So, on to the action….

Friday

Friday was a strong day for classic rock fans. BLACK STONE CHERRY delivered some afternoon cheer, especially with their tongue-in-cheek cover of ADELE‘s ‘Rolling In The Deep’. What made me happier though was their announcement of a double headline tour with ALTER BRIDGE later this year. That promises to be a cracker!

The latest incarnation of THIN LIZZY paid tribute to Phil Lynott and Gary Moore with a brilliant set. Frontman Ricky Warwick does a great job of fronting the band, whilst DEF LEPPARD fans would have loved the guest appearance of Viv Campbell for a rousing rendition of ‘The Boys Are Back In Town’. The Irish waltz of ‘The Black Rose’ wrapped things up in style.

One of the finest singers around at the moment, Myles Kennedy was fantastic last year at Download when he hit the stage with SLASH. This year though it was back to the day job as ALTER BRIDGE played a superb set of their modern grunge rock. ‘Metalingus’ was not only a highlight of their set, but of the whole weekend. Meanwhile, British rock veterans FM were well worth a trek over to the 3rd stage, and did a good job of being the only band of the weekend to fly the flag for AOR.

Lowestoft’s finest parody rockers THE DARKNESS were back in town, with the original line-up that propelled them to stardom 8 years ago. Apart from Justin Hawkins’ awesome new moustache, nothing has changed about THE DARKNESS. The hooky guitar riffs were there, and Justin was on fine form with his typically hilarious on stage antics. THE DARKNESS are a great fun rock band, and their debut album will always be a classic. Glad to have you back, boys!

I was really disappointed with the unimaginative decision of the Download Festival organisers to invite DEF LEPPARD back to headline only 2 years since their previous headline show. As good a band as they are, let’s face it, they’re no AC/DC, IRON MAIDEN or METALLICA, and this showed as the crowd watching DEF LEPPARD seemed like no more than a third of the size of AC/DC‘s crowd a year before.

The set list was very similar to that played in 2009, with all the necessary classics present. Excellent new track ‘Undefeated’ was a highlight at the start of the show, as was a rare performance of ‘Wasted’ from the 1980 debut album ‘On Through The Night’. DEF LEPPARD delivered a good show but for me, they’d have been more at home headlining the 2nd stage, where I imagine the more ‘hip’ PENDULUM pulled in a bigger crowd.

Saturday

Saturday was the best day of the festival both in terms of weather, and in terms of bands boasting legendary status. From the afternoon onwards, the 2nd stage was blessed with plenty of great bands, with years of experience, and plenty of festival appearances between them.

The 2nd stage at Download is named the Ronnie James Dio stage, and it was fitting that former members of DIO performed a tribute set to the great man’s career. DIO DISCIPLES as they are called, played a short set, but managed to tick off a bit of DIO, RAINBOW and BLACK SABBATH. The only thing I can’t understand is why they have bothered including Toby Jepson as a second vocalist. Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens was far better, and is more than capable of performing the vocals for the whole set by himself.

The recently reunited MR. BIG were next on stage and were one of the surprise packages of the weekend. The dual interplay of virtuoso guitarist Paul Gilbert and bass magician Billy Sheehan was mesmerising at times. Gilbert is an awesome shredder and was the best guitarist on show at Download this weekend. Although acoustic ballad ‘To Be With You’ is their most famous song, the more hard rocking tracks such as ‘Colorado Bulldog’ and ‘Addicted To That Rush’ earned more respect from the crowd.

CHEAP TRICK were brilliant earlier this year on their first UK headline tour for years. Unfortunately at Download though, the sound was terrible for their first few numbers, and only got a little bit better as the set went on. Still, ‘Dream Police’, ‘I Want You To Want Me’ and ‘Surrender’ went down a storm, well, at least with the front few rows who could actually hear them! At the end of the set, Rick Nielsen hauled out the 30 string beast of a guitar, a true SPINAL TAP moment if ever there was one!

TWISTED SISTER have recently dropped their wacky clothes and make-up, and unfortunately because of this, their show will never be the same again. However, musically, the band still provided a platter of hooks, with 80′s metal gems such as ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’, and ‘I Wanna Rock’. Dee Snider was in fine form on vocals, and did a great job of stirring up the huge crowd. The set was all over too quickly and the Donington SMF’s were left hungry for more!

Saturday’s headline act was the legendary ALICE COOPER, who never fails to provide a killer live show. Some of his usual theatrics were missing tonight, in particular his daughter who often appears as a performer. Still, like with TWISTED SISTER, the music was tremendous, with heavy numbers like ‘Brutal Planet’ going down well alongside the well known classics such as ‘Poison’ and ‘Schools Out’.

