Download |

Download Festival – Sunday 16th June 2019

Posted on July 2, 2019 by Music Fan

Waking at a more reasonable time I find one of the chaps poking the BBQ as the logs in it were still smouldering!! Planning ahead to the potential chaos of tomorrow when everyone is trying to get a cart back to the car park son and I pack up a load of things and joined the short queue. A mini van turned up and 2 people started to put their things in and then told the next in the queue there wouldn’t be room for them as they had a load more to pile in. I turned and saw their pile and realised our load was quite normal compared to theirs. Anyway, son and I managed to get in as well.

When we returned, we had breakfast and sat under the gazebo chatting with the chaps about all sorts of things. This is something that makes a festival meeting others, getting along and sharing by helping each other out. In the distance we heard Tool sound checking and it sounded pretty good.

With all this talking we were a bit late moving into the arena not helped by the overzealous security searches. There was a long queue and the chap who searched me was extremely thorough, he wanted to know what the folded paper was, my set list times, maybe he thought it was a dealer list or something? Then in my other pocket he wanted to know what the packet was, my wet wipes 😊and no you can’t suck the alcohol out of them!! Son on the other hand got in with hip flask of rum so obviously I’m the dodgier looking one! We parted company as we entered the arena.

On my way to the small tent I passed the Demolition Derby area and stopped for a look. Blimey it was carnage, fully armoured knights bashing the shit out of each other with swords, pickaxes and mace. Despite the shields there were blows everywhere and I bet when you got whacked on the head it made your ears ring.

On the small stage was Kim Jennett who was lead singer for Voodoo Blood but is now performing as a solo artist with backing group. It was a good set formed of a mix of rock, metal and blues which makes for quite a melodic mix especially when sung with such aplomb as Kim does. Those bluesy tones give the metal music a more relaxed approach although no one has yet coined the term blue metal as that could mean something depressing and this certainly wasn’t.

After her set I grabbed a shredded duck wrap which was more salad than duck! And I caught some of Godsmack on the main stage. Hard rock with gravelly vocals with a thudding back beat made for quite a good sound which was ramped up when they introduced a second drum set. I enjoyed it way more than I did the wrap!

My horns were fully charged for the next band and I made my way forward to be closer and got near to the sound desk tower with a good view of the stage. Amon Amarth brought their Viking rock to Download complete with horned Viking helmet drum riser and came out fighting with their opener “The Pursuit of Vikings”. When they hit us with “Way of the Vikings” two Vikings were battling ferociously on stage, they should’ve been up at the demolition derby and they’d probably have won. Amon Amarth are all hair and beards and dressed identically using the hair to create tornados and have the crowd screaming along. Its great stuff entertaining as well as appealing to some inner Viking in us all as “Guardians of Asgard” has the crowd on the floor in a rowing pit!! Whilst on stage the Amon Amarth symbol is burning fiercely. At the end the band raise their horns to drink a toast and I join them. Yet their biggest surprise is to come during the closing song “Twilight of the Thunder Gods” when a large dragon moves slowly but menacingly towards the band from the wings. Epic stuff.

In the interval that followed I take the chance of the shifting crowd to get closer still and move right up to be next to the barrier at the front of the sound tower. This barrier creates a buffer for the crowds at the front to prevent crushing I suspect. This is the best place to be and judging by the chairs people have been here all day. Next up are Lamb of God and they burst onto the stage with the earth-shattering “Omerta” with it’s spoken beginning it brutally tears a hole through the crowd when it kicks in. The energy that Randy shows on stage is mirrored by the crowd and yours truly is no exception but where I am there’s no pits. However, the screens show the 2 massive circle pits developing in the front section which only get bigger as the set progresses. “Walk with me in Hell” is rapturously received and the crowd scream the title along with the band. Most of the set comprises songs from the earlier albums but as Randy says “here’s one about a shitty place I spent some time in” I know what we’re in for and as the opening bars of “512” kick in so does the crowd. Lamb of God gigs are always manic and a brutal assault on the senses and being this close to the massive stacks of speakers, feeling that bass thundering through my body, only serves to emphasise that. There are now several circle pits in action coupled with lots of head banging which rise in crescendo with each song. “Blacken the cursed sun” is ferocious in intensity and the pits are joining together as though pulled in by a black hole at their centre. The band dedicate “Laid to Rest” to Slayer who are playing their last ever UK gig later and after this there’s a brief pause as the band leave and then reappear perhaps to gather strength for the final song “Redneck” which just pushes the pits into a maelstrom of madness. Brutally efficient and devastating that I need to go back to the tent for some recuperation.

Suitably refreshed it’s time to go back for the final session and it’s going to be good, well after the previous 2 bands it better be as they’ve raised the bar. Food first and tonight it’s the noodle bar which in previous years has been good value but this year the meat content seemed a bit lacking. I made may way over to the second stage both for the bar and to catch some Dream Theatre. Dream Theatre should be a band I’d really enjoy with their prog metal soaring musical landscapes and yet I struggle. To me it all seems too twiddly, too many swoops and soars with a keyboard that does the same on stage. Perhaps I need to sit down and listen to a song because this is the second time I’ve walked away from a live performance.

Moving over to the small stage again Municipal Waste are laying waste to it perhaps as the last act they’re determined to physically trash it. They bring their brand of savage thrash metal and have drawn a large crowd that I have to walk all the way round the tent to get in at the far side for their close out numbers. It’s fast, it’s thrash and it’s loud but the crowds having a party judging by the amount of moshers and smiles 😊 At the end it does look as though they’ve nearly achieved the aim of trashing the tent as it’s littered with all sorts of detritus.

Time to head back to the second stage to catch the beginning of the last ever UK Slayer gig. As I approach the crowds are getting thicker and it’s hard to make progress, so I end up just standing on the hard path as more and more people push past such is the testament to Slayers draw. When they come on stage it is to the biggest and loudest cheer of the weekend and they open with “Repentless” that just sends the crowd wild. Slayer do not disappoint and from what I see and hear their set is going span their entire career but alas I’m hear to see Tool as you never know it may be my last chance so I leave Slayer to fuel my horns one last time and to find a good spot. When I get to the bar there’s no queue and servers waiting to serve!! So, I try to go in the exit side as it would’ve been quicker, but I get stopped by security who apologises that the “management” don’t want that to happen and that I’ll have to do the zig zag? He agreed it was completely stupid but stood his ground.

I’m able to get right down near the sound tower again and as darkness is falling, I look around to see a few rather glum faces. Smiling at them elicits no reaction so I just shrug and turn back to the stage noticing that the camera’s that normally show the stage on the large screens have gone. The stage is sparse with just Tool’s pentagram hanging over it, a small drum riser to the right with guitar rigs at each end of the stage. Apart from the Glums the crowd buzzes with anticipation for Tools first appearance in over a decade.

There’s movement on stage as a taped intro is played which is a short extract from “The Third Eye” which dies away and is replaced by a brief sound check as the musicians claim their instruments. Then Maynard signals the breathless beginning of “Aenema” and the screens spark into life displaying Tools inimitable strange kaleidoscope of imagery as Maynard intones the opening mantra “Hey” before the music really kicks in and the sound is simply wonderous. I move around slowly joining in and notice faces in the crowd are also smiling with me. The imagery doesn’t quite match the music but that is part of the Tool ethos as is the fact that I cannot see Maynard at all. There is very little crowd interaction which matches the anonymity the band court. They’re not there to be seen just to be heard in a similar way I guess to Pink Floyd building a wall. We’re here for the exquisite music and whilst the visuals lend some form of magic to it all it’s not about them it’s all about the music. Aenema as a song builds slowly through verse to crushing chorus of flushing shit away perhaps this is the meaning of the song cleansing the soul of society by getting rid of the bad parts. However we should not read too much into Tool’s lyrics as it’s often quoted as being personal to the band hence the lack of stage personas as Maynard gets into the “mood” hiding in the shadows of the backdrop singing to the side not to the front where we are.

Following that mind-bending opening Maynard just says “Download” and then they’re straight into “The Pot” which the crowd sing along to but just a bit too fast as they’re outpacing Maynard. This is another sprawling epic with its emphasis on a heavy bass led riff. The crowd are really getting into it now but as I pan round it’s clear that I seem to be in the minority in my little space but that’s not putting me off as I’m enjoying it. This enjoyment ratchets up a notch with “Parabola” with its mind-bending expansive riffs. Perhaps it’s the lack of visuals of the band themselves that’s off putting for some but come on feel the vibe, hear the music and bathe in the phenomenal visuals on show. These visuals become even more surreal during a new song some are calling “Descending” as a pyramid appears behind the drums and lights seem to be beamed down from it evoking more memories of Pink Floyd for me but couple that effect with the slight breeze it feels we’re being transported to another world or a dimensional shift of this one.

Next, they gave us “Schism” with its bass driven melody and more strange conceptual visuals of some giant muscle figures that bend double swinging their heads between their legs. Later, during the closing part an alien-like polymorph seems to grow into a devil elf like creature breathing fire between pointed teeth. During all this Maynard’s distinctive voice is rich and disturbing as it builds to a crescendo of screaming release.

Another new song follows, “Invincible” and the crowd falls more silent as the music and visual together conspire to confuse the mind as there appear to be stutters in it but knowing Tool this is all part of the effect. We’re not meant to just listen but to experience and think about the music and the feelings it develops within us. This attempt at anonymity with the crowd together with the music and visuals creates a haunting presence around the band. However, there are occasional lighting effects which do illuminate them so we can see each one which makes them more welcoming but yet an illusion of just out of reach.

