System of a Down will headline next year’s Download festival at Donington as part of a much-anticipated reunion tour.

But the band say they have no big plans for new material or a long-term continuation – they’re just playing some shows because they want to.

Rumours had been rife after it was said SOAD had booked an appearance in the Bercy venue in Paris on June 6, put together with Download promoter Andy Copping’s comment that he’d already confirmed two headline acts for the event, which takes place a week after the Paris date.

Over the weekend an animated advert announcing the band’s appearance at Rock Am Ring on June 3-5 was discovered unpublished on the festival site’s server.

Confirmed SOAD 2011 dates:

June 2: Italy, Milan, Milan Fiera Arena
June 4: Germany, Nurnberg, Rock im Park
June 5: Germany, Nurburgring, Rock am Ring
June 6: France, Paris, Omnisports de Bercy
June 9: Switzerland, Interlaken, Greenfield Festival
June 11: UK, Castle Donington, Download Festival
June 13: Austria, Nickelsdorf, Novarock
June 15: Germany, Berlin, Wuhlheide
June 17: Sweden, Gothenburg, Metaltown Festival
June 19:В  Finland, Turku, Provinssirock

The band say: “We are excited to announce that System will be playing some dates together in 2011.  We want to thank you for your loyalty and support, not only to System Of A Down, but to all of our solo efforts as well.

“We have no master plan of sorts – we are playing these shows simply because we want to play together again as a band and for you, our amazing fans.  We look forward to seeing all of you.”