At one stage during the set, I thought IRON MAIDEN‘s Eddie was making a guest appearance, but no, it seems ALICE COOPER has a similar sized beast all of his own! After the obligatory beheading of Mr. Cooper himself, the encore wrapped things up, and the entire legion of Donington’s classic rock fans wanted to be ‘Elected’. A great set as always and a fitting way to end the evening.

Sunday

With the heavens having opened, coupled with it being very blustery, you could say that the final day of Download 2011 was hardly a summer’s day, which is why I was not surprised to see many of the crowd packing up and leaving as it seemed the awful weather had set in for the day. Those that did brave the elements though, were treated to some great entertainment and music on the 2nd stage from the early afternoon to the close.

GWAR are a perfect festival band and having seen them a few times before, I can say I have never been bored watching them. Their shock horror costumes along with various massacring of famous people (today’s choice was The Queen) among other beings such as humanic robots which then cover the fans with fake gore and blood being spurted from the dismembered being. ‘Hail, Genocide’ and ‘Bring Back The Bomb’ were highlights of the set, before the band were cut off before their usual finale of Oderus Urungus showering the crowd with various fluids from his phallic prop.

Back with a new album, Finnish folk/battle metal outfit TURISAS provided some more much needed entertainment to take the away from the weather. Along with the upbeat tempo and energy of the set, frontman Warlord Nygard had a comedy side to him referring to the UK as Denmark, due to the fact of the “locally brewed beer” they had requested, being actually Danish.

My only gripe about the set would be that with 30 minutes, we only got to hear 4 songs. The only new track on offer was ‘The Great Escape’, whilst the other tracks that got an airing included ‘To Holmgard And Beyond’, the fun filled ‘Rasputin’ which got everybody jigging and dancing, before the epic ‘Battle Metal’ finished off a short but sweet set.

Hard rock outfit BUCKCHERRY were next up on the 2nd stage, and they continued to keep the feel good attitude going right throughout their set, with some really catchy tunes, whilst frontman Josh Todd showed he had some nice moves to go with it. Something I reckon the ladies in attendance lapped right up.

Having never seen BUCKCHERRY before and only hearing a couple of songs before today, I found myself tapping my foot and nodding my head along to their set throughout, with the likes of ‘Rescue Me’, ‘All Night Long’ and ‘Lit Up’ particularly standing out from the set. ‘Crazy Bitch’ closed their enjoyable set, and BUCKCHERRY will be one band I will be checking out again.

After hearing a lot of positive comments about the next band on the 2nd stage, I was eagerly awaiting to see what was to unfold. BLACK VEIL BRIDES were one of the highlights of not only the day, but the weekend for me. Hailing from Hollywood, they look like your typical glam metal band found on the sunset strip, but what they sound like is a whole different thing entirely.

Taking musical styles from 3 or 4 different sub genres and fusing them together to create some exceptionally good songs. Most notable styles are obviously glam metal, along with hard rock and metalcore, and with the likes of ‘All Your Hate’, ‘Children Surrender’ and ‘Knives And Pens’ going down an absolute storm, it’s easy to see why they have gotten such raved reviews and comments.

They left nothing at all in the dressing room as the whole set was filled with energy and frontman Andy Six must have covered every inch of the stage. The set highlight was ‘The Legacy’, which was a superb number and instant hit with the crowd. The MOTLEY CRUE-esque ‘Fallen Angels’ wrapped up an awesome set and left the fans wanting more. Fortunately, they will be back in the UK for a tour this October.

During the change over, the rain and wind finally subsided, and as a result, a good crowd gathered to witness what was to be an excellent set from rockers THE CULT. Opening up with the apt ‘Rain’, they produced a set of classic track after classic track, with the likes of ‘Sweet Soul Sister’ and ‘Electric Ocean’ getting the crowd nicely warmed up.

Fans both old and young were enjoying the groovy rock ‘n’ roll sound as they nodded and tapped their feet in sync with the tune, myself being one of them, as THE CULT delivered a tight set, before closing with sublime renditions of ‘She Sells Sanctuary’ and ‘Love Removal Machine’. For me, THE CULT, along with the likes of THE QUIREBOYS, are a band that I hardly listen to on record, but love to see live as I always know it will be a cracking set with a great atmosphere, having a great time, and today was no different.

And speaking of great atmospheres, returning to the UK after a sold out tour earlier in the year, the headline act on the 2nd stage, shock horror metal man ROB ZOMBIE appeared from inside a robot style prop opening up the emphatic show with ‘Jesus Frankenstein’. The stage was adorned with massive TV screens, which throughout the set showed a variety of films dependant on the song, along with the odd psychedelic style twirls too. And if that wasn’t enough, there were plenty of pyros shoved in for good effect.

