Down the Hill 2026 Makes First Lineup Announcement
Posted in Whathaveyou on January 9th, 2026 by JJ KoczanEspecially in light of last year’s bill for Down the Hill, which included the classic-prog likes of Gong and Focus, it’s awesome to see this year’s edition featuring UK ’70s-heavy originals Atomic Rooster along with the rest of its first lineup announcement. No way that won’t be a fun set, and the statesmen o’ riff find suitable complement in MaidaVale, who’ve done more to modernize classic boogie than they’ve ever gotten credit for, presumably because they’re women.
From there, it continues to vary. Pothamus are heavy as a punch to the sternum, while Black Flower and on down from there in the text below, everybody has their own stylistic trajectory. I don’t know Belgium’s Aufhebung well, which is to say at all, though this isn’t the first time their name has appeared on this site (I looked), but I just put on their 2021 album Chasms and it’s killer and crushing, so thanks for the nudge on that one, Down the Hill. Not sure how I would’ve heard it except seeing their name in something like this, though the world has its ways.
Tickets are on sale now for Down the Hill 2026, and I’ve never been, but neither have I, in the five years I’ve covered the festival’s lineups, seen anything that would make me not want to be there. So, here’s this from socials. I’m not pretending it’s brand new news or that I’m at all competent in any way at keeping up with anyone’s anything ever. Thanks for understanding:
Down the Hill 2026
WOW! Already 20% SOLD in the first weekend, and still a big load of bands to announce! Here is our poster, so you get an idea where we are going this year.
Thank you so much for your trust! We won’t let you down 😉. Still 12 names to announce, keep your eyes open on our socials and website in the next few months.
Get ready for another incredible musical journey this year. Here are the first bands joining our stages:
• Atomic Rooster – Legendary British prog-rock pioneers featuring that iconic, heavy Hammond organ sound.
• MaidaVale – Heavy psychedelic rock from Sweden that pulls you into a hypnotic, fuzzy groove.
• Pothamus – Mesmerizing post-metal and sludge; a deep, atmospheric wall of sound.
• Black Flower – A vibrant, cosmic blend of Ethio-jazz, afrobeat, and oriental psychedelica.
• GROS COEUR – Belgian psych-rock from Liège that is as melodic as it is danceable.
• Aufhebung – Raw, experimental noise and industrial textures that push every boundary.
• WASTE – Energetic and uncompromising; the absolute cutting edge of modern noise-punk.
• The Moondig – Local favorites delivering the perfect mix of psychedelic and reverb-soaked vibes.
Much more to be announced!
Don’t miss out! Grab your tickets on our website from Januari 2, 17h!
http://www.downthehill.be/
https://www.instagram.com/downthehillfestival/
https://www.facebook.com/DownTheHillFestival/
