In an unexpected departure from his usual dark theatrics, Cradle Of Filth frontman Dani Filth introduced a heartwarming moment into the band’s set at this year’s Download Festival. On Day 2 of the iconic metal gathering at Donington Park, the extreme metal pioneer surprised the audience by proposing to his longtime girlfriend, Sofiya Belousova, live on stage.
The proposal unfolded during Cradle Of Filth‘s 8:30 p.m. performance on The Dogtooth Stage. Mid-set, Dani paused the show to bring Sofiya into the spotlight, playfully announcing to the crowd: “Alright, if you’ll give me about three minutes, I’m really going to embarrass my partner now.”
Addressing her tenderly as “my queen,” Dani then dropped to one knee and asked for Sofiya‘s hand in marriage. Her immediate and enthusiastic “yes” was met with a roar of approval from the festival crowd, a moment sealed with affectionate kisses exchanged between the newly engaged couple.
Following the joyous interlude, a beaming Sofiya exited the stage, and Dani offered a bow to the cheering audience before seamlessly diving back into Cradle Of Filth’s set, resuming his signature performance style. Fan-filmed footage of the proposal has since surfaced online and you can watch it down below.
Cradle Of Filth has a busy “Summoned In Summer” schedule ahead:
Summoned In Summer Dates:
- 27/06 Tuska, FINLAND
- 04/07 Ballenstedt, GERMANY @ Rockharz Fest
- 05/07 Leffinge, BELGIUM @ De Zwerver
- 06/07 Norwich, ENGLAND @ Epic Studios
- 08/07 Margate, ENGLAND @ Dreamland
- 09/07 Torquay, ENGLAND @ The Foundry
- 11/07 Southampton, ENGLAND @ 1865
- 12/07 Emmen, NETHERLANDS @ Pitfest
- 13/07 Maastricht, NETHERLANDS @ Muziekgieterij
- 15/07 Dortmund, GERMANY @ Junyard
- 16/07 Bremem, GERMANY @ Tivoli
- 18/07 Aschaffenburg, GERMANY @ Colosaal
- 19/07 Munich, GERMANY @ Backstage
- 20/07 Cremona, ITALY @ Luppolo Rock Festival
- 21/07 Dornbirn, AUSTRIA @ Conrad Sohm
- 23/07 Bratislava, SLOVAKIA @ MMC
- 24/07 Tolmin, SLOVENIA @ Tolminator Festival
Earlier in this year, David Draiman from Disturbed paused his Sacramento show on May 9 to propose to his girlfriend, model Sarah Uli—calling her “the light in the darkness” before she said yes.