The crowd was the biggest of the day at the 2nd stage, and without surprise to be honest. It was a chance to see one of the best shows for those unfortunate not to catch him on tour. Superb renditions of ‘Superbeast’, ‘Living Dead Girl’ and ‘Never Gonna Stop’ were all in the set along with some WHITE ZOMBIE classics in the form of ‘More Human Than Human’, ‘Super-Charger Heaven’ and eventual main set closer ‘Thunder Kiss ’65′.

ROB ZOMBIE had a vast array or props to keep the crowd entertained with different beings making an appearance on stage at different times such as a Predator style robot and an alien life form to name a couple. ‘Dragula’ brought the 2nd stage to a close for another year with an all-out pyro attack. The show, the set and the pyros made this a memorable night and proved a worthy headliner at one of the UK’s top festivals.

After blowing the budget on AC/DC last year, perhaps Download played it safe this year, with a few less big-hitting bands on the line-up. Also, there’s the age old problem of bands not getting long enough sets. Still, despite this, and despite the washed out Sunday, I enjoyed DOWNLOAD again, and will look forward to gracing the hallowed Donington turf again in 2012.

Review by James Allman and Adam Fredericks

Best Bands: ALTER BRIDGE, THIN LIZZY, ALICE COOPER, TWISTED SISTER, DIO DISCIPLES, ROB ZOMBIE, THE CULT, BLACK VEIL BRIDES

Their heavily politicised brand of rock has seen SYSTEM OF A DOWN sell in excess of 20 million albums worldwide, and the band are known worldwide for their tremendous live performances and unique sound. The band released five albums between 1998 and 2005, which spawned the singles and rock club staples ‘Suite-Pee’, ‘Chop Suey’ ‘Toxicity’, ‘B.Y.O.B.’ and ‘Hypnotize’. Their subject matter marked them apart from the other rock and metal acts dominating the late 90s and early 2000’s, with topics ranging from genocide, Armenian and world politics. Having been away for five years, this reunion at Download will be one of the most talked about events of the rock and metal calendar.

It has also been confirmed that American heavy metallers AVENGED SEVENFOLD will perform at next year’s Download. AVENGED SEVENFOLD’s performance follows two previous appearances at the festival in 2006 and 2008. Their last studio album Nightmare went into the UK Top 5 and they remain a firm favourite with rock fans all over the world.

Live Nation’s VP of Promotions Andy Copping said, “After the huge success of this year’s Download, where over 100,000 fans came to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Donington, I am pleased to say that
Download 2011 is already shaping up to have another stellar line up. To have the mighty SYSTEM OF A DOWN headlining next year after a 5 year break is just fantastic, they’re a world class band and I’m personally very excited to have them on the bill. Also, AVENGED SEVENFOLD agreeing to come back and play at Download after the runaway success of their recent sold-out UK tour is a real privilege…they are a future Download headliner for sure. We’ve got loads more to come over the next few months so watch this space, this is just a very small tip of a very big iceberg!! – and make sure you grab your tickets as we are not increasing the price for 2011, so the prices are the same as what we had this year.”

Over 100,000 fans descended onto Download this year to celebrate 30 years of rock at Donington, making Download the second biggest festival in the UK after Glastonbury. This month, Download was named Top Festival at the prestigious Billboard Touring Awards in New York, adding to a list of numerous accolades and awards that includes Best Festival (UK Festival Awards), Best Music Community (BT Digital Music Awards) and Event Of The Year at the Kerrang! Awards, Metal Hammer Golden Gods and Classic Rock Roll of Honour. Now heading into its 9th year, the 2011 Download Festival promises to deliver another truly memorable weekend of music and entertainment.

A limited amount of weekend with camping tickets for the Download Festival 2011, will go on sale at 9am Friday 3 December from (Download Festival). This ‘early bird’ offer ends 5pm Monday 20 December, and includes 3 day and 5 day camping options. Organisers have also confirmed that prices will remain the same for Download 2011 as they were in 2010. The popular Download RIP packages will also go on sale with all the favourites plus some new surprises! Don’t miss out. Vodafone customers can buy tickets, 48 hours before they go on general sale. Buy your tickets from 9am, 1 December at vodafone.co.uk/vip.

Friday:

AEROSMITH
STONE TEMPLE PILOTS
MOTÖRHEAD
BILLY IDOL
CINDERELLA
SAXON
RATT
DOMMIN
STONE SOUR
AIRBOURNE
STEEL PANTER
DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN
AUGUST BURNS RED
WHITECHAPEL        

 
Download Festival 2010 ticket prices
Weekend Tickets – £145 Camping
Day Tickets – £75 (Camping not available with these tickets)
Standard or Family Camping (3 days) – £25
Standard or Family Camping (5 days) – £35
Campervan supplement – £40
Campsite Lockers – £11
Advance Parking (until 31 May) – £15 / On The Day £20
 
For all other ticket options, prices and information go to –

(DownloadFestival)

After many rumours, gossip and speculation Download Festival organisers have today confirmed that the world’s greatest rock band AC/DC will be one of the headliners for this year’s festival, taking place at Donington Park 11-13 June.

