It’s a tough time for many in the music industry. For Download the conundrum they face is how to progress the event and navigate the imminent expiry date of so many of the veteran acts. They’ve not pussyfooted around and over last year and have overhauled the content bringing in even more diversity, and critically, fresh headline artists. It’s something that has to be done even though we will no doubt see the heritage bands back, just less often. The core remains a rock festival though with this year’s undercard seeing many truly heavy acts performing. Here then are Gary and Aggy’s picks and a round up of the best of the rest.
Gary’s Five Of The Best
Friday – Heilung – A Friday Ritual
Bringing prog to European folk music may not be the obvious choice for an act performing at Donington park but this is a refreshed festival, and the visuals on offer here are right up a great many metalhead’s street. With calming intent at the heart of the performance Heilung (meaning healing in German) deliver a visual feast garnished with pulsating and inventive music. Most watching have never seen anything quite like it, and they lap it up.
Saturday – Alt Blk Era – The Bright New Things
Formed of sisters Nyrobi and Chaya this is an act that is bristling with fresh ideas on just about everything. It’s like they’ve just decided to rip up all old conventions and start again, and do you know what, they sound quite wonderful. Yes there are elements of, well, all sorts; hip hop, metal, RnB, electronica, they all rub shoulders. The delivery is full of joy and big beaming smiles even if the lyrics are serious. These siblings are making the world a better place on step at a time and they’re spreading their message in the best possible way
Saturday RØRY – A Vocal Delight
Proving it’s never too late to fulfil your dreams RØRY is playing her first Download at the age of 39. She uses every ounce of her experience to smash it out of the park on the Avalanche stage. This is pop rock that reaches into your soul. The vocals are simply stunning with a light ethereal quality that emphasises the deeply personal lyrics. This wonderful artist is opening up and saying, hey you’re not alone. And that makes this not just a fine performance but potentially a life saving one too.
Sunday – Delilah Bon – The Rise Of The Brat Punk
Killing misogyny through music Delilah Bon is rightly adored by her ‘Bon Bons’, an army of women of all ages that has massed around her message. You can’t just rant and hope for the best though and here Bon provides the perfect insight as to why she is such a rising star. It’s quite simple really. Her songs are superbly penned, and live she brings a party atmosphere. Even a late start fails to dampen the enthusiasm. This is huge fun from start to finish, with the blend of spikey punk and more pop tones ridiculously infectious.
Sunday – Machine Head – Back to Their Best
Hailed as the saviours of metal way back when, the years have seen Machine Head go through peaks and troughs of storm force magnitude. Today in a muddy field in the midlands they are quite brilliant. Robb Flynn sounds like he’s on a mission and puts in one hell of a shift, ably backed up by the rest of the band. His voice sounds like he’s rolled back the years while his stage presence is that of a giant. It’s such a vibe that the band could play all night and no one would move a muscle to leave. This is heavy music at its finest.
Aggy’s Five Of The Best
Friday – Busted – The Wild Card
Although their announcement at the festival was a controversial choice to some Busted do more than prove their rightful place on the bill. The trio from Southend on Sea are clearly just as excited to be here as their fans. Of course Charlie Simpson has graced the stage in previous years with his other band Fightstar. Playing all of their infectiously catchy hits including ‘Air Hostess’, ‘Its What I Go To School For’ and ‘Year 3000’ the audience belt the lyrics back at them and even create some circle pits. With their set being such a success it will surely open doors to taking more chances on not so ‘typical Download’ bands in the future. Busted play a tight set, gave the fans what they want and bring a lot of fun with them. Isn’t that what festivals are all about?
Saturday – The Offspring – The Pop Punk Legends
This was probably one of our favourite sets by The Offspring we have seen at Download Festival over the years. The performance is immaculate and the banter between the band has us rolling with laughter. It’s always a pleasure to watch a band having as much fun as you. Frontman Dexter Holland’s voice is one of the most unique in the pop punk world, no one else sounds like him and his voice is as fresh as ever. Looking the same as always, you could be fooled into thinking we were still in the 2000s. Their music still stands the test of time and it’s like taking a trip back to their heyday. Hits such as ‘Pretty Fly For A White Guy’ and ‘Want You Bad’ drive the audience wild. More poignant tracks such as ‘The Kids Aren’t Alright’ are still as meaningful as ever.
