After years of anticipation, the wait is finally over — the legendary Body Count will make their long-awaited Bloodstock debut in August 2026. The Grammy-winning metal icons, fronted by Ice-T, are set to appear as special guests on the Ronnie James Dio Main Stage on Sunday, 9th August, performing directly before headliners Judas Priest.
A Long-Time Goal Realised for Bloodstock’s 25th Anniversary
The band’s booking has been a decade-long ambition for the festival, now finally realised for its 25th-anniversary edition. Known for their ferocious sound and fearless social commentary, Body Count have been a dominant force in heavy music since the early 1990s.
Formed by Ice-T and guitarist Ernie C, the band’s early work broke new ground by fusing the confrontational energy of hip-hop with the brutality of heavy metal. Their self-titled 1992 debut, featuring the infamous and politically charged track “Cop Killer,” cemented them as one of the most provocative and influential acts of their era. Despite controversy, Body Count stayed true to their message — using music to confront systemic injustice, racism, and social hypocrisy head-on.
Grammy Winners Bringing Fire to Catton Park
After several lineup changes and decades of touring, Body Count returned to global prominence with albums like Manslaughter (2014), Bloodlust (2017), and Carnivore (2020). The latter earned them a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for “Bum-Rush”, proving their relevance and fury remain undimmed. The band’s modern sound balances sharp production and timeless aggression, combining groove-laden riffs with Ice-T’s commanding lyrical venom.
Their Bloodstock 2026 performance promises to be a landmark moment, merging old-school defiance with new-era firepower — a set certain to stand among the festival’s most unforgettable.
Bloodstock’s Legacy as the UK’s Premier Metal Festival
Now regarded as the UK’s biggest independent metal festival, Bloodstock Open Air began as a one-day indoor event in 2001 and has evolved into a four-day pilgrimage for heavy music fans worldwide. Hosted annually at Catton Park, Derbyshire, the festival has welcomed legends like Slipknot, Megadeth, Gojira, and Behemoth, while proudly championing the underground through its Metal 2 The Masses initiative — giving unsigned bands a chance to perform on its hallowed stages.
With its loyal community, grassroots ethos, and commitment to pure heavy music, Bloodstock remains the perfect stage for Body Count’s explosive UK festival return.
Vicky Hungerford: “One of the Most Memorable Shows Ever”
Festival director Vicky Hungerford shared her excitement:
“After 10 years of trying, we finally get Body Count to Bloodstock! This is going to be one of the most memorable shows the festival has ever seen — and how fitting that it’s part of our 25th anniversary celebration!”