Towards the end of the set Maynard breaks his silence with the crowd to announce that “when we wrote this song 27 years ago many of you weren’t even sperm”! which is at once unexpected and shocking when you actually think about it which may well have been the reason behind the statement. That song was “Part of Me” which is true of the package that sperm carries toward the egg to be fertilised. They follow this with the set closer “Vicarious” with it’s furious rush of riffs that propel most to head banging paradise as those goose bump inducing visuals play out once again.

They disappear but the visuals display a digital clock counting down to the encore, oh that’s good and funny too. So, there’s virtually no clapping or shouting for more they’re telling us we’ll get more or at least that’s what we hope because it could be one massive joke! But it isn’t and they’re back to close Download with “Stinkfist” ending a dizzying ride with one of the most spaced out bands on the planet. They briefly come to the front to accept applause before leaving almost as discreetly as they arrived.

For those of us who have waited for this moment we’ve not been disappointed Tool came and delivered a mind-bending set that shows that you don’t need a band full of guitars, keyboards multiple drum sets etc. With just 3 instruments and a voice Tool have delivered a master class in song structure, musicianship, harmonies, layers and lyrical gymnastics. Couple that with those tripped out visuals that add a whole other dimension to things and boom your head just implodes. Simply sublime, superb and rapturous.

I trudge happy but wearily back to the tent for a post come down beer as son texts that he’s seeing his mates for a while.

Bands of the day (alphabetic order)
Amon Amarth
Kim Jennett
Lamb of God
Slayer
Tool

Monday 17th June 2019

The chaps have left early, son and I pack up and clear up discussing Tool and how it was an outstanding set. We managed to get the shuttle back to the car park and set off for what could’ve been a long journey back to Derby to drop him off. One of the roads we wanted to take was closed owing to flooding but we tried it and turned back when it appeared impassable. We stopped at a pub advertising breakfast, but they’d stopped serving. At Derby the barrier to the car park was broken which meant free parking! Opposite the station we found an old large pub that was doing food and had quite a few fellow downloaders in. After that we said our goodbyes and I drove home as he caught the train.

So, what gripes do I have about this year’s download? Well I’m not complaining about the mud as the arena wasn’t as bad as it had been in 2016 and well it’s a festival in a field so what do you expect occasionally? However, these did annoy me:
1. Put a big sign up saying “RIP wristband exchange”
2. The stupidly long distance from the car park to the tent. Paying that much for a RIP ticket I expect to park within spitting distance no more than 2 minutes rather than the 10 they advertised. People in own tent RIP were parked next to their tent!
3. The golf buggy’s, whilst helpful, were inadequate given the volume of people and gear turning up. There should’ve been a drop off/pick up for us with a car if I then had a 10-minute walk fair enough.
4. The stupidly long queues for the beer. Why have one person serving who then must tell someone else what the order was and come back with a price? Then they must wait whilst another order is being served with the card reader.
5. Finding the cup exchange had closed early meaning I had £4 of cups in my pocket (£2 per cup) I guess that’s one way to make money!!
6. The excessive security, checking our wristbands on exit when they’d already checked them on entry is entirely overkill. Oh, and I never did see any drugs dogs despite the massive warning signs.
7. Why did Download put bands that would draw large crowds in the smallest tent?

Download Festival – Saturday 15th June 2019

Posted on July 2, 2019 by Music Fan

I woke early as I wanted to be in the arena as soon as the gates opened. Breakfast was cooked on the guys BBQ once they’d finished and wake up drinks were consumed. I made my way to the arena entrance in the guest area and joined the short queue. Chatting to people in the queue it seems quite a few rush in to grab a spot with a chair and sit there all day but that means you’re restricted really to one stage but then I guess it depends on what and who you’ve come to see. We could hear Slipknot sound checking which is why the gates were late in opening. Once opened I was in quickly and noticing others rushing forward ran towards the main stage and got a spot right at the front next to the barrier. Why? Because I’d been following the band that will start today’s proceedings for a few years now and joined the crowdfunding campaign for their first album. I truly believe that one day soon they will be massive and headlining festivals such as this. So whilst I’m still able I want to be there at the front 😊

The crowd soon built up and I chatted to the lads next to me about music, the festival and who they wanted to see. Not surprisingly they were there for Slipknot and would stay all day I said that I’d be off after Alien Weaponry as I wanted to see bands on other stages. I also joked that I’m looking forward to seeing Tool because if they have another 13-year hiatus I’ll be 70 by the time they come back!!

Stage was set, band banner hoisted and everything ready and as 11am arrived so too did Alien Weaponry to probably the loudest cheer ever for a first band on. They started with the beginnings of “PC Bro” but as Henry was about to start smashing the beat there was a glitch with the drum machine. Undeterred Lewis spoke to us saying “bear with us whilst we fix a technical glitch” showing true professionalism. Seconds later, boom they began and the crowd exploded. Their next track is literally breath taking “Holding my Breath” a reflection on self-destructiveness driven by being peer judged is a statement on the times we live in fuelled as it is by social media. It is raw and full of emotion that you can feel being projected by Lewis as he sings “I’m in a black hole suffering endlessly”, a powerful song. Their energy and drive never lets up as Ethan and Lewis trade places constantly and Henry beats his drums almost to death. There are some serious pits developing around me and Henry and Lewis both add to the mayhem with swirling energetic riffs and ferocious head banging. I’m joining in although with a lot less hair. Crowd surfers are up early as well and my view is suddenly blocked by security as a guy lands on me, well better me than the fence. Alien Weaponry deliver thrash metal with a twist by incorporating and celebrating their Maori heritage giving us history lessons from their homeland. The irony of playing “Ahi Ka” here isn’t lost on me but hey it happened and they’re rightly calling us out. Despite their youth they dominate the stage captivating the huge crowd their savage riffs resonating with a deep primordial urge to “do something”. For some that is to partake in the massive circle pits for others, like myself, it’s to bang your head stupid until your neck hurts. Far too quickly they deliver their last song the totally brutal but awesome “Ru Ana Te Whenua” which starts with Henry chanting in Maori interspersed with savage drumming, a quick look behind and the pit has become a maelstrom that’s drawing me in. Luckily the boy’s blast into the main part of the song and I’m drawn back to the stage. At the end the crowd are cheering and chanting “one more song” for several minutes such was the power Alien Weaponry had over us. Never have I witnessed that for a band on first and I’m privileged to have been part of it, I am sure they will be. Phew what a way to start the day.

Back at the tent I met up with son and the chaps opposite and told them all about it. We chewed the fat on some life experiences before son and I decided to go and see Elvana. The arena had filled up and we slid (literally in the mud) over to the second stage. Elvana were a strange band, a Nirvana tribute band fronted by an Elvis Presley impersonator!! Even by his own admission his impersonation of Elvis was bad but the musicians in the band were good and gave a great account of themselves playing Nirvana songs. It was all a bit mad and the front man was even wearing a cape. Part way through he leaped off the stage to get “some love” off the crowd. In doing so he split his pants and spent the next 2 songs in the photo pit. They got the crowd going with sing alongs of both Nirvana and short snaps of Elvis. There was even a cover of “Suspicious Minds” during which a large number of yellow balloons were released. They ended with “Smells Like Teen Spirit” which had the crowd roaring along enjoying every minute, what a blast. Of course at the end he said, “Elvis is leaving the building”.

By now I’m in need of the facilities and in true Download fashion head to the nearest wall along with nearly everyone else! As someone remarked “I’ve never had to queue for the wall before!” showing the popularity of Elvana perhaps.

Son and I parted company as he went to meet friends and I’m off to the small stage to see the next act. It was lunch time though and for convenience I got a Mac’n’Cheese with crispy bacon on my way. Fighting my way through mud and crowds the band had just started when I arrived. Queen Zee, well Download seems to have gone in for the more outlandish bands this year and here’s another one. Hailing from Liverpool I’d say they’re as far from The Beetles as you’re likely to get. The lead singer is like a glam rocker but in a queer kind of way and this seems to be the tone for the band’s music. It’s all very much tongue in cheek in a kind of punk Rocky Horror Picture Show way in that it’s loud and brash in your face and disturbingly good.

All this sliding through mud is quite tiring so I returned to the tent for a rest and some refreshments before collecting my drinking horns to return to the arena. I tried a different bar but this one was just as busy.

Horns filled I take in Behemoth on the main stage. They’re into their stride delivering very dark extreme metal that has most of the crowd enthralled. Mid-set they’ve got everyone shouting, “Hail Satan”! It’s a powerful show culminating with the majority of the crowd (well those around me anyway) screaming along to “Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel”.

Deciding I needed to cleanse my soul after that I head over to the second stage for some symphonic metal in the shape of Epica. My horns need replenishing so I join the large queue at the bar which allows me to hear, if not see, the band. Everyone in the queue is friendly and I have some banter with a group that I see several times during whilst snaking around. I think they’re making fun of my hat calling me “Mr Incognito” but as it’s reversable I turn the tables (well the hat) on them and on the next pass they burst out laughing. It’s all good fun really. Epica are a band similar to Nightwish, big swirling tunes backing up high symphonic vocals that cleansed some of the black metal from my mind. Creative and full of ideas the music was really good but as I couldn’t get a good spot some of the vocals and music was washed out by the crowd and breeze so I decided to make my way back over to the small stage to be ready for a band I think will be popular.

