For an event to be able to celebrate its 20th anniversary they must be doing something right. It’s a rare achievement to get past a single decade, let alone two. Regardless of how much money is behind it, tickets still have to be sold, it still has to work at a basic level. And over time it needs to adapt too. Download really pushed the boat out for this milestone by adding an extra day in the arena to make it a one off four day celebration. They even managed to pacify the normally capricious rain gods. As it turned out the line up may have given us a little heads up at what we might expect in future years too. Devo’s Gary and Aggy were there to catch all the action
Gary’s Five Of The Best
Halestorm – A World Class Act
There have been a few little peaks and troughs over the years but right now Halestorm are purring like a well oiled machine. The four piece sound better than ever. The song writing has taken on a fresh dynamic of late. And in Lzzy Hale they have not just one of the best vocalists in rock, they have one of the finest in all music at this time. Clarity, projection and jaw dropping power are all on show in abundance here from Hale who makes it look so effortless. She’s pretty badass on guitar too. The hits flow like golden wine. Halestorm are headliners in waiting.
Nova Twins – Fearless Sass From London Town
It wasn’t that long ago the Nova Twins were playing out in one of the tents and only just on most people’s radar. It wasn’t long ago they were playing little 150 or so capacity venues. My how they’ve blown up! And boy do they deserve it. Today the queens of sass play to tens of thousands of adoring fans. They are icons to young women and people of colour around the globe. Their music has helped revolutionise the alternative scene. Georgia’s bass playing has helped progress the instrument further than it has ever been pushed. Amy’s supreme confidence shines like a beacon. The Nova Twins rule – end of conversation.
Evanescence – The Voice Of An Angel
Festival performances can be a tricky affair. Throw into the mix an air of bottled up anticipation for an act not seen here for many years and it could have all gone wrong. Evanescence got this spot on though. The set list was judged perfectly. It was all set for Amy Lee and she delivered a master class, her beautiful ethereal voice inducing emotion in even the hardest of heart metalhead. The crowd is huge, a testament to the lasting popularity of the band. The whole performance is a triumph befitting the special occasion. This will be talked about for years to come.
Bambi Thug – The Shape Of Things To Come
Putting on a show, a spectacle, that is memorable can often get overlooked in music. Bambi Thug clearly got the memo. Their tentacle outfit and black and white make up stand out well enough. The show choreography is high end. And the music, an EBM, rock, everything else too fusion defies you not to dance. It is a quite stunning expression of performance art. The beaming faces of an untypically colourful audience speaks volumes. Download has been edging towards a wider church booking policy for a little while now and in Bambi Thug they have unearthed a gem.
Electric Callboy – Ready To Board The Tekkno Train
Dear Lord the Avalanche tent is rammed solid for Electric Callboy! It was a venue requested by the band but they could have filled it several times over by the look of things. The Tekkno Train departs with foot to the floor acceleration that doesn’t let up until the last note sounds. In between we get fire, love heart confetti and a strobe enhanced party to end all days. This is fun in ten foot high neon letters. Callboy know their stuff and just pile it on thick. It’s tongue in cheek humour mixed with a heavy groove and it is unstoppable. Can they come back again soon please?
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Aggy’s Five Of The Best
Skindred – Who Always Understand The Assignment
Now a part of the Download furniture, Skindred stepped in at the last minute, bringing their energetic charm and bouncing beats with them. Benji knows how to command a crowd, and his warmth and star quality captures the hearts of the thousands in attendance while they pop out banger after banger. Of course, it isn’t a Skindred show without the famous’ Newport Helicopter’. It’s always a spectacle to witness a sea of twirling t-shirts by rambunctious festival goers. Jaws drop when none other than Lizzy Hale is eventually invited on stage to sing along to ‘Warning’. A duet we never knew we needed!
Carpenter Brut – The Darksynth Prince
In what is said to be one of the most diverse lineups, Carpenter Brut made a welcomed addition. An eclectic performance with dark and heavy elements mixed with some more fun and light-hearted moments. Not many can say they have attended a rave at Download, well not until now! With their unique mix of electronic, metal and rock they kept the crowd jumping throughout. They finished their set with their own mix of the 80s hit ‘Maniac’ which went down a storm. Strobe lights and excited fans singing along so loud it filled the tent making it a perfect sign-off.