There is no better band to help celebrate 30 years at Donington than AC/DC, who with all guns blazing (not to mention bells!) will be appearing at Donington for the fourth time. AC/DC first appeared at the second Monsters of Rock concert in 1981, and then 1984 and 1991. 2010 will mark three decades of AC/DC at Donington Park – and their debut Download performance.

Joining AC/DC and following two incredible shows at Hammersmith Apollo before Christmas are rock supergroup de jour THEM CROOKED VULTURES, which features rock legends Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and John Paul Jones. Incredibly none of the band have ever played at Donington before either – making this Download performance even more exclusive.

Also confirmed will be reformed grunge-rock heroes STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, for their first UK show since getting back together for a massive North American tour in 2008. The band have never played at Donington or Download before, although striking frontman Scott Weiland has of course performed twice, with previous band VELVET REVOLVER.

One of the ‘Big Four’ bands of thrash metal, MEGADETH, will be back at Donington for the fourth time, having played Monsters of Rock in 1988, and then two Download Festivals (2005 and 2007), alongside metal behemoths MOTÖRHEAD, also making their fourth appearance with one Monsters of Rock (1986) and two Download’s under their studded belts (2005 and 2008).

Returning for the third time will be Sacremento heavy rockers DEFTONES, with a new album slated for April. With an incredible four Download performances already – and with each year moving further and further up the bill – Welsh metallers BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE return in 2010 bringing circle pits-a-plenty – lock up your daughters. WOLFMOTHER – also confirmed for London’s Hard Rock Calling – will be bringing their Australian rock to the Download stage for the second time and finally, making their second Download appearance will be Danish rockabillies VOLBEAT.

Weekend tickets for Download 2010 go on sale 9am Friday 29 January via (Download Festival tickets) R.I.P packages also available.

After getting au fait with the new Download site layout (the third different layout in 3 years), it was down to the main stage to check out the crazy masked men that are HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD, and then THE BLACKOUT, who kept the crowd entertained with an enjoyable medley of covers from the bigger bands due to grace the main stage later in the day. Wise move!

With the likes of STAIND struggling to really get the party started (and no sign of Fred Durst for ‘Outside’), it wasn’t until KILLSWITCH ENGAGE hit the stage that the real metal madness began. Finishing off their explosive set with a cover of DIO’s ‘Holy Diver’ was a real crowd pleaser, with the classic metal fans nodding with obvious approval. As usual, camp as you can get guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz pranced around the stage, with his cape flapping in the ever so welcome summer breeze. This is, of course, all in the name of good fun, and KILLSWITCH always seem to deliver on the live front, today being no different.

While LACUNA COIL and OPETH cast darkness over the second stage, LIMP BIZKIT were larging it up on the main, and 5 minutes into their set, it was still fairly obvious that LIMP BIZKIT are a pop rap band, that somehow got brandished with the metal tag. Fred Durst hasn’t changed one iota, still wearing his red cap, and waving his hands as he raps through the likes of the mildy enjoyable ‘My Generation’, and the foul mouthed hilarity that is ‘Hot Dog’. Fortunately, a far better alternative to LIMP BIZKIT was on offer in the 3rd stage where Canadian legends VOIVOD were thrashing their way through a pummelling 30 minute set, in honour of late guitarist ‘Piggy’, which ended with a superb cover of PINK FLOYD’s ‘Astronomy Divine’.

Back to the main stage where Download regulars KORN played a typically solid, festival crowd pleasing set, with the likes of ‘Got The Life’ and ‘Blind’ standing out. Still, the lack of any memorable melodies really does expose the reason why the nu-metal fad came and went. However, there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t enjoy the video for ‘Freak on a Leash’, and it’s always fun to hear it live too. Put simply, KORN are a decent festival band, and a fairly appropriate support act for FAITH NO MORE, given both bands popularity in the musically bland 1990s.

After OPETH had finally finished their set, the second stage was handed over to headliners MOTLEY CRUE, and the hollywood quartet put in a performance that completely out gunned any other band of the day. Tommy Lee’s drum antics, Vince Neil’s wailing banshee vocals, Nikki Sixx’s crazy headbanding and Mick Mars’ crunching guitar riffs, combined to create a set that will be remembered for years to come. Old classics like ‘Livewire’ and set opener ‘Kickstart My Heart’ had thousands of fans punching the air, while new songs ‘Motherfucker of the Year’ and ‘Saints of Los Angeles’ showed that the band can still cut it in the studio.