Once in the tent I’m treated to some good old-fashioned rock and roll from Riding The Low. They’ve got all the elements there and know how to deliver a stomping performance that has the crowd moving in time with the beat. It was refreshing to hear some solid rock sounds amongst all the metal and weird stuff.

I wait in the tent for the next band and move closer to the stage as the tent starts to fill up. Hang on a minute someone has turned up with, what I presume to be, a Mongolian flag on a pole and has made his way to the front. Next I see is the flag being taken out the back by security 😊 Download have a strict policy which I like as it means you at least have a chance of seeing the stage unlike Glastonbury.

Next up we have The Hu a completely novel band from Mongolia they play traditional instruments similar to cello’s and sing in a style called throat singing. I’d come across them on YouTube last year and was glad to be able to see them live. They play their 30-minute set with virtually no interruption playing songs the crowd are familiar with from videos such as the catchy “Yuve Yuve Yuve” to the towering “Wolf Totem” that is visceral and ignites primitive passions in us. It’s a fantastic performance from a band that will continue to grow.

By now I’ve been over refreshed and it’s too far to the nearest facilities, so I join others at a fence only to discover there’s a clear view of us from the backstage area that has several people running for cover!! Oh well it’s too late to stop. Afterwards I decided it was time for food but what variety? There’s such a choice I wasn’t sure what to have and after wandering around for a while I plumped for chicken and chips yeah rather uninspiring I know. Collecting my food and change I noticed it was short, oh come on I’m not that drunk, asked for the rest which was given a little reluctantly.

As I was eating I caught some of the next band on the main stage and I have to say even by this year’s weird tranche of bands this was way way out there. Die Antwoords are a rap/rave crew from South Africa that sing in a mixture of dialects, not exactly a staple act for a rock/metal festival but they were entertaining the crowds even if many were standing there open mouthed with WTF hanging on their lips. Yet it all got weirder when the woman started rapping like a demented pinky or perky (take your pick)! I heard later that sometimes the headliners choose the acts they want to play before them, and Slipknot had requested Die Antwoords!

I made my way back to the small tent and caught the end of the set by Intervals. What I heard was so good that I wished I been there for it all, a blend of prog rock with purer elements of rock and roll thrown in. They ticked the boxes for me in that short time.

After refilling the horns before the next band the religious theme of today is going strong and there’s now a plane flying over with a banner “Jesus Calls Will You Follow” I’m not sure there’s much light here amongst all the black but perhaps that’s why the plane is flying over us. Within the dark interior of the tent the stage crew seem to be setting up an alter complete with offertory and candles. When Batushka take the stage the band members line up at the back with a solitary figure at the front behind the alter and they’re all masked. Sombre music fills the tent and the solitary figure begins a chant and starts lighting the multitude of candles. Eventually, after some have left wondering what the hell is going on, the band strikes up some fierce dark black metal death music whilst the intonement reaches a screaming crescendo pitch. There’s more of this and some begin to heckle but the band stick to the plan and again shatter the near silence with their blend of black death music. It’s so weird that I’ve no clue what I’ve witnessed except perhaps some satanic black mass or liturgy and that’s both unsettling and strangely pleasing (shivers).

Deciding to stay where I was, well I’d done a lot of steps today, I caught some of the set by Carcass extreme death metal pioneers. I say some because this was devastating music performed at breakneck speed and fuelling a large pit despite the denseness of the crowd. I also left early to get a good spot for tonight’s headliner as there were no band clashes meaning there may well be over 100,000 people descending on the main stage.

With full horns I made my way down the central path towards the main stage but it was already looking packed so I stopped shorter than I would normally but with a view of the stage and the central screen. Saying hello to the two ladies next to me we struck up a conversation and I found out that the younger one was only 15, was at a residential school and had persuaded the head to let her come to the festival with her carer!! Now that’s progress. She was very chatty and was surprised I knew about her condition but there’s a family connection there I won’t expand on. Apparently her carer was asked to make sure she didn’t experience any bad language 😊I’m sure she already knew a fair bit from band lyrics and would undoubtedly get to hear the M word during the next set.

Slipknot came on to a taped version of “(515)” and an enormous roar and then began with “People = Shit” which instantly had the crowd singing along and head banging. It was still light and I could see the circle pits developing as the crowd goes ape. Where I am does provide quite a good view of the whole stage and I can see the various band members moving round the stage. Corey is dancing like the devil wearing a heavy overcoat and when we get a close up on the screen, he looks like he’s put on several pounds. It’s a heavy pummelling opening few numbers that you feel like you’ve done several rounds in a boxing ring.

Mixed in with fan favourites are songs from their new album included “Unsainted” which goes down a storm. Looking around everyone is having a great time. Then we get beaten round the head or, perhaps more accurately aurally assaulted by the drum trio during “Before I Forget”. As it goes dark we get “Psychosocial” followed by “The Devil In I” and looking up I see there’s an almost full moon hanging over the stage, an omen perhaps? By the time we get to “Custer” my throat is raw, my ears ringing (and I’m not at the front) and I’ve a large grin on my face. They end the set with one of my favourites “Duality” during which Clown drops down from his raised kit to smash a flaming bat against a keg which sends sparks flying. It’s a tightly performed set of pure showmanship with theatricals added in.

They’re not off stage for long before they’re back with the song that is a staple and one the crowds look forward to “Spit It Out”. In the middle Corey’s there telling us to get down on our knees which 90% of the crowd do including my new friends. I look over at them and smile as Corey tells us not to jump until he says, “Jump the f**k up” and when he does get to that part it’s quite a sight to behold as 90,000+ people leap into the air! As they begin their last number my friends depart and I wish them all the best.

Afterwards I walk back to the tent and find the chaps already sitting round the campfire looking like they’ve finished the bottle of Gin. It’s cold and the fire is welcome and son returns and joins us. We talk about the day and other things basically drinking and being merry. Another 2 logs are placed on and the fire is going well until security turn up en masse to tell us to put it out as open fires are not allowed. We tell them it’s a BBQ, I think someone has complained as you can’t see if from the cabin security inhabit, but they’re insistent and we quash the fire.

Bands of the day (alphabetic order)

Alien Weaponry
Batushka
Elvana
Slipknot
The Hu

Download Festival – Friday 14th June 2019

Posted on July 2, 2019 by Music Fan

Download festival looked to be a repeat of previous years, 2012 & 2016, or even worse as the rain hadn’t stopped for days. Parts of the country had received 2 months’ worth of rain in 2 days, rivers had burst their banks and flooding was prevalent. Would this stop the resilient metal heads turning up? Judging by the crowds it was a resounding no. Yes there were problems and complaints some of which I will detail but as with Amplified Festival 2017 you’ve got to push on through and enjoy it no matter what.

My son and I were meeting up in Derby on the Thursday for the drive to site. I’d rushed about in the morning to get some last-minute vital supplies: wellies and a gazebo! On entry the problems began, there didn’t seem to be any lateral thinking going on and the car in front got stuck in the, now muddy, entrance to the parking field and my son had to get out and push. They needed to open several entrances to help. Later, I’d return to the car park to find one car abandoned in the middle of the “road”. The next problem was finding the wristband exchange, we went to the obviously signed “booking office” only to find they had no idea what to do. I spotted a wooden shed in the RIP car park and went there which was where we should’ve been anyway. Wristbands on we now had to wait for a golf buggy to collect us and our luggage but it was at the top of the hill, so I complained about the walk from the car with my dodgy ticker and 3 lads were sent to help. We took up the whole buggy, which was then driven manically round bends, so we had to ask for it to slow down otherwise it’d tip all our stuff out.

After arriving we had to check in again! Fortunately, our tent wasn’t too far from the entrance and we were able to carry our things through the mud. The tent was spacious and looked good for the weather. First thing was to get the gazebo up to provide some shelter and at this point a chap in a neighbouring tent appeared. He too was happy we’d brought a gazebo and we positioned it between our tents.

As it was drizzling and my son had a tent to pitch for someone over in the campsite we decided not to try and get the BBQ going tonight. He headed off for the campsite and I arranged to meet up with him later for some comedy in the village.

I got a few things sorted out, got changed, put on the wellies and grabbed a couple of tins for the long walk to the village. They were still quite a few people arriving both for RIP and the campsite. I saw one lady using a sledge to carry her gear which, given the rivers of mud, seemed a great idea. The actual campsite communal walkways were a mess, ankle deep in mud and tricky to walk through. Tents on the edge were splattered and a few looked drowned. I wandered around looking at the food stalls for something to eat. As I ventured towards the main village area some idiot thought it a great idea to splash mud all over me, something a 10-year-old might do. Evening meal was a very nice pork and mash filled giant Yorkshire pudding and, as I was finishing, my son met up with me.

He needed food so we moved over to the veggie stall and whilst in the queue a voice said, “I recognise you” and I did her but came up with the wrong name to my shame. It was Sinead from Courtesans super happy that she recognised me. We chatted about life and music whilst son got his meal before we parted company.

The beer tent was full but despite this we were able to get served very quickly and after a few drinks here we went over to the comedy tent. The first act we saw was someone singing cover songs which were neither good nor funny. Next up though was Ed Gamble who I’d wanted to see. Ed got the crowd going straight away and was very funny although for some bizarre reason started taking the mick out of some diabetic guy at the front. Now that’s OK because Ed is diabetic, but I thought he might have not been so caustic with a fellow sufferer but hey you’ve got to laugh at the shit life throws at you sometimes. He also had a very funny dig at vapers with their massive clouds of smoke which, predictably, made all the vapours power up so much that dry ice was not needed.

