posted
Hi all, just got back from the Download Festival today. Check back over the next few days for my thoughts and reviews.
Lets Get, Let's Get, Let's Get Noms'd Posts: 2517 | From: Living in oblivion. Third floor up. Nice views from the window.... | Registered: May 2004 | Site Updates: 4
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Just to keep the suspense up today I am only going to review the pre-music experience, come back tomorrow for the review of the Friday lineup.
Arrived at the festival around 1600hrs and as soon as me and mini noms started to put up the tent, the rain started falling. Luckily managed to get all our gear undercover quite quickly and I got soaked whilst mini noms sat inside the tent whilst i finished building it.
Once the rain died down it was time to check out "The Village" where the cinema, market stalls, food huts and fairground rides were already taking in a lot of money. We heard a lot of noise coming from the Bell Stage Tent which we thought would require further investigation...
What a find...Metal Karaoke. Although neither mini noms or I got on stage to sing the tent was packed for great crowd sing-a-longs to classics like Walk, Seek & Destroy, God Gave Rock and Roll To You, We're Not Gonna Take it and many more crowd pleasers.
Karaoke soon gave way to Guitar Hero: Metallica and I soon realised that my own skills were immensely inferior to many of the other players out there. Great time had by all though.
Retired to bed around 2330hrs ready for a wake up call for a fairly quiet day checking out the local area on the Thursday, going on a few rides, eating some dodgy burgers etc and working out which bands to see when.
Tomorrow, Faith No More plus support...
Nomsload 2009 Posts: 2517 | From: Living in oblivion. Third floor up. Nice views from the window.... | Registered: May 2004 | Site Updates: 4
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posted
Sounds awesome! The Metal Karaoke sounds like fun, although I'd never do it. I'm too shy about stuff like that (singing in public). Hope you and mini-Noms stayed dry and were well fed too, along with enjoying the music!
Posts: 2289 | From: Pittsburgh | Registered: Nov 2008 | Site Updates: 0
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The key to today was getting a good spot for Faith No More, which unfortunately meant having to sit through some dross in the meantime but more of that later.
Having found a nice little corner in front of the sound desk Download was about to be kicked off by...
HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD Ever heard of them? I certainly hadn't but with 6 guys with masks and microphones I was expecting a Slipknot rip off. Not so, these guys rocked an awesome set of Eminem style hate with metal riffs. Downloaded their album as soon as I got home. Standout track "Undead".
Next up, THE BLACKOUT. Oh dear. Welsh emo / screamo rubbish that did not deserve to be on the main stage at all. TRied to pump the crowd up doing a Limp Bizkit / Korn / FNM medley...failed.
Most people only know STAIN'D for their balladfs but **** me these guys can rock. Great set although I didn't know any of their stuff really. Standout track "Outside" still a great song and done really well when sung along by several thousand fans.
BILLY TALENT next. Generic Canadian punk that most agreed were pretty poor. Next.
Now we are talking, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE! First proper circle pits of the day and delivered a brutal set well worthy of their posistion on the bill. Adam D was his usual manic self running around in a Luchadore mask and cape and obvioulsy enjoying himsefl immensely. Howard even took a walk down the centre aisle to a huge response and I got a high five in with him. Standout Track "End of Heartache"
This was what I was waiting for, the return of LIMP BIZKIT. The buzz for this band was immense and the crowd was the biggest of the day so far. Fred and the boys did not disappoint playing all the fan favourites. It was great to see Wes back and he appeared to be having a great time. Fred even called 2 fans from the crowd on to the stage for a song and they went mental. Standout Track "Breakstuff" but there were so many to choose from.
Now I'm not a massive KORN fan and expected to just have to put up with them but they were actually very impressive. Standout track "Another Brick in the Wall". JD doesn't interact with the crowd much but I guess it's because he wants to get as many songs in as possible.
Inevitable crowd movement now as some were headed off for Motley Crue but for me, this festival was all about FAITH NO MORE.
The stage was bedecked with Red Curtains and the band all came out minus Mike Patton and played some slow intro that was unfamiliar to me. Mike came out hobbling on a walking stick and approached the microphone and sang a duet with Roddy that still didn't ring any bells and the crowd were a bit like WTF!!?! It was only as the chorus kicked in that we got the joke...
I was a fool to ever leave your side Me minus you is such a lonely ride The breakup we had has made me Lonesome and sad I realize I love you 'Cause I want you bad, hey, hey
I spent the ev'ning with the radio Regret the moment that I let you go Our quarrel was such a way Of learnin' so much I know now that I love you 'Cause I need your touch, hey, hey
Chorus: Reunited and it feels so good Reunited 'cause we understood There's one perfect fit And, sugar, this one is it We both are so excited 'Cause we're reunited, hey, hey
Brief instrumental interlude
I sat here starin' at the same old wall Came back to life Just when I got your call I wished I could climb Right through the telephone line And give you what you want So you will still be mine, hey, Hey
I can't go cheatin', honey, I can't play I found it very hard to stay away As we reminisce on precious moments like this I'm glad we're back together 'Cause I missed your kiss,
Lover, lover, this is solid love And you're exactly what I'm dreamin' of All through the day And all through the night I'll give you all the love I have with all my might, hey, hey
That was it, FNM were back and from here on in we were treated to an awesome show.