After the MOTLEY CRUE swan song of ‘Home Sweet Home’, it was a quick dash back to the main stage to catch the climax of the much hyped FAITH NO MORE. Despite this being only the second show since the reunion, the band peformed pretty damn well, and given that FAITH NO MORE were never really that big of a band in the UK (i.e. they never played the arenas), they did pull one hell of a crowd.

Mike Patton still has the voice and the on stage personality that made FAITH NO MORE the band they are. The awesome ‘Epic’ went down really well, a long with a heap of other classics, such as ‘Midlife Crisis’ and the COMMODORES cover ‘Easy’, with probably the only notable omission from the set being ‘Digging The Grave’. Let’s hope that this reunion isn’t just a flash in the pan, and that FAITH NO MORE will be back in the UK to do a few, more intimate indoor shows in the future. They’ll be more than welcome, judging by the reaction of the Donington hordes.

With Donington once again drenched in sunshine, the first band to really kick ass on day 2 of the festival were Swedish sleaze rockers HARDCORE SUPERSTAR. Despite their early slot on the second stage, a decent crowd gathered to sing a long to the anthemic ‘We Don’t Celebrate Sundays’, as well as sit back and enjoy a selection of songs from brand new album ‘Beg For It’. Meanwhile, brutal metal titans DEVIL DRIVER were really kicking up a storm on the main stage as they attempted to break the world record for the biggest ever circle pit. I don’t know whether it achieved the record or not, but it sure was one hell of a pit, and personally, I was glad to be watching it on the big screens.

The simlarly heavy HATEBREED and the Phil Anselmo fronted DOWN followed, but their performances both pailed in comparison to the mighty DEVIL DRIVER. Still, I was thankful not to be at the second stage, where a swarm of bumble bees delayed the STATIC X performance from buzzing into action. Appratently a bee keeper was on site and the situation was sorted fairly quickly.

Speaking of the second stage, Irish retro rockers THE ANSWER followed STATIC X with a typical display of soulful rock that won the hearts of many a classic rocker on their recent tour supporting the one and only AC/DC. Less soulful was the erratic, over zealous power metal of DRAGONFORCE that poisoned the ears of anyone unlucky enough to standing anywhere near the main stage. They are a talented band, and do have some good moments, but so many of their songs are just well below par power metal.

Avoiding the dance music of PENDULUM like the plague, it was time for a quick trip round the many market stores gracing the festival, before returning to the main stage to check out MARILYN MANSON. What can be said about MARILYN MANSON that hasn’t been said before. Here’s a bloody wierdo alright, but for most goth rockers, he’s just a guilty pleasure, and always seems to go down well at the festivals. This was a typical Manson show, with very little crowd participation, but plenty of studio accurate performances of the most popular songs.

With THE PRODIGY on the 2nd stage, no doubt wooing the same crowd that had watched PENDULUM earlier, it was over to the 3rd stage for me in order to catch the one and only ANVIL. A few years ago, I would have laughed my head off if someone had suggested to me that ANVIL were going to headline the 3rd stage at Download, but of course, the band has new found fame following the amazing success of their documentary film ‘Anvil, the story of Anvil’.

Being a fan of the band for a number of years, I was delighted to see Lips and co. play to such a healthy crowd. Great songs like ‘March of the Crabs’ and ‘Metal on Metal’ really rocked the tent, and it was obvious that many were surprised to see that ANVIL are actually a great and immensley talented band.

Trudging back from the ANVIL set, I did manage to catch a brief glimpse of the SLIPKNOT main stage headline show. The stage show sure did look impressive, and most of the crowd were certainly well in to it. However, for me, the music sounded pretty damn ordinary. Given the severe lack of great songs in SLIPKNOT’s back catalouge, I still find it amazing that they can headline a festival of this size. I had definitely made the right choice watching ANVIL!

The lineup for Sunday was a classic rocker’s wet dream, and plenty had made it to the front of the main stage in time to see former THE DARKNESS guitarist Dan Hawkins strutting his stuff with new band STONE GODS, tearing through a rip-roaring rendition of the awesome ‘Burn The Witch’. Underrated hard rock veterans TESLA were up next, and seemed happier than anyone to finally have their huge banner hanging up on a stage at Castle Donington. 25 minutes was simply not enough for a band of their quality, but ‘Modern Day Cowboy’ rounded off a faultless performance.

After the re-united SKIN played a solid, if not spectacular set, the stage was handed over to young guns BLACK STONE CHERRY, playing on the main stage at Download for the second year in succession. As per usual, the Southern rock four piece performed with no shortage of energy, and tremendous ability. While, the likes of ‘Rain Wizard’ and ‘Blind Man’ rocked people’s socks off, the highlight of the set was an emotional performance of the beautiful ‘Things My Father Said’.

