Xfm At Download - Day Two
The Offspring pull a blinder, who would have thought it? It’s day two, we’re beginning to feel the pinch of rock overload, but we’re back for some more…
11:45 We don’t bother showering and grab a greasy burger for breakfast. The oil oozes from our pores almost immediately, but head to the main stage to see Skindred on the main stage to cheer ourselves up. One of the best live bands the UK has on offer, the raga-rockers get the main stage crowds warmed up a treat with their infectious punk tunes and hilarious between-song banter. With new album ‘Roots Rock Riot’ now in shops, both fresh tracks and ’Babylon’ classics get people jumping and hips shaking. Here's hoping by next year they're even higher up the bill!
14:25 Madina Lake don’t quite cut it today. Sound problems seem to get the better of them and, try as they might, they never quite make the impression that’s been their staple since they hit our shores.
We caught up with ML's Dan Torelli before the show. Have a listen!
15:00 Time for something altogether different. One of California's most brutal live offerings, Pantera-lovers Throwdown brought the most on every level – as they thundered through a set of new tunes from recent release ’Venom And Tears’ as well as classic TD tracks. Fists were punched in all directions, and the band were encouraged with hearty roars as they asked for the crowd's permission to do an admirable Alice In Chains cover. Fingers crossed the group will return to these UK shores soon!
16:50 With eardrums perforated, it’s time for some Bleeding Through on the Tuborg Stage. These Orange Country rockers always prove impressive live performers – and today is no exception. Tumble rolls on stage, flips across the floor – atmospheric keyboard interludes and film samples – make this set a memorable and exciting experience on an early Saturday evening. Highlight of the set came when the band encourage around 1000 fans to run in a circle pit around the sound desk – prompting security to scream into their walkie-talkies and panic. All in all, a great show – with new track off upcoming album Declaration going down a treat.
17:30 Bullet For My Valentine return to Download as one of the biggest metal bands on the planet. A top ten US album, sold-out tours, blistering live performances; they’ve become a real force to be reckoned with. Today sees them come of age in a big way - it’s an enormous performance on every level. Chest swelling with pride, we toast their success by being generous at the bar and buying a stranger an over-priced beer.
21:10 They were never this year’s most dynamic of headliners, but my gosh do The Offspring put in a blinder. Every song seems like a hit and turns the Download arena into a massive party. Dancing breaks out in big groups, so we join in and get our freak on. Massive spaces appear around us as our impression of a jumper in a washing machine doesn’t seem to impress. What’s wrong with people? Altogether now, ‘And all the girlies say, I’m pretty fly... for a white guy’.