Tracks like From Out Of Nowhere, Ashes to Ashes, Caffeine, Midlife Crisis, Be Agressive and of course Epic, reminded us all why we loved FNM in the first place. Of course Mike couldn't resist a little Poker Face by Lady GaGa which got a laugh and his on stage antics have not diminished doing a workout of star jumps, situps and press ups during one song.
Mike Gould and Roddy were quick to remind the crowd that they "used to be good, just ask your folks" but we loved them just as much today as we always did.
Standout track "From Out Of Nowhere". Best band of the day easily and well worthy of their headline slot. Limp Bizkit second best, The Blackout the worst.
Didn't leave the main stage all day so cannot comment on bands on other stages but I have it on good authority that the Crue OWNED!!!
See you tommorrow with saturday review.
Faith Noms More Posts: 2517 | From: Living in oblivion. Third floor up. Nice views from the window.... | Registered: May 2004 | Site Updates: 4
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Damn what a show I missed and that's only Friday. I don't see how they kept a straight face during Reunited....
Posts: 3845 | From: Norf Karolina | Registered: Dec 2004 | Site Updates: 0
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From Out Of NOMSwhere Posts: 2517 | From: Living in oblivion. Third floor up. Nice views from the window.... | Registered: May 2004 | Site Updates: 4
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Today was teh day mini noms and I had been looking forward to the most...pure metal day on the main stage and we made sure we got the same spot as yesterday by mini noms sprinting there as soon as he got through the gate...
TIM 'RIPPER' OWENS apparently used to sing for Judas Priest after Rob Halford's departure. He played a lot of unfamiliar material and didn't really get the same reaction as Hollywood Undead the previous day. Even Dave Ellefson on bass looked bored.
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH had cancelled the rest of their European tour but I was pleased they decided to commit to Download as I've just started getting into them. Played an aggressive blinding set and were welcomed by the crowd in a huge way. Standout track "The Bleeding".
Ready to set a new world record? DEVILDRIVER had tried at a previous Download only for Guiness to reject their claim. This time they brought Guinness along with them to verify the world's largest circle pit. I don't know if they set the record but the pit was huge from where I was standing. Played some brutal, ear-bleeding metal and were on my list of music to get hold of once I got home. Standout track "Meet The Wretched".
Next up, the very first band Mini Noms had ever seen live...HATEBREED. My fourth time of seeing them and they were as awesome as ever. Such was my love for this band that as I left mini noms at the safety of the barrier, I couldn't help but move forward and get into the pit. Painful? Yes. Necessary? **** yeah!!! Standout track "I Will Be Heard"
I had seen DOWN before and was unimpressed by their dope smoking, New Orleans inspired metal. Yes, Phil Anselmo is god and still impresses as a front man and they got a huuuuge reaction but they are still not my cup of tea. Standout track "Bury me in smoke"
DRAGONFORCE are a bunch of crazy mother****ers who take on stage eccentricity to the extreme. They put on a great show marred only by poor sound quality. Standout Track "Through The Fire and The Flames" (the song that made Guitar Hero famous apparently...)
After so much metal, I was wondering what the hell to expect from PENDULUM. Surely they were misplaced on such a bill as I had heard they were a drum and bass band. I needn't have worried, these guys totally destroyed Donington and had the best reaction of the day. Another band that surprised me and added to the list of must haves. Standout track "Blood Sugar"
With the crowd so hyped up by Pendulum, surely MARILYN MANSON was going to be something special, he was one of the few bands today I had never seen before and was really excited about seeing. What a let-down!!!! He showed absolutly no enjoyment in being there, sang far too few classics and was followed around on stage by an entourage of hangers on towelling him down, supplying him with oxygen and picking up his microphone stand every two minutes. Worst performance of the weekend by far!!"!
Following that should be easy but even if Manson had played an awesome set, SLIPKNOT would still have been the highlight of the day. Although I had only seen them in December with the same stage show, the 9 really kicked it up for the Download faithful and Corey genuinely seemed delighted to be headlining the biggest show of them all. From start to fonish, these boys showed that they deserved their slot and played the most brutal set Donington had ever seen. Standout Track (how can I only pick one...?) Spit It Out, Duality, Wait & Bleed.
Awesome day with some awesome bands. Again, didn't leave the main stage once so I can't comment on the rest of the festival. Best band of the day... SLIPKNOT, worst band...MANSON.
See you tomorrow for classic rock day.
Noms and Bleed
ps most of the tracks I have mentioned so far can be found on You Tube as taken from teh Download Webcast.
Posts: 2517 | From: Living in oblivion. Third floor up. Nice views from the window.... | Registered: May 2004 | Site Updates: 4
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Holy **** that was a huuuuuuuuge pit during Devil Driver's "Meet the Wretched." Just saw it on you tube.........
Posts: 3845 | From: Norf Karolina | Registered: Dec 2004 | Site Updates: 0
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Mini noms soooo wanted to get in it. So did I for that matter but we opted to watch it from the sidelines...
