Final Fantasy 14's in-house rock band is heading to one of the UK's biggest music festivals and it feels like my two main friend groups meeting for the first time
PC Gamer
by Mollie Taylor February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Final Fantasy 14’s in-house rock band, The Primals, are set to perform at Download Festival, one of the UK’s largest rock and metal events. Headlined by iconic acts like Limp Bizkit and Guns N’ Roses, this year’s festival is a milestone for The Primals, marking their first appearance outside of Asia. Formed by game composer Masayoshi Soken, The Primals reimagines Final Fantasy 14 tracks in an alternative rock style. While the band has released albums and toured extensively, their performance at Download Festival signifies a significant step toward mainstream recognition.
The lineup also features Tom Morello and Architects, both of whom have contributed to Final Fantasy 14’s soundtrack. Architects’ Sam Carter lent his vocals to *Footfalls*, the theme song from the game’s *Endwalker* expansion, while Morello collaborated with Caleb Shomo on *Everything Burns*, featured in the latest patch. Fans hope these artists might join The Primals on stage to perform their respective tracks, as collaborations between festival performers are common.
The author reflects on past Download Festival experiences, balancing excitement for new acts like The Primals with concerns about the challenges of attending—such as poor weather and crowded conditions. However, the opportunity to see niche acts gain mainstream exposure makes the event worthwhile. The Primals’ unique blend of game music and rock could appeal to a broader audience, aligning with Download Festival’s reputation for introducing great-but-niche acts.
For gaming enthusiasts, this marks a cultural crossover moment, where Final Fantasy 14’s music reaches a new audience. The festival offers a chance to experience the game’s soundtrack reimagined live, blending gaming nostalgia with rock energy. Whether or not collaborations
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/23/2026