British pop group Five is set to perform at this year’s Download Festival, marking a notable departure from their 1990s boy band roots as they embrace a heavier rock sound for the metal-centric event. The band’s appearance at the Donington Park festival, scheduled for June 10-14, has prompted curiosity given the event's strong association with guitar-driven rock and metal acts.

Members of Five expressed enthusiasm about the booking, with Ritchie Neville, 46, describing the opportunity as a “dream gig” and expressing excitement at sharing a lineup with bands such as Linkin Park. Bandmate Sean Conlon, 45, similarly noted his admiration for headline acts Guns N’ Roses and Linkin Park, reinforcing the group’s commitment to delivering a performance that resonates with rock audiences.

The band emphasized that their musical style incorporates a significant rock influence, which they believe will appeal to Download attendees. Neville pointed to tracks from their third album, including one featuring a riff inspired by AC/DC’s “Lay All Your Lovin’ On Me,” as examples of their heavier sound. He suggested that many fans at the festival may be unfamiliar with this aspect of their music and anticipated it would be a pleasant surprise for the crowd.

Acknowledging potential skepticism from some fans who might view a former pop boy band’s appearance at a major rock festival as incongruous, the group highlighted how shifts in the music industry and audience attitudes have created a more accepting environment today compared to the 1990s. Neville reflected that during their original run, they might have been hesitant to perform in such a setting due to stigma against pop acts, but now they feel more confident and ready to challenge expectations.

In addition to the music, Neville joked about an unconventional plan to capture the audience’s attention, jokingly mentioning his intention to reveal a “Prince Albert” piercing on stage, though he did not elaborate on the seriousness of this claim.

The band also opened up about the pressures of early fame and the impact of their split in the early 2000s. Scott Robinson, 46, candidly stated that at the time of their hiatus, taking a break was not considered an option due to the difficult circumstances they were facing. He noted that with hindsight, they might have benefited from a temporary pause rather than a full split, as their enduring fan base has demonstrated sustained support over the past 25 years.

Neville added that balancing family life with touring commitments has become a priority for the group in their current iteration. He expressed eagerness for his wife and children to experience the festival environment alongside the band.

Download Festival 2026 will take place at Donington Park in Leicestershire from June 10 to June 14. Further event details are available on the official festival website.