Placebo – The Nostalgic 90s Favourites
Stepping on stage, the band all in white and singer Brian Molko donning a pair of shades, they were the epitome of cool. The show kicked off with songs from their most recent album ‘Never Let Me Go’, which is consistent with the setlists from their latest tour. Much to the delight of fans of their earlier work, they started slinging out classics such as ‘From What It’s Worth’. Everyone went wild when their 1997 hit ‘Nancy Boy’ was played for the first time in 6 years! They wrapped up their set with a spine-tingling rendition of Kate Bush’s ‘Running Up That Hill’.
Ghost – The Great Showmen
Returning for the first time since 2012, now having amassed an army of die-hard fans and with five studio albums in their pocket they have honed their performance to a fine art. The band wearing gas masks in front of a cathedral-style backdrop they opened with ‘Kaisarion’. While smoke billowed singer Papa Emeritus IV frolicked on stage to screaming fans. He takes time to talk to the crowd and relished in the fans singing along with him while showing off a spectacular light show with sparks bursting from all around. They ended with ‘Square Hammer’ while it rained down with confetti.
Parkway Drive – Headliners In Waiting
Parkway Drive brought a personal element to their show with vocalist Winston McCall getting up close and personal with fans who formed a circle pit around him while he encouraged them to sing along side them to their song ‘Idols and Anchors’. The whole set lit up the arena like a beacon, quite literally at times. You get the sense that this was a dress rehearsal for a potential first headline slot in the not too distant future. With elderly bands eyeing retirement Parkway’s momentum building couldn’t be better timed
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The One We Both Agree On – Bring Me The Horizon
Gary: Picking a headline act might be construed as a bit of a cop out. The fact is this is a very symbolic moment. It’s a passing of the baton from two of the biggest acts on the planet to one that could well now emulate them. Bring Me The Horizon don’t miss this golden opportunity either. The pace and energy of their show is mesmerising. Even those unfamiliar with every song lap it up. Amy Lee and the Nova Twins come on as guests, the latter almost stealing the show. Oli Sykes has endured some difficult times but now he is a man possessed. We’ve just witnessed a contender take their rightful place at the top tier. The question now is who else will join them?
Aggy: In an unexpected but welcome turn of events Bring Me The Horizon brought what was one of the best performances of the weekend which isn’t an easy task with such a lineup. These Sheffield lads have been around a long time and have undoubtedly worked their asses off over the years to secure such a prestigious headline spot. Not only did they feature an awe-inducing theatrical stage show, the best show of their career to date, and one that will cement them in Download and Rock history. Featuring appearances by The Nova Twins and the powerhouse that is Amy Lee, they pulled out all of the stops.
Wednesday
It’s an organisational nightmare squishing what you’d normally get two days to do into one. The traffic has to be mentioned as an issue. A resolution for the future has already been announced with how parking passes are issued. The camping masses are still in good spirits though. The Boardie Takeover is a typically cracking affair with which to launch the event. The Doghouse tent is back firmly in place as is the shelter for the Side Splitter stage. Both a welcome respite from the heat of the coming days.
Weather report: Warm by day, brass monkeys by night.
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Thursday
Cherry Bombs made history as the first dance troupe on the main stage. Run by Corey Taylor’s wife Alicia they show some great moves with a performance that declares Download 20 well and truly open for business. Cancer Bats are the blowers away of any residual cobwebs. Liam Cormier, a one man lunatic asylum, is as always ridiculously entertaining. One of a number of artists giving Download a fresh feel is Mimi Barks. Her trap metal punches through really well live. This is a magnificent showing that was a strong candidate for a ‘five of the best’ spot. Jinjer are greeted with chants of support for their homeland of Ukraine. They respond with a blistering show that cements them even more solidly as Download favourites. Myles Kennedy fans were in for a treat as he made his return after only a year with Alter Bridge who put on a top performance. Metallica do what they do best, they entertain so well. Their delay speakers are heard many miles away. Fan favourite ‘Nothing Else Matters’ no matter how many times you hear it, always hits hard.
Weather Report: Warming up, still Baltic at night.
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Friday
The Warning play some seriously cool hard rock. The three sisters from Mexico must be nailed on for a swift return after they pull a good crowd early in the day. We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to fine quality vocalists this year. HMA winners As December Falls do their big event credential no harm at all. Their pop punk songs go down a treat. With a mix of grungy and screamo vocals Pupil Slicer leave a lasting impression and are definitely ones to watch. Epica’s Simone Simmons stakes a claim as one of the best mezzo soprano’s around. Asking Alexandria get sweaty in the late afternoon heat. It’s a stirring performance from Danny Worsnop and the boys. Last time Pendulum played Donington Park it was dark. Even in the sunlight they don’t disappoint with the crowd putting on their dancing shoes. The long-awaited return of Architects had them greeted by an ocean of people raising their horns and gleefully singing along, Don’t leave it so long again guys. Within Temptation are silky smooth playing a tight set of songs with consummate professionalism. Sharon Den Adel is, as ever, quite superb on vocals.
