Donington Download for seeing bands?

[tom once dead]

I just saw System of a Down are headlining saturday night at download this year and it got me thinking about going. As far as I know system don't have any other tour dates lined up apart from the Europe dates. But living on the other side of the world I don't really want to get over there and then seeing them isn't that great anyway due to the large crowd etc.

So for some people that have been to Donington, how is it for seeing a band you really like? Is it amazing with the atmosphere and all the people or does being a long way from the stage and band make the experience not as good as seeing them at a small(er) venue?

[hellfleet]

Hi,

Download is okay, its one of the bigger rock festivals over here. Whether or not you can get anywhere near the front for a headline band is more about how much you push it.

I've been down the front at download a few times but it is rarely the headliners I want to see. For example last year I was down near the front for Slash, Motorhead, Saxon and that was a great experience. I don't think seeing bands at donnington is as good as a their own show personally but I usually enjoy it.

Some bands perform particularly well at festivals and I seem to remember system of a down as being one of them.

Basically if you're willing to sweat it out for a few hours down at the front to see them you'll probably get a good view of the band. Expect things to go pretty mental for SOAD. Also expect things to get very muddy!

Ell

[tom once dead]

How long does it take to get to the front? A few hours I'm guessing.

[UncleFluffy]

I haven't been to Donington for over 20 years, but my memories are (a) it's muddy, and (b) the sound was pretty good by festival standards, at least for the headliners.