Stone Gods, the band fronted by Lichfield’s Richie Edwards, are the latest act to be confirmed to play at this year’s Download rock festival at Donington Park.

The band, which was formed from the ashes of The Darkness after Justin Hawkins’ departure and which still features his guitarist brother, Dan, have just completed a UK tour which included a gig at Birmingham’s O2 Academy.

It will mark a swift return to Download for Stone Gods who made their Donington debut with a well received set last year following the release of their critically acclaimed album Silver Spoons & Broken Bones.

Other bands added to the bill today include rising Irish rockers The Answer, who fans will see later this month supporting AC/DC, Brit rockers Fightstar, Bring Me The Horizon and Auger Bane as well as Go:Audio and Volbeat. Raising the flag for the US will be Staind, Facecage, Shinedown, Static-X and Sevendust.

The festival, which runs from June 12-14 is being headlined by Faith No More, Slipknot and Def Leppard.

This year’s lineup also includes Whitesnake, Mötley Crüe, Korn, Pendulum, The Prodigy, Devildriver, DragonForce, Anvil, Marilyn Manson, ZZ Top, Billy Talent, Dream Theater, The Blackout, Buckcherry, Chris Cornell, Down, Papa Roach, Skin, Journey, Tesla, Lacuna Coil, Black Stone Cherry, Clutch, Architect, Karma To Burn and Parkway Drive, with more acts to be added.

Tickets for the Download Festival 2009 are on sale at www.downloadfestival.co.uk.

A range of special  “RIP” packages will once again be available for those seeking a truly unique festival experience – visit www.livenation.co.uk for more information.

Ticket Information:

• Weekend Tickets – £135
• Car Park – £10 advance or £20 on day
• Camping – £25
• Campervans – £40
• Lockers – £11