After Ed finished I left son to meet his mates and began the long walk back to the tent. Deciding I needed a drink I found the onsite Co-op which was doing brisk business. They were filling the beer stands as quick as it was being taken. Cans in hand I was set up for the walk. It was cold by the time I got back so I crawled into bed.

Friday 14^th June 2019

When I woke son had returned and needed some medication (pain killers) which I’d left in the car. So I queued for the golf cart and got chatting to people in the queue. One chap was on his way to the village because his wife had forgotten her wellies! The lady I shared the buggy with was going to collect things for her friend who was in a wheelchair. Her friend had struggled with the conditions and was going home. On my return we tried and failed to get the BBQ going perhaps because it was too windy. The chaps opposite let us use theirs as it still had heat, so a later start to the day than planned.

When we left we bizarrely had our wrist bands checked on leaving the campsite. Then to get into the guest area we had them checked again along with being searched. Finally another check leaving the guest area for the arena. So, three times we were checked to get in and then three times to get back to the camp.

As we walked past the main stage Tesla were on and had an appreciable sized crowd. A band from the heady days of the ‘80s they were playing some great rock and roll. Next for us was Kverlatak over on the Encore stage. I’d previously seen Kverlatak at The Crawfurd Arms Milton Keynes so they’ve come a long way from an intimate pub setting to second stage in front of thousands. Disappointingly there was no owl on the singers head this time but nevertheless they still sounded pretty good. Continuing our journey, we wound our way round to the Avalanche stage for what would be my only visit as it’s quite a distance and you’ve got to almost fight your way through the crowds.

Son decided it was time for a drink although the queue was massive but he got lucky in that they opened a second line just as we walked past and he got in pretty quick. On the stage they were setting up for Nova Twins who should’ve started but hadn’t. This is odd because Download is strict on timings. When they did come on it was to deliver some brutal sounds heavy on the bass.

Son and I parted company and I decided to go and get some symphonic metal in via the delightful Delain on the second stage. They performed tracks from their latest album and had an oddly familiar backdrop with a skull being held in a hand, now where’ve I seen that before? With the huge crowds I realised that to get the best sound you had to be closer than I was and more central. Unfortunately, where I was some of the vocals were lost to the wind which was a shame because that’s where most of the power for this band reside.

I decided to return to the tent to get some refreshments and to collect my drinking horns before heading back into the arena for fish and chips from the Lighthouse. I ate these listening to some Whitesnake another “old” band this time from the 70’s but you can clearly hear why these older bands are still going and they were pretty good even if I was a far away from the stage. After I finished my meal I headed back to the second stage for some Opeth a band that seems to defy convention are they death metal or progressive? There seemed to be a mix of both in their set but perhaps they are evolving.

I wanted to catch a Jinjer and for some reason they were scheduled for the smallest stage. So, reasoning I had to be in there early I went to see Twelve Foot Ninja the band before Jinjer. I got a spot next to the sound desk where I reasoned the sound quality would be at it’s best. Well it would’ve been if the sound guy could get his equipment to work! He’d brought a laptop, set up, pressed some buttons and nothing, no sound at all. For 20 minutes he was pulling his hair out, jumping around and generally getting in a strop. Finally he got it working and on came the band to play 3 songs, that’s the time cut off for you. What they did play sounded very good although on 3 songs only it’s difficult say what they’re about.

At the end of their set I noticed a guy at the back of the sound area sporting an Alien Weaponry t-shirt, I waved at him and showed him my new tattoo which is from the AW first album launch. He came forward and asked for a photo’ saying it was awesome and we got chatting. Turns out he’s their front or house guy and dad of 2 members of the band. He mentioned that a couple of the guys from the band were there and I asked if I could meet them, so he got security to let them behind the barriers. We chatted about their music and how much I enjoyed it, both were very friendly and thanked me for supporting them. We also talked about other things and bands they were looking forward to seeing including Jinjer. At the end I asked if we could have a photo’ together and a lady standing near took several on my ‘phone. I have to say that made me entire day 😊 😊

By now the tent was rammed and more were trying to get in. The AW guys were safely at the back of the sound area whilst I was getting squashed. Jinjer came on and immediately launched into Ape. They looked different to when I saw them last year at Amplified mainly in the facial hair department. Lead singer Tatiana both shreds and caresses our ears as the band rip through their set. It’s full on and brutal or it would’ve been if there was any space to move. More and more people were trying to push in and it was becoming dangerous. Why on earth Download had them in the smallest tent is anyone’s guess. They hardly stopped except to ask if we’re having a good time as they ram 6 screaming tracks down our ears. It was great and at the end the applause was as loud as the band had been.

I needed some refreshments after that and joined the very long queue for the bar. There were many complaints about the queues, but I quickly found that they were short when the bands were on obviously. In this case I queued, grabbed 2 pints one for each horn 😊 and then went back into the tent where the next band had started.

Ne Obliviscaris is an oddity in a field full of oddities, nope not Greek or Italian as the Latin sounding name suggests but Australian and apparently their name comes from the motto of Clan Campbell in Scotland! This was metal with a twist veering from the extreme to prog and some surprisingly melodic intervals thrown in when the lead singer turned into virtuoso violinist. Yep strange but then with Apocalyptica doing metal with cellos why not toss in a violin solo? I really enjoyed the set.

I wandered out of the tent and down the slope towards the main stage to catch some of Def Leppard. Another band from those heady days of big hair rock and roll the ‘70s with a hint of the beginnings of heavy metal. What I did hear was good rock and roll ramped up by fast riffs thundering bass line and drums backed by the slightly higher pitched male vocals you know what I mean. As I was leaving I noticed one man in a chair which had green grass beneath it! Obviously he’d been sat there all day and I wondered if it would be all weekend 😊

Another aspect of Download this year is the Friday and Sunday headliners have clashes with other stages. Tonight, At The Gates are in the small tent as Def Leppard are rocking the crowd from the main stage. I fancied a look at At The Gates and so grabbed some more refreshments, not much of a queue, and went back in the tent. Their set had begun and there was an appreciably sized crowd. Death metal in the dark played with ferocity and backed by thundering drums is what we got and it was pretty good too. Bizarrely I was reminded of a snippet from a Queens of the Stone Age album “All death metal, all the time” not sure where that came from but curious things happen when you’re chilled listening to some good music.

At the end they finished at the same time as Def Leppard which meant a queue to get back to the guest area through the mud. I had a wander around once in but decided it was too cold to stay and went back to the tent. There I bumped into the guys in the other tent and we sat under the gazebo drinking and chatting whilst 2 fire logs on the BBQ kept us warm and when poked got so hot we all had to move back!

Bands of the day (alphabetic order)

At The Gates
Jinjer
Ne Obliviscaris

Download Festival – Sunday 12th June 2016

Posted on July 6, 2016 by Music Fan

Day 3 and the final day of Download started out fine again and with the early morning alarm call from the chap manning security “GUYS GET OFF THE ROAD”. He’d shouted this constantly every morning! I cooked and ate the last of the sausages. The food had lasted well in the cool bag inside another cool bag but probably helped by the unseasonal weather. The Rocket Fuel coffee was good as it woke me up but it was making me a bit jittery. Remembering a sign I’d seen recently “if you’re not shaking you’ve not had enough coffee” I think I’d definitely had enough. Fortunately, as I found out later, I decided to put my feet into plastic bags before putting my boots on because I reasoned that the ground was likely to be rather wet! A chap wandering past asked if I knew what the weather was going to be like. Looking on the BBC weather page it suggested rain after 3pm but I said to him that I thought the sky looked like it was going to rain soon. Negotiating the, by now, quagmire by the RIP reception I made my way into the arena. It was looking seriously bad already I think they’d even given up putting out, or run out of, straw. The ice cream van had green grass underneath looking like an oasis in a desert of mud. Time for the first band

Wild Lies – 6

This struggled to get going but it was the last day and I think nearly everyone was knackered from constantly battling the rain and mud. It’s always hard kicking the day off but they did a credible job and did eventually get some crowd involvement. The band play a heavy rock sound fronted by a capable vocalist.

The Raven Age – 7

I stuck around at the Maverick stage for the next band who were supporting Iron Maiden on their “Book of Souls” tour. As they were about to come on I noticed Steve Harris from Maiden at the back of the disabled area watching. A couple next to me then noticed and tried taking pictures but his security noticed and stood in the way. Anyway on came the band and the set started with “Uprising” which for Download starts of quietly but then the drums cut in beating out a heavy rhythm and the guitars get more and more heavy. This seemed to progress seamlessly into the next song “Promised Land”. In fact the music got heavy as they progressed almost as though they need to slowly build into a crescendo. Combine this with the melodic vocals of the lead singer and this was a very accomplished set ending with a terrific song “Angel in Disgrace” which left you wanting more.

I noticed that Steve Harris had made a hasty exit with security as the crowd started to disperse. Time to get over to the Encore stage for some more metal with a stop for water on the way. It was also raining again so much for the BBC!

Grand Magus – 8

Some great riffs and heavy drumming from these guys from Sweden had the appreciably sized crowd roaring their approval. The song “Varangian” I particularly enjoyed as, for me, it invoked memories of Wagnerian operas and in fact it invokes Norse mythology as warriors’ burn their way to Odin’s hall! They end with “Hammer of the North” a thundering ride with a blistering bass line you can almost feel Thor with you.