Safety Noms Posts: 2517 | From: Living in oblivion. Third floor up. Nice views from the window.... | Registered: May 2004 | Site Updates: 4
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Omg, I can just imagine Mini-Noms making a breakaway to get to the front of the stage- so funny! Good thinking on the safety, NOMS I get a little nervous with those crowds at concerts. Did you guys get any pics? Glad to see you guys had a good time!
Posts: 2289 | From: Pittsburgh | Registered: Nov 2008 | Site Updates: 0
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Took loads of pics, will have to upload some at some point...
Photo Noms Posts: 2517 | From: Living in oblivion. Third floor up. Nice views from the window.... | Registered: May 2004 | Site Updates: 4
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Noms On Fire Posts: 2517 | From: Living in oblivion. Third floor up. Nice views from the window.... | Registered: May 2004 | Site Updates: 4
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80'sRocked Play it Loud, Play it Proud
Member # 6979
posted
Would have loved to be at that show....awesome
Posts: 3614 | From: Caught Somewhere in Time.... | Registered: May 2008 | Site Updates: 101
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With the main stage today dedicating itself to classic rock and mini noms' interest levels being zero we decided to finally check out the other stages and the rest of the festival, catching mere snippets of bands here and there and sampling the food and drink the festival had to offer.
We eventually found ourselves at the second stage and caught SUICIDE SILENCE, GOD FORBID and SEVENDUST each of whom were equally aggressive, loud and instantly forgettable...as were HOSTILE on the 3rd stage.
Only when we went to watch SHINEDOWN did things pick up as these were a band I'd heard good things about so was very pleased to finally see them live. They performed a solid but short set with "Devour" being the standout track.
Moving quickly to the third stage I was desperate to see the return of SABBAT, a Nottingham based thrash band that I loved in the late 80's early 90's. Unfortunately the tent was packed by people either trying to get out of the sun or waiting for Steel Panther coming up later. Fortunately a security guard was able to read the disappointmnet on my face and allowed Mini Noms and I to sit on the barrier by the sound desk. Whilst Mini Noms was unimpressed I have to admit that I behaved like a school kid seeing his idols for the first time. Sabbat thrashed olde english style and I loved every minute of it. Standout track 'Do Dark Horses Dream of Nightmares'.
Time then to head back to the main stage to catch ZZ Top finish the final two songs of their set before WHITESNAKE hit the stage. I was surprised that despite the crowd looking so packed from the side and rear we were easily able to reclaim our space from the previous two days. Whitesnake were I band I loved back in the day, unfortunately they should have stayed there. Whilst it was great to hear the old stuff live, David was really chowing his age and his voice did not do the songs justice. Such a shame . Standout track 'Here I Go Again'.
Many people dismissed Def Leppard as a headline act. Not me, I knew that a band as experienced as this could prove the naysayers wrong and they did with a vengeance. Playing all of the hits that made them great the Leps could not put a foot wrong and the crowd loved them for it. Joe informed us that they were filming the show for a DVD (added to my wish list already) and the crowd gave back as good as they got (including a certain Mr Brain May, watching from the sound desk). Joe informed us that the Leps last played Donington after Rick's accident and that it was there that Rick was spiritually reborn. Rick stood up to a tremendous ovation from the crowd that brought tears to his eyes and a lump to the throat of even the most hardened metal fan (myself included) and then the Leps tore Donington apart. Standout Track 'Pour Some Sugar on Me' which even Mini Noms sang along to with glee.
And that was Download 2009 my friends. Don't ask me to pick a favourite headliner as I loved them all in their own unique ways. All I can say is that this was my 4th Download Festival where I have seen Linkin Park, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Tool, Guns N Roses, System of a Down and Feeder all headline and this was my favourite Download of them all.
Photos on their way...
Reviewed Out Noms Posts: 2517 | From: Living in oblivion. Third floor up. Nice views from the window.... | Registered: May 2004 | Site Updates: 4
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Noms Bizkit Posts: 2517 | From: Living in oblivion. Third floor up. Nice views from the window.... | Registered: May 2004 | Site Updates: 4
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Noms No More Posts: 2517 | From: Living in oblivion. Third floor up. Nice views from the window.... | Registered: May 2004 | Site Updates: 4
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Like father like noms Posts: 2517 | From: Living in oblivion. Third floor up. Nice views from the window.... | Registered: May 2004 | Site Updates: 4
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Takes to long to post individuNOMSly Posts: 2517 | From: Living in oblivion. Third floor up. Nice views from the window.... | Registered: May 2004 | Site Updates: 4
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80'sRocked Play it Loud, Play it Proud
Member # 6979
Way to start the boy on the correct path of music too....
Posts: 3614 | From: Caught Somewhere in Time.... | Registered: May 2008 | Site Updates: 101
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quote:Originally posted by 80'sRocked: Unbelievable....
Way to start the boy on the correct path of music too....
Oh he started on that path at a Hatebreed concert in 2005 followed by Download a month later...
Fatherly Noms Posts: 2517 | From: Living in oblivion. Third floor up. Nice views from the window.... | Registered: May 2004 | Site Updates: 4
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