Saturday – Pantera – The Return Of The Heavy Metal Giants
A hoard of metalheads swarm the Opus Stage to bare witness to Pantera making their mighty return to the UK for the first time in over twenty years. With new members Zack Wylde on guitar and Charlie Benante on drums joining original members they offer up a flawless show. Playing fan favourites such as ‘Walk’ and ‘Cowboys From Hell’ they have the crowd transfixed as they dominate the stage with their larger than life presence, pyrotechnics and momentous performance. Of course tribute is paid to founding members and brothers Dimebag and Vinnie Paul which makes for an emotional moment for the band and fans as images of the late members are played on screens.
Sunday – Sum 41 – End Of An Era
The mainstage is heaving with an ocean of fans to witness Sum 41 play their last UK Festival performance. It is undeniably one of the busiest sets of the weekend. For many it’s an emotional farewell to one of the most stand out Punk Pop legends that many of us grew up with. At one point frontman Deryk Whibley is greeted with an echo of boo’s when confirming this was the end to which he laughed and replies it’s ‘heartwarming’. You could feel this is just as important to them as a band as it is to fans to have this last shabang at the hallowed ground of Donington Park. Fans are treated to an array of their greatest hits and when ‘Fat Lip’ plays the audience almost drowns out the sound from the stage. Whibley reassures us there will be one last chance to see them in the UK and to look out for future announcements.
Sunday – Limp Bizkit – The Future Headliners
Limp Bizkit once again bring their very best to Donnington Park. Despite all the rain and mud Fred Durst knows exactly how to get the crowd jumping in what seems an absolutely effortless task for him. Calling for everyone to “Party like it’s 1999” we can’t help but wonder if that was a tongue in cheek reference to their controversial performance of Woodstock 99, which has gained a resurgence of interest since the Netflix documentary. Playing nothing but their biggest and most memorable hits they are undoubtedly household names at Download, worthy of a headline spot in the very near future. Interestingly they decide to open and close with ‘Break Stuff’ but we didn’t see anyone complaining. That song has the ability to flip a switch in many making it almost physically impossible not to rock out!
The One We Both Agree On: Bambie Thug
Gary: Fresh off the back of an eventful Eurovision campaign Bambie Thug isn’t going to give an inch when it comes to speaking their mind. The most obvious thing though is just how far this amazing artist has come performance wise in just twelve months since their debut at Download. Here on the mighty Apex stage they look totally at home, thriving in front of a big crowd. With searing clean vocals leading the way we may be seeing the emergence of a new superstar. A speech given holding the Palestinian flag (with Ukraine and the LGBTQ community also represented) was poignant, eloquent and judged perfectly. Bambie Thug it seems is a class act as a human being as well as an artist. Today they are at another level.
Aggy: It’s impossible not to be blown away by Bambie Thug’s raw energy and unequivocal star power. Witnessing them live in all their glory we can’t believe they have such an early slot on the bill. Bambie donning a tiny two piece black outfit and headdress in the weather we’re experiencing makes your toes curl in sympathy, but it doesn’t phase them while they bounce around on stage dancing with male backing dancers in tow. They put on quite the raunchy and flamboyant display that hits you harder than a double espresso on this gloomy early morning. Vivacious and captivating we can’t wait to see the future for Bambie Thug which we imagine will be boundless. They wrap up their set with a cover of The Cranberries ‘Zombie’ while proudly holding up the Palestinian flag.
Daily Round Up
Wednesday
There’s an air of anticipation as people arrive in the dry knowing that the bulk of the weekend has rain in the forecast. The mood is happy though, with plenty of celebrating being done and old friends being met. The Boardie Takeover provides the first bands of the event with Veiled having the honour of taking point at 4pm. Other highlights include the Face Down DJ set and the always popular Silent Disco. Weather Report: Dry for now, make the most of it.