I hang around afterwards to see the next band and try to find a drier spot closer forward. Another band I’d been recommended to see.

Delain – 8

Symphonic Metal is how they were described and I have to agree. From the outset they reminded me of Nightwish when Tarja fronted them, gloriously rich vocals backed by a solid metal tune. As soon as they struck the first chords the 3 guitarist were into full hair strafing momentum as the lead singer threw out those symphonic vocals and joined them. Phew I was feeling exhausted already or perhaps the coffee was wearing off. This glorious onslaught continued apace with song after song and I, along with the rest of the crowd, was hooked on that voice powered into our ears with heavy riffs, tinkling keyboards and booming drums. As I said phew! Towards the end of the set we had “Don’t let go” which at first I thought was going to be more prog rock but then the metal burst forth once more.

Afterwards I needed to get a drink so I went to the nearest water station which was by now standing on its own surrounded by a moat. So to fill up I had to get my feet wet but the plastic bags were doing a great job even if my feet were by now a bit sweaty. It was also time for some food and today was pasta with tomato and basil sauce, very nice too even if the pasta was rather al dente. After that it was time to negotiate the mud towards the main stage for the next act.

Halestorm – 7

Seems an appropriate name for this year’s Download as yet again it begins to rain, I’m at least thankful it isn’t a hail storm!! I’m in time for their second song as they rip into “Love Bites (So do I)” and you can see why they won a Grammy for performance. This song feels more like grunge metal. Lead singer Lzzy (no idea why she drops the ‘I’) has a much more gravelly voice than usual female leads but it’s suited to the music they play (or perhaps it’s the other way round). However she can be more melodic when required, as on the next song “Mz Hyde” so has quite a range. By the time they reach “I like it heavy” I’m enjoying this, what I would consider, classic Rock and Roll as Motorhead used to play as they crank it up to 11. However next up is an odd interlude of a drum solo. Wow that’s rare and he does his best to get the crowd into it and is undoubtedly a good drummer but even with the comedic use of giant drum sticks I feel the momentum of the set has been lost.

Time for a breather as I head back to the tent for a sit down to take the strain off my back which has begun to hurt. I need to recuperate for the final 3 bands the first I been wanting to see live ever since their cover version of “Sound of Silence” blew me away.

Back in the arena I grab a couple of beers and make my way to the front for the next band. Standing in front of the sound stage tower I met a chap and his daughter that had come for the day specifically to see Nightwish. We chatted about them and he said Wembley had been superb but had been a lot closer than I had. They decided to move a bit further back as it was filling up in anticipation and the crowd may get a bit excitable.

Disturbed – 10

They opened with “10,000 fists” and almost as one at least that many but probably more were raised by the crowd. David Draiman, lead singer, has a magical voice very much suited to metal with an operatic quality very few singers manage to produce. It doesn’t seem to matter what words he’s singing they all sound terrific and are backed by sublime musicianship from the band. The entire set was delivered as if we were on a rollercoaster and I normally hate rollercoasters but this was intense and moving. You get caught up in the moment and even the medley of songs with other stars doesn’t dampen my spirits as it normally would. And there in the middle the stage was rearranged, out came a sparse orchestra and David began “Sound of Silence”. If you’ve not heard go listen and you will be moved to tears as I was but I didn’t care because as I looked around hardened metal heads were too, what a beautiful moment. They finished as we knew by announcing it was clear England had become infected “with the Sickness”. Clearly the chap next to me had because he was now on his back writhing around in the mud much to his friends delight. Finally we were encouraged to join in with “We are…” “DISTURBED” A magical hour that I wish could’ve lasted forever.

More refreshment was required after that so I slogged through the mud to the nearest bar returning to stand by a river of mud seeping down the slope. Some people were sploshing through it, others dancing and yet the majority were sitting there looking miserable. “Cheer Up” I implored them “It could be worse”, even the sun appeared briefly (I have a photo to prove it to myself). My back was hurting again so I found an empty seat to sit in after asking if I could. The lads who owned it came back and insisted I stay awhile and we all chatted about the mud and music, as it should be.

Nightwish – 9

I left my new friends to move closer and experience the sound nearer than when I saw them at Wembley and it made a huge difference. Nightwish’s music is expansive and epic in both performance and sound and this time I could feel the beauty in it enhanced by the almost operatic voice of Floor (lead vocals). Whilst not in the same league vocally as Tarja, Floor has her own stage presence and definitive song delivery. Most of the songs in the set are from their latest albums which suits Floor’s delivery and vocal range and she delivers them perfectly. Once again this evening I’m caught up on a magical ride through an enthralling universe of song. The mud and rain are replaced by brightness and colour as Nightwish continue to weave their magic over us and at what seems an entirely appropriate time they burst into “Ever Dream”. Oh Wow Floor nails it, hitting those notes as Tarja used to. This is truly epic song writing with a symphonic metal backing you can hear violins, timpani and a glorious bass line I’m swept away by the beauty. For me this is how it should’ve sounded at Wembley and I’m glad I decided to give them another chance today.

Plenty of time now to get some food and beer in before the headline act. After eating and on my way to the bar I found a lone chap sat in a chair surrounded by a sea of mud, an oasis in a storm. Fuelled up I headed back to the main stage to get a good spot. It was by now getting very busy but I found one where I could see the stage clearly and the large screens if needed. There were a couple of German girls standing next to me enjoying themselves before this idiot of a lad came over to try and chat them up. He was making a complete dick of himself as he was drunk.

Iron Maiden – 9

The opening chords of “Doctor Doctor” rang out across the multitude just as sunlight appeared overhead and the crowd roared mightily. The idiot lad was now trying to dance with the girls much to their, obvious to everyone but him, annoyance. They’re straight into the new album with “If eternity should fail” with Bruce alone singing into a smouldering cauldron during the intro and they follow up with “Speed of light”. The band zip around the stage and you’ve got to hand it to them that they are as energetic as ever. Bruce quips early on that he’s looked over and seen “our fucking manager on the phone during the last song. He’s had a word and made the rain stop!” It was about this point that the idiot decided to relieve himself into his cup incurring the wrath of the bloke in front who got a wet leg. A fight was avoided only just and the idiot slinked off. Maiden sing “Tears of a Clown” in memory of Robin Williams and the idiot thwacked me on the head as he was now trying to impress another lady behind me, I glared at him and he moved back. I don’t know if Maiden have done a gig without “The Trooper” since they first recorded it and today was no exception. Bruce probably doesn’t need to sing as everyone in the crowd knows the lyrics and it’s a riotous performance in full Crimean war getup. After a couple more songs I decide to wander off and use the wall rather than annoy the wet bloke in front of me! I also decide I’ve had enough of the idiot and his shenanigans so on my way back I pick a spot closer to the stage. I’m in time to see a giant Eddy staggering onto the stage to bother Steve Harris before Bruce rips Eddy’s heart out with his bare hands – pure theatre. They end with “Iron Maiden” but of course they and we know it’s not the end and after a few minutes they come back out to start the encore with “Number of the Beast”. Bruce came to the front and addressed us all about the shootings in Orlando the previous night. I was totally shocked because I leave the outside world behind at a festival so I can enjoy it for what it is – escapism. I agree totally with what he said and especially his closing remark “We are ALL Blood Brothers” as the band sang that very song. As they leave the stage after the final song “Wasted Years” the Monty Python song “Always look on the bright side of life” sends us on our way.

I feel sad, sad about Orlando and sad that another festival has come to an end. However when I think back to that weekend of dire weather and endless mud I remember that I had a fantastic time, heard some great bands and met some good people that proved for at least 3 days all was well in my world. It was the best Download I’ve been to so far………

Download Festival – Saturday 11th June 2016

Posted on July 6, 2016 by Music Fan

Day 2 of download started OK on the weather front and allowed us to get the gas burner out to make coffee and fry some sausage and bacon for breakfast. This year RIP had provided more showers but bizarrely no sinks with cold water. I didn’t want to queue for a shower and don’t mind washing in cold water but where can you clean your teeth? The only place was the water station behind the burger van which is where I went. Suitably refreshed it was time to head out to the arena and get started.

Avatar – 7

I missed the opening few numbers but what I did catch was both entertaining and a bit weird. They reminded us several times that they were from Gothenburg Sweden which seemed to me like they were saying “this is why we look strange”! The first song I heard in full was “The Eagle has landed” which started off with a twee guitar acoustic before bursting into full metal and then odd lyrical verses, hmm not sure yet. However the next song and then their last made my mind up not bad, not bad at all. Yes they are a bit odd and in fact in the build up to the last song the vocalist admitted as much before launching into “Smells like a freak show” during which we were treated to all but the drummer madly swinging their hair round whilst head banging.

Shvpes – 3

At the nearby Maverick Stage I took in the first couple of songs by Shvpes. I gave them a chance but they’re not for me, way too loud and forced vocals drove me onward. Why do some bands think the louder the better? I know some like that kind of music but I prefer to be able to hear.

Wearing Scars – 8

I should’ve gone to see these guys straight away after seeing them at “Camden Rocks”. I couldn’t get in the tent and had to be content with standing outside listening to their set delivered with passion and enthusiasm. The singer has a smile in his voice when delivering the blistering lyrics backed by wondrous guitar playing and sublime drumming. They had a bigger crowd than Shvpes and deservedly so. Their final song was the hauntingly beautiful “Butterfly” sung with such feeling by the vocalist and a good section of the crowd myself included.