When it comes to melodic rock, there is no band that surpasses the legend of JOURNEY. ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ is one of the most popular songs of all time, and the packed crowd at Download sung along with every word. This was the peak of a fantastic 45 minute set, packed with classic after classic. Some of the band look like they should be sat at home with their pipe and slippers, but young Filipino frontman Anrel Pineda was running round the stage like a mad man, loving every minute of living his dream. It wasn’t so long ago that he was the singer in a JOURNEY tribute band!

Directly after JOURNEY came another bunch of extremely talented musicians, DREAM THEATER. Opening with the brilliant ‘Pull Me Under’, DREAM THEATER quickly got on top of the occassion, and proceeded to deliver a killer set. Musically, they may be a little difficult to get into, but it is impossible to not enjoy watching a band with such immense musical ability.

Next up were the sharp dressed men of rock ‘n’ roll, the legendary ZZ TOP making a very rare UK performance. Of all the ‘classic’ bands on show, with their huge beards getting greyer by the day, ZZ TOP were certainly showing their age more than anyone, but that didn’t stop them playing a good set, airing all the classics such as ‘Cheap Sunglasses’, ‘Gimme All Your Lovin’, and of course, the brilliant ‘Tush’. There was never a doubt that ZZ TOP were going to go down well, and judging by the number of folk walking round in their t-shirts, they proved to be one of the biggest crowd pullers of the weekend.

At the same time as ZZ TOP were strutting their stuff, the hottest new act on the sunset strip, STEEL PANTHER were making their UK debut to a massive crowd at the 3rd stage. If you like the whole hair metal sights and sounds, and have a very good sense of humour, then you’ll absolutely fall in love with this band. ‘Death To All But Metal’ is their anthem and it’s a good one at that, just check out the lyrics!

Playing their fourth show at Donington were WHITESNAKE, or should I say, David Coverdale and friends, given the fact that each time WHITESNAKE has played at Donington, the line-up of the band has been completely different. Still, Coverdale’s fresh faced band aren’t half good players, and did a grand job, while Coverdale himself was on top vocal form, screaming his way through ‘Still of The Night’, ‘Bad Boys’ and the rarely played ‘Guilty of Love’.

23 years after drummer Rick Allen returned to the live stage after his infamous car accident, DEF LEPPARD were back on the same stage, yet this time, they were the headline act. Sheffield’s finest rock act may have mellowed a little over the years, but if ever a band was worthy of a headline slot at Donington, then DEF LEPPARD sure were. Fortunately, they were up to the task, pulling out all the classics, bringing the Download Festival to an outstanding climax.

According to frontman Joe Elliot, the DEF LEPPARD set was being filmed for a live DVD release, and that’ll sure be a great watch just as long as it captures an ounce of the orgasmic atmosphere amongst the crowd. The acoustic majesty of ‘Two Steps Behind’, the heart felt ‘Love Bites’ and the rocking ‘Switch 625′ were all highlights, with the only cringe worthy moment of the set being an awful bass solo from Rick Savage, where he played along to the kinds of beats you’d expect to hear on MTV Base.

So, what a weekend! Perfect weather, tonnes of great bands and best of all, a humongous crowd, hell bent on having a great time. It really is amazing how 80,000 people can get on so well with each other, with plenty of drink on the go, and not even the slightest hint of any trouble. If only football fans were as well behaved as metal fans.

Review by James Allman (with contributions from Adam Fredericks & Alexander Shaw)

Best Bands: DEF LEPPARD / WHITESNAKE / JOURNEY / ANVIL / MOTLEY CRUE

THE ANSWER, FIGHTSTAR, BRING ME THE HORIZON, STAIND, STONE GODS, STATIC-X, SHINEDOWN, VOLBEAT, FACECAGE, AUGER BANE, SEVENDUST and GO: AUDIO join a tremendous line up which includes headliners FAITH NO MORE, SLIPKNOT and DEF LEPPARD at the historic Donington site.

Hot off the back of their 42-date US tour supporting AC/DC, THE ANSWER return to Download for the third time, in support of their brand new album Everyday Demons. Having already supported the likes of The Rolling Stones and Whitesnake in addition to AC/DC, Northern Ireland’s hottest new blues rockers will have no problem playing to the Download crowd.

Brit-rockers FIGHTSTAR come back to Download for the third time. Recently added onto the Radio 1 A-List, the post-hardcore outfit fronted by Charlie Simpson are about to release their third album be human through their management imprint label Search and Destroy.