Thursday
What’s this! It’s still dry. There’s time to investigate the village, now known as District X (but still referred to as the village by almost everyone). The Doghouse is the hub but there’s also The Den and The Outpost featuring a mix of performances including the excellent Old Dirty Brasstards, band DJ sets and the spectacularly camp Emo Drag Karaoke. In the early hours we are treated to a Gem Precious DJ set complete with a fire troupe on stage that contain a few familiar faces. Weather Report: Rain late on, prepare those ponchos.
Friday
A few artists pulling out late in the day provides a window of opportunity for others. IDestroy seize the moment with both hands with a typically classy set. Hanabie combine Harajuku style with a metal sound while TX2 shows off some impressive vocals that bodes well for the future. Hailing from Norway, fifteen year old metalcore artist Storm make their UK and Download festival debut. For being new in the game and one of the youngest to perform over the weekend they offer up an unforgettable performance and are definitely ones to watch. We see big things on the horizon for these guys. Welsh rockers Those Damn Crows have shown how far they have come and the successes are well deserved. Hitting the mainstage with their own brand of unapologetic straight up rock they treat fans to tracks from their new release ‘Inhale/Exhale’. Derby lads now living in LA The Struts exude rock and roll through every fibre of their being. Metalcore band Defects fill the Dogtooth tent during their early afternoon performance. Playing tracks from their latest album Modern Error. Today is a triumph for them. For those that like it technical Polyphia oblige with intricate patterns of sound that are mind boggling. Credit has to go to the sound engineer here for allowing us to not miss a note. We are drawn into the Soft Play set by their high energy unadulterated punk show. The two piece were bounding across the stage in a truly electrifying set. Black Stone Cherry purr along like a well oiled machine. They make what they do look effortless. Mike Patton returns to Download with Mr Bungle, an act many have been talking about. There’s the added bonus of Scott Ian and Dave Lombardo featuring too. The avant-garde nature of the band using jazz timings mixed with metal, ska and disco is both bizarre and enjoyable. Wheatus are a band that could easily have played a bigger stage. Even those far out of the tent enthusiastically sing along with their iconic hit ‘Teenage Dirt Bag’. While Queens Of The Sone Age headline the main stage it’s Funeral For A Friend on Opus that steal the show a little. Late replacements for Bad Omens they feature Holding Absence singer Lucas Woodland who does a magnificent job. Busted’s Charlie Simpson makes an appearance too much to the delight of the crowd. Weather report: Soggy and muddy. Wellies are mandatory
Saturday
With the mud already a part of life at the event the early birds are treated to yet more rain. Those sheltering in Avalanche have a bonus though in the shape of Mallavora who tear it up. Heriot also fair well outside on the second stage despite the wet stuff. With their freshly released new single ‘Melancholia’ fresh in people’s minds quartet Knife Bride hit the stage with excitement and the anticipation of the audience. Front woman Mollie Buckley’s vocals are both powerful and captivating. When it’s Wargasm’s turn to play the heavens open. Sam and Milkie still manage a spirited performance though and have to take a huge slice of credit for keeping their legendary energy levels high. Asinhell, is a new death metal collaboration featuring Micheal Poulsen of Volbeat, Marc Grewe of Insidious Disease and Morten Toft Raunchy. What was never supposed to be a “live band” they make their Download debut off the back of their well received 2023 album ‘Impii Hora’. The Hunna are also making their Download festival debut out on the main stage and delight fans with some newer tracks including one they had only played together for the first time the day before. Bringing together talents from Venezuela, France and New Zealand Calva Louise are fronted by Jess Allanic on vocals who also plays guitar and keyboard in an insanely talented trio. They build their own instruments and craft their image expertly. Low Lives fronted by former Defiled member Lee Downer are massively impressive. The songs from their debut album transfer so well to the live environment. The rain ceases to be replaced with sporadic torrential downpours. One