Reigning Days – 6

Aptly named I thought considering the weather of the weekend. Musically this 3 piece band are good but I’m not sure if they even know which genre of music they play! But it was good indie rock with a bit of electronica thrown in although where it came from I’ve no idea. Very enjoyable and they sent us on our way with a thumping good tune “Renegade”

Throughout my time at Download I take a water bottle to fill at the water stations after all £2.50 for 500ml is outrageous and I like to drink enough water before moving on to the harder stuff. I needed some now before the next band on the encore stage and another I saw at “Camden Rocks”

The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing – 10

I managed to get to the barriers for these guys although I wish I hadn’t arrived just as an enormously overweight bloke decided to get up and in doing so bent over showing exactly why the sun doesn’t shine there. Fortunately TMTWNBBFN came bounding out on stage shortly after and cleansed my mind of that dreadful sight. These guys know how to write intelligent, witty and raucous songs that entertain you and bring a huge smile to your face. Introducing one song they told us (again for me) that every time they played it in the USA they had to tell people it was “ironic”, the song’s about Charles Darwin and evolution. In fact most if not all their set is about the Victorian era with songs about chimney sweeps and miners. In between they have some banter with the crowd getting the left and right halves to compete in who’s the loudest and saying “your better than them” each time and ending it with “and that’s how racism starts” before launching into another ludicrous ditty. At the end they had converted the doubters into believers and I personally witnessed that transformation amongst those around me who said they’d not seen them before. They ended with “Brunel” to which the whole very large crowd joined in.

More water was needed and I picked some up on my way back to the Maverick Stage to catch the end of Turbo Wolf. Also along the way I got myself a mozzarella, tomato and pesto baguette which was freshly made and filling. I was surprised because the baguette had obviously been baked that day as well.

Turbo Wolf – 7

I only managed to catch the last two songs of their set but blimey what a breath-taking performance of both. Fuzzy guitar riffs, spaced out vocals and lively drumming, it was psychedelia on steroids, the lead singer looks and sounds like he’s straight out of the ‘70’s

Danko Jones – 8

I decided to stay at the back for the next band to chill out for a bit having just eaten. Danko Jones played some blistering good old fashioned rock and roll songs with artfully crafted riffs. The trio reminded me of Motorhead in a way, it’s all about the music and they had me foot tapping, head banging and devil horn flinging all the way through their set.

I had in mind going over to the dogtooth stage for “Milk Teeth” but the next group had been recommended to me by some people I’d met at “Camden Rocks” and bumped into yesterday. So I stayed in the tent and wandered down to the front. There were a group of people blowing up giant footballs and 2 inflatable sheep but that’s almost tame by some of the things I’d already seen. As the band were about ready to come on I noticed a few clowns in the wings and that the tent was rammed with people.

Lawnmower Deth – 10

The band came out followed by the grotesque clowns who proceeded to spray silly string over the front few rows of the crowd and probably security not to mention the band members who ripped into the first song. The clowns were clowning around throwing out a load of inflatable toys straight into the whirling dervish of a massive mosh pit that had developed as soon as the first chord was struck. It was madness, it was chaos and it was very very enjoyable. The sheep appeared from nowhere and the inflatables were batted around for the entire half hour set. One lad managed to grab 3 rubber rings and proceeded to crowd surf to the front only to be thrown over the barriers by the enthusiastic crowd, presumably he bounced. These guys were mental with mental songs and a mental stage presence. A giant rabbit appeared, summoned by us chanting “Sumo”, and was then chased round the stage. At some point bread rolls were being shot out of catapults as the riotous act continued. Then the lead singer announced a special guest which drew some jeers from the crowd because the previous times they’ve played download they’ve promised special guests but not delivered. Well this time they did and fuck me if it wasn’t Kim Wilde joining them on stage. When asked what we wanted to hear the majority wanted “Egg Sandwich” which Kim joined in with and lasted about 30 seconds! Finally though she joined in to sing the Lawnmower Deth version of “Kids in America”. During all of this the mosh pit continued and most inflatables survived although the sheep were looking very muddy and probably nervous about the next song called “Sheep Dip”. This was one of those times when you didn’t want it to end but alas it did. The moshing subsided, people hugged each other smiling happy that we’d been part of the madness that had infected the tent for a brief 30 minutes and yes we can say “we were there when Kim Wilde sang a metal song”. Unbelievable but extremely entertaining.

I left the tent and made my way over to the Encore stage to catch the next group.

Bury Tomorrow – 7

The stage was rammed so I couldn’t get to close and being on the edge meant that some of the sound was lost in the breeze and rain. It may also have been the come down from the frenetic energy of “Lawnmower Deth” that meant I didn’t enjoy this set as much as I thought I was going to. They screamed their way through the set and judging by the number of pits developing clearly were entertaining those closer to the action than I. Not bad.

After taking on some liquid refreshments I headed for the main stage and the next band. Again the stage was pretty rammed possibly in anticipation for the headliner although the next band up do draw large crowds as well. I got fairly close to the action and definitely within ear reach of the sound this time.

Megadeth – 7

A tape starts up with “Prince of Darkness” and as it ends the band are on and they launch straight into “Hanger 18” and the crowd went mad. It was an accomplished set but seemed a bit tired perhaps they were reaching the end of the long “Dystopia” tour and it was taking its toll. Unfortunately their cover of “Anarchy in the U.K.” with Nikki Sixx only served to underline this point as it was a bit ropey at best. However they recover well and end the set with “Peace Sells” and “Holy Wars” showing off their speed-metal shredding to maximum effect.

As I was leaving to go and have a rest back at the tent the “management” had dragged Dave (lead singer Megadeth) back on stage in his bath robe to present the “Spirit of Lemmy” award to “Triple H” a wrestler who was a good friend of Lemmy. Poignant moment for all.

England were playing Russia at the Euro 2016 championship so I went to Park Farm to have a look as it was on the telly there. A bit crowded and seemed to me the same old England playing i.e. frustrating to watch so I left. On my way back I tried to find a geocache that was located near the RIP entrance but that was just as frustrating as watching England.

Wandering back into the arena for food and more refreshments the whole area now resembled one giant mud pit. It was becoming increasingly hard to walk as I made my way to the top of the hill for noodles. It was raining again and as the “Dogtooth” stage had finished for the night I’d hoped to be able to eat there but it was being closed by security. Still I had a good chat with the fellow about music and mud!

Black Sabbath – 7

Yes I know that I could be slated for that review score but remember it’s my personal rating. I saw and heard “Sabbath” near the disabled seating area on a slope which also served as a walkway. It’s off to one side so perhaps the sound isn’t as direct and it was raining. Musically I couldn’t fault them, they were brilliant however every time Ozzie opened his mouth, whether to sing or not, I winced. It’s their last tour and rightly so for Ozzie. I stuck it out for about half the set before deciding that I’d had enough wincing and getting wet for my trouble so I trudged back to my tent noticing that I wasn’t the only one.

At the tent I bumped into my son and we chewed the fat on many things before we watched the fireworks signal the end of the Sabbath set. For me it was also the end of another night at Download and as son set off to meet his friends in the village I went to clean my teeth only to be scolded by the shower lady for wearing my boots into the shower.

Download Festival – Friday 10th June 2016

Posted on July 5, 2016 by Music Fan

It was hot and sunny when I arrived at Download Festival on the Thursday evening. RIP camping had been expanded from last year and consequently there was a bit of a walk from the car park to the Yurty I booked. Once settled in it was time for beer and BBQ before heading out to explore the delights of the VIP area. On my way I passed a bloke dragging in a large cling film wrapped trolley laden with c.100 cans of lager and a single 2L bottle of water that’s festival provisions for you!

Friday morning was again bright and warm but checking the forecast gave me cause for concern as heavy rain was predicted in the afternoon. Gas cooking was allowed in RIP this year and was so much easier than the hex stoves we’ve used in the past. Breakfast eaten and “Rocket Fuel” coffee drunk it was time to head out to the main arena to start the festival.

The arena was looking green and already had a large number of people milling around drinking and eating. I headed straight for the merchandise stall to get the t-shirts I wanted after missing out last year because I left it until Sunday. There was a huge queue and it took over 30 minutes to get to the front. During the wait some people came past shouting for “Colin” which caused some merriment as several people re-enacted the scene from Monty Pythons “Life of Brian” when several people, including women, claimed to be Colin. Then some wag announced he’d lost his mate and could we help look for him “he’s wearing a black t-shirt!” This helped pass the time in the queue. Once I secured my purchase it was off to the Encore stage for my first band.

Raveneye – 7

I guess it’s hard to be first on stage on any day let alone the first however Raveneye hit the ground running with a powerful performance that included some heavy riffs and quite a lot of rhythm and style to boot.

As Lions – 6

I stayed for the next band and made my way towards the front. I wished I hadn’t because a swarm of midges appeared from nowhere to cause havoc amongst the crowd. When As Lions came on the roar of sound from them seemed to blast away the midges. Heavier and with a more raw edge than “Raveneye” they came across less polished but were enjoyable nevertheless.

Just after they’d finished my son called to say he’d be at the entrance in 10 minutes. So I wandered over to meet him. People were streaming into the arena many in fancy dress including a group dressed as “where’s wally”. After meeting up we walked to the RIP site so he could register and drop his rucksack off. As we got into the tent the heavens opened and the heaviest storm I’ve witnessed in a long time broke out. The rain was drumming so hard on the tent we couldn’t hear each other speak and decided to wait out the worst of it before venturing back into the arena.