Sheffield noiseniks BRING ME THE HORIZON also return for the third time, and will be looking to replicate their typically boisterous pit action at this year’s Download. Their latest album Suicide Season, released last year, received 5 K’s from Kerrang! Magazine and the band were also part of Kerrang!’s Relentless Energy Drink Tour earlier this year. Lock up your daughters!

STONE GODS return for the second time having wowed the crowds at last year’s Download Festival. The band truly broke through last year with album Silver Spoons and Broken Bones and will be looking forward to joining THE ANSWER and BLACK STONE CHERRY at this year’s Download, having toured with both bands.

Multi million selling US rock act STAIND make their Download debut this year, following the release of their sixth studio album last year. Over the last ten years they have sold more than 12 million albums worldwide and earned their place as one of the most successful rock bands of the new millennium.

Des Moines metal exports FACECAGE will visit Donington for the first time at this year’s Download Festival, to promote their as yet unnamed fourth studio album, which like their third, will be produced by SLIPKNOT’s Corey Taylor, who co-founded the Great Big Mouth label with them. Fans will have to turn up on the day to see if Corey joins them on stage for a number or two!

Techno pop-rockers GO:AUDIO return for the second time having played on the third stage at Download last year. Building their fanbase through MySpace and touring with acts such as KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES and HELLOGOODBYE, they are due to release their first album later this year.

Florida rockers SHINEDOWN make their Download debut this year. They have sold 6 million records worldwide to date and are currently signed to Atlantic Records. Their third album The Sound Of Madness was released in June 2008 and they went on to support DISTURBED later that year.

LA industrial metal quartet STATIC-X will be looking forward to playing their first Download Festival, particularly after their scheduled appearance at Download 2004 was cancelled due to transport problems! Their sixth studio album Cult of Static was recently released in the UK, which features MEGADEATH’s Dave Mustaine and was produced by John Travis (KID ROCK, BUCKCHERRY).

South East Londoners AUGER BANE are set to perform their first Download Festival, with big rock songs taken from their two EP’s ‘Scream Sessions’ and ‘House Of The Scorpion’ and album Wings Of Fallen Rock. A new album is in the making.

Danish rockers VOLBEAT also make their Download debut following a successful show at London’s Islington Academy last month. Their fusion of metal and rockabilly has given them three albums to date, and various music awards in Denmark.

Joining the nu-metal fraternity at this year’s Download is SEVENDUST, straight from Atlanta. Seven albums on, the band is due to start work on their eighth album due out next year. Having enjoyed commercial success in America, they have worked with the likes of Deftones and toured with acts such as KORN, STAIND and MACHINE HEAD.

Tickets for Download Festival 2009 are on sale now from (downloadfestival)

In other news, those who are following Faith No More’s Twitter pages will know that bassist Bill Gould is directing fans to vote for their fantasy set lists for the European shows at (Fainth No More wishlish). Go vote!

Friday 12 / Saturday 13 / Sunday 14 JUNE 2009

FAITH NO MORE / SLIPKNOT / DEF LEPPARD
KORN / MARILYN MANSON / WHITESNAKE
LIMP BIZKIT / PENDULUM / ZZ TOP

DREAM THEATER CHRIS CORNELL KILLSWITCH ENGAGE DOWN
BILLY TALENT JOURNEY PAPA ROACH DRAGON FORCE OPETH
YOU ME AT SIX BLACK STONE CHERRY LACUNA COIL BUCKCHERRY STAIND
BRING ME THE HORIZON MESHUGGAH ANVIL THE BLACKOUT THE ANSWER
SKIN DIR EN GREY CLUTCH DUFF MCKAGAN’S LOADED STATIC X
TESLA ARCHITECTS PARKWAY DRIVE FIGHTSTAR
DEVIILDRIVER SHINEDOWN VOLBEAT KARMA TO BURN GO AUDIO
SEVENDUST STONE GODS FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH LAWNMOWER DEATH
FACECAGE AUGER BANE STEADLÜR
Download Festival 2009 Ticket Information

Weekend Tickets – £135
Car Park – £10 advance / £20 on day
Camping – £25
Campervans – £40
Lockers – £11

In other news, 12 more acts have been added to the ever-growing bill, which is headlined by FAITH NO MORE, SLIPKNOT and DEF LEPPARD. Fresh off the back of his new album ‘Scream’, US rocker Chris Cornell will make his solo Download debut, although played with ex-band AUDIOSLAVE in 2003. Returning for the second time will be Southern groove metallers DOWN, in what is to be their first UK show this year, following some incredible shows in 2008. US nu-metallers PAPA ROACH have also been added, coming back for their second Download Festival. SKIN are reforming especially to play Download, back together after a 12-year hiatus, marking their second performance at Donington since playing Monsters of Rock in 1994. Classic rockers JOURNEY, voted ‘5th best American rock band in history’ by USA Today will make their Download debut, joined by fellow Californians TESLA.

