlike anything else you’ll ever see. With countless legendary UK performances already on record, and a first-ever fan-influenced setlist, it goes without saying that Machine Head’s headline set at Bloodstock Open Air 2012 is going to go down in metal history as one of those festival performances that you’ll forever be glad you got to see. Keep an eye on the official Bloodstock Facebook page for your chance to vote on the songs YOU want to hear."

The current Bloodstock lineup is as follows:

Ronnie James Dio Stage

BEHEMOTH - ALICE COOPER - MACHINE HEAD - TESTAMENT - DIMMU BORGIR - DIO DISCIPLES - ANVIL - WATAIN - PARADISE LOST - HATEBREED - SANCTUARY - ICED EARTH - SEPULTURA CORROSION OF CONFORMITY - DEICIDE - MAYHEM - NILE - MOONSORROW - GRAND MAGUS - FREEDOM CALL - BLACK DAHLIA MURDER - CHTHONIC - CROWBAR - BENEDICTION - I AM I

Sophie Lancaster Stage

ALCEST - ORANGE GOBLIN - ANAAL NATHRAKH - HEADCHARGER - WINTERFYLLETH DEMONIC RESURRECTION - EASTERN FRONT - ANCIENT ASCENDANT - SIGHT OF EMPTINESS - PRIMITAI - PYTHIA - CRIMES OF PASSION - SATURNIAN BLOODSHOT DAWN - RE-ARMED - GONOREAS - COMMANDER IN CHIEF - RISING DREAM - INFERNAL TENEBRA - NOCTEFERIA - EVILE - MARIONETTE - FURYON - DERISION - BATALLION - WITCHSORROW - DRIPBACK - SAVAGE MESSIAH - FLAYED DISCIPLE - PRITCHARD Vs DAINTON - STEVE HUGHES

New Blood Stage

DOOMED - GONE TIL WINTER – HURON - FALLEN FATE - REIGN OF FURY – DREAMCATCHER - REFLECTIONS IN EXILE - INFERNAL CREATION

For more details on Bloodstock and ticket purchases, head over to the festival's official website here.