The Amorettes – 8

Despite the rain I made sure I was at the Dogtooth stage for The Amorettes after their show at Camden last week. They put on another very good show and this time had turned up their amps to match the larger venue. Their sound is rock and roll with a bit of a punk edge to it with vocals delivered with a gravelly voice that I’d previously said reminded me of “Siouxsie Sioux”. However hearing that voice again I really expected them to rip into “Devil gate drive” and remembered that the vocalist really reminded me of Suzi Quatro. The tent was packed and not because of the weather, the Amorettes went down a storm (pun intended) and could’ve filled the Maverick Stage tent.

The rain had eased off and I wandered off towards the main stage in search of beer which I got from the aptly named “Dogbar 666”. This side of the main stage was strangely quiet maybe the rain had washed the people away. So I was able to make my way quite close to the front for the next band.

Killswitch Engage – 8

Blimey this was full on and intense metalcore at its best with heavy riffs and a pounding drum line to match. Watching them perform warmed us all up and right next to me a circle pit developed. I was very tempted to join in but then remembered the “no contact sport” rule of wearing a pacemaker! Still I was jumping and gyrating anyway. They could cut down on the sexual references during breaks between songs, as these were both crass and immature, but otherwise this was another solid and enjoyable set. Musically they were very good, great guitar riffs backed by frenetic drumming and fronted by a vocalist who can switch effortlessly from melodic singing to full on throat shredding screams.

Kadavar – 7

I was on my way back to my tent but remembered that I’d marked Kadavar down as a band to see and so I popped into the Maverick tent as it was on my way. Kadavar reminded me of groups like “Yes”, “Uriah heap” and “Led Zeppelin” with their own slightly fuzzy psychedelic style of music. They took me back to my youth and they also looked very retro in dress and hair styles. Musically rich, rhythmic, creative and atmospheric I’m glad I remembered to check them out.

After Kadavar I made my way back to my tent to get some Jack Daniels and coke in memory of Lemmy. I didn’t want to see the tribute fearing it may all be a bit mawkish, however my son told me later it was pretty good so well done to the organisers. You’re not allowed to bring your own alcohol into the arena but everyone does somehow. My 2 cans were in my shorts pockets but I had a long raincoat on and just ambled through security. Time to take on some food and being Friday its fish day but after last year’s cardboard I was unsure whether to try again. Passing by the “Lighthouse” fish bar I had a look and thought their offering looked decent enough so I ordered. It was very nice indeed.

Korn – 9

Well this day was turning out to be a winner with yet another great set from a group I first saw supporting Slipknot on their “prepare for hell” tour. I caught some of their set from the “Lighthouse” whilst eating my tea. The rain had returned but as I was undercover it wasn’t bothering me too much. Korn certainly perked up the soaked crowd though from the minute they stepped out on stage and launched into “Right Now”. This encouraged numerous people to break cover and head for the mosh pits. Once I’d eaten I joined them by moving round towards “Dogbar 666” and cracking open one of those Jack Daniels. Korn entertained us throughout their set and a particular highlight was the bag pipe number “Shoot and Ladders”.

There was time for a pit stop and some refuelling from “Dogbar 666” before returning for the main act and one I particularly wanted to see again after witnessing their brilliance at Download 2013. I managed to get very close to the front and got friendly with others who I was now squashed up against. Putting my rain coat in my pocket turned out to be a very good idea as during the set one ladies flimsy jacket was shredded in the mayhem.

Rammstein – 10

Rammstein announced their imminent arrival on stage with a countdown and as it reached the final 10 seconds the stage curtain lit up with the numbers and at zero BANG off went the fireworks and down came the curtain as the crowd roared their approval and we moved as one being. Rammstein are renowned for their pyrotechnical shows and they didn’t disappoint. They thundered like an unstoppable juggernaut through their set giving us songs such as “Keine Lust”, “Feuer Frie”, “Du riechst so gut”, “Ich Will” and “Du Hast” all the while fire was being belched over the crowd from flame throwers variously attached to the stage, faces and guitars. The crowd movement was intense and I was propelled further forward and could feel the heat the pyrotechnics were throwing out, the band members must be lightly toasted after each set. During the encore they came and sat right in front of me for an acoustic number before the final piece “Engel”. I really like “Engel” and it was a treat to be so close as Till was hoisted into the air wings spread spitting fire. Well worth being nearly crushed.

I met up with my son back at our tent after trudging through the mud for over half an hour such was the crowd. We had a beer and chatted about the day before he headed off to see his friends and I turned in.

Download Festival – Sunday 16th June 2013

Posted on November 19, 2015 by Music Fan

Sunday dawned in pretty much the same way as Saturday at Download festival, the fence toilet was in full swing but my son and I joined the lengthy queue for the real toilets. Half an hours wait but if you get in in the morning they’ve just been cleaned!! and so are bearable.

Breakfast was the same as yesterday but over in the area where my sons friends were a couple of them had a different take. One lad was drunk already,10am, claiming he woke in the night feeling dehydrated so had some vodka!! Yeah that’ll work. Some of them went off to find a shower, what?!?! shower at a festival but they had been there since Wednesday. As we were leaving for home straight after the headline act my son and I packed up our things. We borrowed a trolley of his friends and set off for the car.

The car parks are a long way from the tents and because we had a heavy load it took some time to get there. After packing up the car we bumped into a chap who was staying in the Holiday Inn for the weekend and coming in every day. Do you really get a good festival experience in a Holiday Inn? Even me with my damaged body can cope with a few nights under canvas providing there’s enough liquid refreshment on hand. Anyway my son went off to the arena whilst I returned the trolley.

Back at the friends tent city I found 2 of them drinking with the older hanger on that had been with them all festival. He had a lot of stories which I took with a heavy pinch of salt. Drunk lad was now virtually catatonic but kept going on about seeing Parkway Drive. In his state I doubt he made it. Hanger on was sprouting more tall stories so I left hurriedly.

After another long walk to the main arena I decided to visit the Pepsi max stage for the one and only time to see “Brutality will Prevail” on the advice of my son. He certainly enjoyed their set but for me it reminded me of the screaming of “Silent Screams”. My review score: 5

I wandered away and caught some of “Five Finger Death Punch” who were working the crowd really well. However I was crossing way round the back and for me they had the fair ground music to contend with. Why bother with music in the fair ground when there’s a flipping rock festival going on? From my brief hearing I thought they were good. My review score: 7

Over at the encore stage I realised I should’ve stayed with the main stage as “Masters of Reality” made my reality feel awful. My review score: 4

Cheered myself up by cashing in my cups for £2!! And that wasn’t all I’d drunk this weekend. Today was beer free though as I was driving home later on.

Next up were 2 dreadful experiences for me and please remember this is my personal take on the event. “Parkway Drive” were awful and why were they on the main stage? My review score: 3

Then at the Red Bull stage “Forever can Wait” didn’t impress and I wished I had waited before going there. My review score: 3

Perhaps the last 2 acts suffered because I was feeling knackered, my old body can only take so much partying and I certainly had been the previous 2 nights. I found a seat in the quite area and fell asleep for a while.

Woke to find “Stone Sour” were on the main stage and although I stayed in the quiet area what I heard impressed me. I realised afterwards that they were on when I first fell asleep which just shows how knackered I was! My review score: 8

Got some food in me and found a VW van thing selling coffee!! Strong one for me got me buzzing a bit more. On the Acoustic stage were “Pig Iron” and were being watched by the Pope and 2 cardinals. Texted my son to tell him I’d just seen the Pope and he obviously thought I’d lost it big time! “Pig Iron” helped chill me a bit from the coffee buzz. My review score: 7

The sun was now out and I sat on the grass area near the Red Bull stage. In front of me 2 men had fallen asleep and were passed by a large group of youths. The youths sat a short distance away and obviously hatched a plan. They quietly walked over to the sleeping men and piled some straw on top of each one and placed an empty beer bottle in one man’s hand and took turns posing and taking photo’s. They then placed a sign on one of the men which I can’t remember what it said but it was really funny. After more photo’s the other man woke up, saw the sign on his friend and got his phone out to take a picture as well 🙂 When both men woke they appreciated the joke, had a laugh with the youths and everyone parted happily. Yes we can all live together and enjoy life.

Ok time for some more strange names and on the Acoustic stage were “Heavens Basement”. They were really good and I’m looking forward to hearing more. At this gig I also saw a women wearing a T-Shirt emblazoned with “Kindergarten teacher by day, Ich bin ein Rammstein bitch by night” or words to that effect. My review score: 7

Back in the Red Bull tent I took in a band who for me were the revelation of the whole festival. Raw young talent who gave a very powerful and awesome account of themselves, so much so that I nearly moshed again even without the alcohol. They are “Falling With Style”, watch them people because they will be huge. I will post another day on videos from Download and there’s one of “Falling With Style” and I am in it!! I’m also in their official video for “The Day the Earth Stood Still”. My review score: 9 BTW I swear that lead guitarist is 12.