Also added to the bill are Italian goth-rockers LACUNA COIL, Kentucky blues-men BLACK STONE CHERRY, live favourites CLUTCH plus ARCHITECTS, KARMA TO BURN and PARKWAY DRIVE.

Tickets for Download Festival 2009 are on sale now from (downloadfestival)

Download Festival RIP Packages are available at the same point of sale as standard weekend tickets; please visit (livenation) for more information.

COUP OF THE CENTURY: FAITH NO MORE REFORM TO HEADLINE DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL 2009

Download Festival at Donnington Park has confirmed that its third and final headliner for the 2009 event will be the hugely influential and pioneering American rock band FAITH NO MORE. They will join SLIPKNOT and DEF LEPARD as headliners for Download, taking place 12-14 June.

Following a wealth of rumours and speculation, the band confirmed last week that they would be reuniting, 11 years after they famously called it a day in April 1998. FAITH NO MORE’s appearance at Download 2009 will be their ONLY UK date this year.

A statement from FAITH NO MORE confirmed that they are “still young and strong enough to deliver a kickass set, with enthusiasm to not only revisit our past but possibly add something to the present. And so with this we’ve decided to hold our collective breaths and jump off this cliff…. BACK, GOD FORBID, INTO THE MONKEY CAGE!!!”

Live Nation VP of Promotions Andy Copping says of the news, ‘FAITH NO MORE were the band that started the whole alternative music scene. To have them play for the first time in eleven years exclusively at Download is amazing! They had so many huge hits, I can’t wait to see the set list – ‘We Care A Lot’, ‘From Out Of Nowhere’, ‘Epic’, ‘Falling To Pieces’, ‘Midlife Crisis’, ‘A Small Victory’, ‘Digging The Grave’ and not forgetting their awesome covers of BLACK SABBATH’s ‘War Pigs’ and THE COMMODORES ‘Easy’. They are one of my favourite bands of all time and being able to see them headline at Donington will be unbelievable. This is like the second coming of Christ!’

Download Festival RIP Packages are available at the same point of sale as standard weekend tickets; please visit
(livenation) for more information.

(downloadfestival)

FRIDAY 12 / SATURDAY 13 / SUNDAY 14 JUNE 2009

FAITH NO MORE / SLIPKNOT / DEF LEPPARD
KORN / MARILYN MANSON / WHITESNAKE
LIMP BIZKIT / PENDULUM / ZZ TOP
MÖTLEY CRÜE / THE PRODIGY
DREAM THEATER/ TRIVIUM / KILLSWITCH ENGAGE / BILLY TALENT DRAGONFORCE / BUCKCHERRY / ANVIL / THE BLACKOUT
DEVIL DRIVER
Download Festival 2009 Ticket Information

Weekend Tickets – £135
Car Park – £10 advance / £20 on day
Camping – £25
Campervans – £40
Lockers – £11

WITH MARILYN MANSON AND KILLSWITCH ENGAGE ALSO CONFIRMED FOR DOWNLOAD 2009
Download Festival organisers have confirmed that legendary Texan blues-rockers ZZ TOP will be playing the DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL AT DONINGTON PARK, which takes place 12-14 June 2009. This marks the trio’s third appearance at the historic Donington site, having performed at Monsters of Rock in 1983 and 1985.

ZZ TOP are joined by controversial shock-rocker MARILYN MANSON, who performed in 2003 and in 2007, and American metalcore outfit KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, making their third Download appearance.

Tickets for Download are on sale now from (Download Festival Tickets) / 0844 846 1767.

ZZ TOP, MARILYN MANSON and KILLSWITCH ENGAGE join a line up that is already boasting a great selection of international rock artists. This includes the previously announced headliners SLIPKNOT and DEF LEPARD, with many more names to be confirmed between now and June!

ZZ TOP, comprising of Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard, are one of the few bands in music history to retain the same original recording line up for nearly 40 years. Rock hits such as ‘Gimme All Your Lovin’ and a striking visual image of sunglasses, leathers and beards have garnered them icon status, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

Marilyn Manson, the self proclaimed Antichrist Superstar, has carved a successful music career over the last decade, with anthemic hard rock songs about murder, sadism, drug abuse, sex and death. Live, his performance is unparalleled, with theatrical costume changes and disturbing backdrops. Manson will be performing tracks from his new album The High End Of Low.

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE came to prominence in the rock world with their album The End Of Heartache on Roadrunner Records, which was certified gold in December 2007. A firm favourite on the live circuit, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE have built a strong fanbase worldwide.

Download Festival RIP Packages are available at the same point of sale as standard weekend tickets; please visit (livenation)
for more information.