of the most reliable acts on the circuit, Frank Carter And The Rattlesnakes once again own the biggest stage. Can whoever stole Frank’s chain when he was in the crowd grow a conscience too. That shit is not cool! US hard core upstarts Gel don’t mess about with any flim flam. It’s up on stage in the Dogtooth tent and have at it. The fans love them. One of those previously mentioned downpours scuppers part of Baby Metal’s set. They got drowned back in 2016 too. They still provide a stunning performance though, showing just how much they’ve matured. Tom Morello oozes class as he grooves his way through a blinding show while at the same time Enter Shikari add to their credentials as one of the best UK bands around. Hailing from Canada, Silverstein bring their own flavour of rock and emo. They finished their set with Linkin Park’s ‘One Step Closer’ which is a huge hit with the fans. Lucas Woodland is back with Holding Absence this time, and they sound like they mean business. Cassyette looks like an angel all in white, and sounds like a punk rock mistress. She gives her all and then some. While Fall Out Boy are shaking their stuff on the main stage Fear Factory are destroying the tent up the hill better known as The Dogtooth. It feels like a sweaty intimate venue gig and is all the better for it. Weather Report: A mixed bag but when it rains it is menacing.
Sunday
The arena is late opening after an overnight deluge has caused a bit of havoc. Undeterred Lord Of The Lost kick things off as fans are still pouring in. Fortunately that’s the only pouring we’ll see all day and they produce something special so early on. New Zealanders Alien Weaponry put on an epic set proudly representing their Maori ancestry. We are over the moon to hear their hit ‘Kai Tangata’. The next generation are represented in the form of death metal dynamo Harper who at just 12 years of age is the youngest ever artist to grace a Download stage. Believe the hype too, she’s quite something. Often criminally overlooked 311 make the most of their time on stage. They are a bit of a revelation to some in the crowd. Kerry King is in inspired form appearing on the back of his debut ‘From Hell I Rise’. Zebrahead whizz through a typically upbeat set and are followed by the now traditional appearance of Elvana who bring a party atmosphere all of their own. You can always count on Bowling For Soup to deliver a fun show. They invite lead singer of Wheatus Brendan on stage with them for a sing-along much to the delight of those who couldn’t get near their set on Friday. Unfortunately, guitarist Chris can’t make the show due to health issues but the band and audience pull together to show their support and love. There have been whispers all weekend about who could be playing the secret set. They range from the rather absurd (ACDC anyone) to the reasonable (Ghost) and the informed speculation (Slipknot). But it’s none of those and what turns out to be a not very well kept secret at all sees Parkway Drive play to what feels like half of the Download audience in the now compact feeling Doghouse. Of course they totally blow the roof off, so much so they must now be serious contenders for a headline slot in the future. Corey Taylor is understated minus Slipknot. It’s a privilege to watch one of these solo shows and appreciate the finer points of such an accomplished musician. Limp Bizkit may be showing a few signs of age but they knock it out of the park today. It’s left to Avenged Sevenfold to close things. They’re performing off the back of an album that has been filed under experimental by many. Their show today is judged well though and sees the now veteran rockers moving through the gears smoothly. The fans are loving them and they don’t really put a foot wrong. Weather report: A dry day. Who forgot their sun block?
For many relatively new to Donington Park the rain and mud, missing for a few years, will have come as a bit of a shock. Those old enough to have been here in 2012 and 2016, or even in the soggier Monsters Of Rock days will have known the drill and prepared. Wellies not trainers. Ponchos and a quality tent, at least for the Download days. It’s funny but there’s a kind of camaraderie about doing this festival when the going gets tough. You get to reflect, smile, and know you have a story to tell for years to come. ‘Download 2024, I was there man, I was there!’
Roll on Download 2025. Whatever the weather.
Review by Gary Trueman And Aggy Gillon
All Photos By Gary Trueman
We Saw You There…….