Filled with enthusiasm I went back over to the main stage to see “Thirty Seconds To Mars”. Heard good things about them but OMG what a way to destroy any faith you have in a band or anything rock and roll. It was the worst performance I had seen all weekend and in fact EVER IN MY LIFE. They kept stopping mid song to talk to the audience and kept hinting at something big coming our way. I hoped it was the end of the set but no they announced they were going to tour. WTF after that performance I hope they have empty arenas all the way. My review score: 1

I left that abject horror of a performance to go and see my last odd named band of the weekend on the Red Bull stage. “I am I” Well I am I and I did enjoy the set pity that “Thirty seconds…” had demoralised me so much after the euphoria of “Falling with Style”. My review score: 7

Only “Rammstein” were left as main act for the night. There was some time left before they came on and the crowd decided to entertain itself by hurling a very large number of plastic bottles and cups and the last few people brave enough for the zip wire. Then the fireworks began.

This heralded the start of the Rammstein set and it blew me away. If you’ve never seen Rammstein live then go and see them if you get half a chance. Massive pyrotechnics and a stage show that rivals many a major bonfire night party. During one song they had the keyboard player in a massive cauldron which the lead singer tried to set on fire with a flame thrower. When that didn’t work he went off and got a bigger flame thrower which could be described as a flame cannon! Another song had the poor keyboard player being royally screwed atop a mobile gantry. Nobody seemed to complain about this piece but twitter was aflame with complaints about the flesh being shown during “Motorhead”, go figure. More fireworks and during “Feuer Frei” the 3 front men had flame throwers attached to their heads!! Sheer utter madness, 10 foot flames being thrown out from their heads!??!?! “Feuer Frei” apparently means “Fire at will” and they certainly did. Finally it all came to an end with the lead singer atop a giant pink penis spraying foam over the crowd. If “Slipknot” were mental “Rammstein” were simply insane. What a way to end a fantastic weekend. As one reviewer on Amazon said “Some bands entertain but Rammstein destroy” My review score: 10

When I met up with my son he told me he’d been down the front for “Rammstein” at the beginning but got too hot!!! so moved away. We made our way back to the car and managed to get onto the motorway fairly easily arriving home at 3am.

A thoroughly enjoyable weekend, I saw some dross but that has been displaced by the awesome bands I did see. My highlights of the weekend? I’ll pick 5 bands in no particular order:-

Iron Maiden
Rammstein
Gorgol Bordello
Falling with Style
Motorhead

What will 2014 bring?

Download Festival – Saturday 15th June 2013

Posted on November 19, 2015 by Music Fan

Warning – This post has swearing in it.

Saturday morning arrived, at Download Festival, with me waking up wondering why my right foot was soaking wet? It took me a while to realise that I’d poked the corner of my sleeping bag under the tent and it had rained in the night! OK so we hadn’t quite erected the tent properly but we were keen to get on and see the music after all isn’t that why you spend hundreds of pounds to go?

Breakfast consisted of me sitting in a chair eating “Sugar Puffs” out of the box with my hand, yes we had no bowls or spoons we’re at a festival!. At least I put the trooper ale souvenir mug to good use and filled it with fruit juice. I noticed other people had a different take on breakfast that consisted of drinking beer notably the Norwegian contingent not too far from us. The queues had already started for the toilets but us blokes just used the fence 🙂 you can’t be shy at a festival.

The Norwegians were attracting some attention with their drinking game and trying to get passers-by to join in. They had also created some fence art by squashing empty beer cans into the metal fence surrounding the camp site. They tried to get me to join in but I was getting an early start for the long walk to the arena. Today the headline is Iron Maiden and I was looking forward to seeing them as I have quite a few albums and use their music for running to!

My feet were sore after yesterday wearing wellies that I didn’t need so today its boots and a rucksack for the wellies. I’d also noticed there’s a sideline in collecting used drink cups for recycling that some people take incredibly seriously but hey aren’t you there for the music? obviously not. Once inside the arena I made my way to my, by now, usual haunt the acoustic and red bull stages.

On my way I took in my first band of the day “Hardcore Superstar” on the encore stage. Nah sorry not my cup of tea and I got wet because it was raining. My review score: 4

Walking round to the acoustic stage and people are already tucking into beer and burgers. On stage were “The Killing Floor” and for me the day was picking up. Loved the set and perhaps also because with this stage I can get up close. My review score: 6

The red bull stage is close enough to the acoustic that you can hear some of the acts when there’s a lull in the acoustic. So I wander over after “The Killing Floor” because the crowd seemed to be enjoying it and it was raining again (Red Bull stage is enclosed). “Astroid Boys” were on and whilst they were getting the crowd going I wasn’t that wowed. My review score: 5

Stopped raining so back to the acoustic stage for “Fahran”. Damn things are not improving for me and I’m starting to wonder if my plan of going for strangely named bands is the right one. I wandered off fairly quickly. My review score: 4

Back at the Red Bull stage and “Black Moth” were on. Female lead singer definitely had a stage presence that got the crowd moving. The only niggle I had was the sound didn’t sound right and as I was at the back I noticed the sound guy fiddling a lot. I may well look them up on MP3. My review score: 6

I stayed on for “Silent Screams” and watching them set up I thought these may be good. But almost immediately wished I hadn’t stayed but as it was chucking down outside I persevered with the screaming. They had a loyal following down at the front and the crowd really swelled because of the rain. My review score: 3

It was now mid afternoon so off for food and I decided to try the noodle bar. It was really good and a large portion as well which I hadn’t expected. I also caught “Mastodon” on the main stage who I thought were quite good. My review score: 6

OK stomach lined beer time!! On my way to the bar I bumped into my son with his friend. How weird is that when you’re amongst 90000 people.

Beer in hand I took in “Karnivool” on the encore stage. Quite good so things are picking up again. My review score: 6

Bollocks I stayed for “Lit” who singularly failed to light me up. The only thing they did for me is to make me get more beer in, balanced diet one in each hand, but even with extra beer they did not entertain me. My review score: 4

It was at this point I noticed young kids at the festival and one family had taken the precaution of insisting on ear plugs for their daughter. I wandered about for a bit and overheard 2 guys talking and genuinely one said to the other “I feel seriously under tattooed” 🙂

Ok now I’m fairly tipsy and looking forward to seeing “Motorhead” and I break 2 of my daughters rules in one session. I decide I’m going to get as close as possible and so I find myself a couple of rows back. On comes Lemmy and says “We’re Motorhead and we play rock and roll”. They certainly got the crowd going and there was lots of flesh on display both female and male boobs and some of those guys had bigger ones than the women!! One guy had a sign that simply said “Show tits”. Fantastic set by the old guys of rock and roll and the whole crowd sang along to “Ace of Spades”. I needed a piss part way through so made my way to the gents which was awash with liquid which may have been rain but probably not. In fact it wasn’t because I noticed men more drunk then me only bothered to make it as far as the general area. When I went back I got near to the speakers, yes yes yes “play it fuckin’ LOUD”. My review score: 8

More beer and next up are “Queens of the Stone Age”. I’m still near the front having moved closer in after Motorhead fans moved away. QOTSA were fantastic and everyone was jumping around so another rule went out the window as I moshed with the crowd. I noticed crowd surfers just went back and did it all over again and occasionally just disappeared from view. One bloke tried to do it in a rubber dingy never saw what happened to him but bet some wag burst it with a fag. My review score: 9

Feeling a bit drained and needing to recharge before the main event I headed over to the acoustic stage to catch the end of “Devin Townsend”. He was popular and probably on the wrong stage as I could hardly get near it. From what I could hear and see he was good. My review score: 7

More beer and food, burger I think but at that point who cares, in preparation for “Iron Maiden” and I broke another rule. I decided to be further back to see the “show” and ended up standing on a walkway next to some people and we struck up a conversation about bands we’d seen. It had to be a loud conversation as my ears were still ringing from the “Motorhead” speaker experience. Then you knew something was happening and the stage screens lit up with sky around the festival. A drone was heard and if, like me, you’ve watched a few WWII films you know the distinctive sound of a Spitfire and suddenly there it was giving 90000 screaming rock fans a fly past for fucks sake. You’ve gotta be kidding me a FUCKING Spitfire over flying at 100 feet 90000 people 1 mile from East Midlands airport!!! How the fuck do you arrange that? Then it came back and I swear it was lower this time, you could see the Battle of Britain colours clearly. I was speechless and then the guitars kicked in. I do remember wondering if that Rammstein guy was still in uniform and now quickly shedding clothes after all “Iron Maiden” are a tad patriotic. Their set was awesome and I was rapidly going horse from singing, shouting and simply making a noise. “The Trooper” went down a storm as did “The Prisoner”, “2 minutes to midnight” and a favourite running track of mine “Run to the hills”. During the set Bruce Dickinson knows how to get a crowd going and then fuck me he goes and thanks the RAF for lending them a fucking Spitfire, that opener took some fairly big balls to arrange and I doubt anything could top it. Pure goosebumping moment. Then the encore has “Aces high” and the night was complete.

Trudging my way back I use the wall of piss again. I’m sore but happy. Back in the campsite I found a comfy seat to sit on to rest awhile and got chatting to a very nice lady from the Samaritans. I can’t remember cooking this time but I certainly had at least another beer sitting watching the stars. What a day, broke 4 of the rules and texted my daughter to let her know. Anyway I told her the point of going to rock festivals was to stick your head in the speakers and her male friends in the car with us at the time heartly agreed!

	Holding Absence… on Holding Absence – Thursd…
	Holding Absence… on Download Festival – Sund…
	Holding Absence… on Yonaka – Tuesday 12th No…
	Holding Absence… on Commotio – Saturday 3rd…
	Commotio – Sat… on Jo Quail – Saturday 22nd…