Weather report: Sun block advisable, ditch the hoodie at night.
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Saturday
Part of the new breed of post hard core Static Dress have some serious skills on offer. In Olli Appleyard they also have a frontman with real stage presence. Bigger things are inevitable. AntiSaint are loving every moment of being here. You can tell by their huge grins. The crowd reciprocates by going nuts. Lake Malice drew in an impressive audience and vocalist Alice Guala wowed attendees with her melodic and brutal vocal stylings, this band is bound to go far. Fever 333 don’t mess about, it’s a hell of a show including some tower scaling lunacy from Jason Butler. The singer makes quite an impression crowd surfing for much of the set too. Grindcore stalwarts Carcass sound like they still have plenty of life left in them. Jeff Walker’s growl has never sounded more menacing. Ice Nine Kills were an absolute must-see and brought their delightfully dark stage show to Donnington and let’s hope it’s not too much longer for their return. Punk hop heroes Bob Vylan are taking the world by storm at the moment. Their Download set is a raucous affair enjoyed by the capacity crowd. Melodic and full of passion Alexisonfire was the perfect band to rock out to or even chill if you’d prefer on such a beautiful and very hot Friday afternoon. Three Days Grace drew in a sea of fans who you could hear adoringly singing back their hits such as ‘I hate everything about you’ clearly even from a distance. Disturbed are down with the sickness of a great set of tunes. David Drayman is on fine form. The much anticipated Placebo own the hallowed turf. Brian Molko seemingly not aging at all shows some real class. Metallica seemed as excited to be there as the fans which we think added extra charm to their second performance. With an elaborate stage show which featured fire you could light your cigarette off and fireworks it was quite the spectacle. It was heartwarming when each member took a moment at the end to gush about the importance of being there, what it means to them and what Download and Donington Park mean to rock and metal as a whole. ‘One’ is still a timeless masterpiece.
Weather report: Centre of the sun, a goth’s worst nightmare.
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Sunday
Indian folk metallers Bloodywood put a spring in everyone’s step even in the wilting conditions. They are just so good live. The international flavour continues with Japan’s SiM giving it their all with a ska, rock, ebm mix that also has a little anime vibe to it. Highly anticipated Lorna Shore expertly dealt their blistering set which felt as though they could have possibly been one of the heaviest bands to ever grace mainstage. Hawxx have changed quite a bit since their inception. The London quartet don’t mess about blasting out their feminist message and it’s received with plenty of enthusiasm. More from them soon hopefully. The Hu made their main stage debut and brought their Mongolian heritage with them featuring throat singing and almost hypnotic instrumentals. Their set was well received and we hope to see a return from them in the near future. Jazmin Bean’s cottage core is part twee and part visceral. It’s a fantastic Download debut. Sweden’s Avatar are always a reliable act. Once again they put in a good shift. Palaye Royale have taken old school rock and given it a much needed makeover. The result is quite brilliant. Behemoth are unmistakable in image and sound with their signature corpse paint and heavy death metal sound they absolutely tear up the stage and give old and new fans alike exactly what is wanted from them. Bad Religion are filling in for the missing Distillers. The dependable punks never miss a beat. Slipknot’s second home is download which makes them the perfect choice to send off the 20th-anniversary celebration. For many years it has rained during their set and it almost felt like it was a missing addition. Despite the hot and heavy four days in the arena, everyone gives it their last hurrah and they get a warm and celebratory reception.They close Download 2023 with a crushing set.
Weather report: No rain – mission accomplished
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Download 2023 has been special for many reasons. It’s obviously a celebration of 20 years of the event. But this year has been much more too. It’s given us a line up that has moved away from the old near retirement classic bands and has embraced acts that are cutting edge. There’s more diversity musically than ever before. You can see in the bands that did particularly well – Ghost, Electric Callboy and Bring Me The Horizon etc, that the event fan base is shifting. Credit to Download for ringing the changes. Here’s to more decades of mayhem and fun in the future!
Download 2024 will take place on June 14th -16th.
Click here to buy tickets for Download 2024
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Feature image: Fever 333
Review by Gary Trueman and Aggy Gillon
Photos by Gary Trueman