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FM – Download Main Stage, June 13 2010

If there was widespread disappointment that Ratt pulled out of Download at the last possible minute then drafting in Brit melodic rockers FM proved to be a masterstroke.

With the brilliant Metropolis a sensational statement of intent from Steve Overland and co. the need to take their new tunes on the road is pressing.

Adding a main stage festival set to this summer’s headline tour of the UK was the dream scenario for the nearly men of the late 80s scene and talk about seizing their chance with both hands – from start to finish those who did tackle Sunday’s early action were treated to something very special indeed.

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Steel Panther – Download RJD Stage, June 13 2010

With rain lashing down, ankle-deep mud gathering underfoot and a main stage running well behind schedule, Sunday’s Download seemed to be taking a turn for the worse.

But one band changed all that. One band stopped the rain. One band made the mud tolerable. That band was Steel Panther.

Returning for their second performance in successive years at Download, the glam rockers meant business.

With the festival celebrating the last brilliant 30 years on the hallowed grounds of Donington. So it was fitting that a band inspired by a spoof 70s act, laced up and singing 80s style songs with a twist of modern day humour should steal the show. Read the rest of this entry »

Slash – Download Main Stage, June 13 2010

There are very few guitarists in the world of rock who, in their own right, can command a middle ranking berth on Download’s final day main stage.

There are fewer still who can pull off a set so diverse, so dazzling and so utterly at one with the spirit of Castle Donington’s past, present and future that they seem like the most natural figurehead for a world renowned event.

Slash, of course, was making his fourth appearance at the famous metal haunt and the former GnR hero, more than most, must feel at home treading the Download boards. But in this guitar hero’s case familiarity hardly breeds contempt – exactly the opposite, in fact. The more we see of this this magnificent musician, the more we marvel at his brilliant showmanship. Read the rest of this entry »

Saxon – Download Main Stage, June 13 2010

Saxon’s is a story of an amazing triumph in the face of commercial adversity. Within the space of three years the NWOBHM pioneers have gone from relative obscurity to Download’s main stage and it’s great to see them back.

Significantly Biff Byford and the boys follow up their Castle Donington comeback with an appearance at High Voltage next month. It’s the latest leg of a remarkable journey for the Barnsley boys and recognition that one of the UK’s most talented rock bands are still the perfect foil for any festival.

Saxon may owe their rejuvenation to a rather dodgy reality TV show but like their good mates Anvil they’re not about to let a second stab at stardom pass them by. Working harder and faster than ever – and with their entire back catalogue remixed and remastered – these are heady times for a true staple of the domestic metal scene and this sun-baked set showcased a band back at the very top of the game. Read the rest of this entry »

30 Seconds To Mars – Download Main Stage, June 12 2010

Variety is the spice of life and music is no different. Download prides itself on delivering the broadest range of rock music on the spectrum and Saturday’s headline acts were a prime example.

Having made the decision to catch 30 Seconds to Mars over rap rock monsters Rage Against the Machine, my choice was met with ridicule and in many quarters disgust. Some even went as far as to question my credentials as a rock fan!

Having never really understood the fascination with RATM’s repetitive use of bass and Zack de la Rocha’s monotonous rapping, I bit my tongue and laughed off the suggestions, fearing a public execution if heaven forbid I should air my true opinion. Read the rest of this entry »

Cinderella – Download Main Stage, June 13 2010

For those who discovered rock via the glossy medium of MTV in the late 80s there was only one must-see band on the main stage.

Even at their commercial peak Cinderella’s visits to these shores were few and far between. Fast forward to 2010 and the band have become virtual strangers to their loyal UK fan base.

Tom Keifer’s longstanding vocal chord problems haven’t helped and it’s a fact that too many shows could finish his career for good.

But on this evidence one of the most distinctive singers to emerge from the hair metal scene can still cut it when fully fit and fully focused. Read the rest of this entry »

Aerosmith – Download Main Stage, June 13 2010

The sceptics lined up in their legions, thousands deep and half expecting one of the greatest frontmen in rock and roll history to fail.

But Steven Tyler was never, ever going to let that happen. Within seconds of Aerosmith’s singalong opener, the 80s anthem Love In An Elevator, it became clear that reports of this particular singer’s demise were premature.

The fact that he turned up at all surprised many gathered in front of the main stage to pay their final respects at Download 2010. That he not only showed up but went on to turn in one of the highlight performances of another thrilling festival proved there’s plenty of life in this old dog yet. Read the rest of this entry »

Them Crooked Vultures – Download Main Stage, June 11 2010

On reflection this set from rock’s latest supergroup suggested the sum is less than the stellar parts. It seems impossible to fault musicians of the calibre of Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and John Paul Jones but on this evidence you can.

With a decent debut album under their belts the pressure was on to prove this power trio could pull it off live.

And while there was no note out of place or no slackening of the pace there was an obvious spark missing from a band many have hailed as the saviours of heavy rock. Read the rest of this entry »

So it was a decidedly damp end to Download 2010 but a little bit of rain (ok, there was quite a lot) wasn’t going to spoil another spectacular weekend of rock and metal action.

We’ll be reviewing all the big names and bringing you news from behind the scenes all this week but before all of that we’re delivering our annual snapshot of the Castle Donington festival.

If you want to know the best and worst of Download 2010 – including the bands that rocked and the acts which rolled – read on.

And don’t forget to stick with rushonrock throughout the summer with High Voltage the next big date in our packed diary. Read the rest of this entry »

AC/DC – Download Main Stage, June 11 2010

The return of AC/DC to Castle Donington 19 years after their Monsters Of Rock triumph was never likely to fail.

And, in truth, the only thing that’s changed in the space of almost two decades is the number of wrinkles appearing on the faces of the main men (more) and the strands of wild hair covering Angus Young’s head (fewer).

Otherwise this is essentially the same hit-laden set – with a batch of Black Ice standards for good measure – and the same high energy performance.

Both Young and Brian Johnson comfortably defy their advancing years and the songs are as sensational as they always were. As expected, AC/DC proved to be the perfect band to close day one of this 30th anniversary Donington rock fest. Read the rest of this entry »