Download Festival 2009
Friday 12th to Sunday 14th June 2009Donington Park, Leics, England MAP
£135 weekend, £65 any day, camping is an extra £25
Last updated: Thu 11th Jun 2009
Mankinis? Jägermeister? Ridiculous tan lines? Heavy Fucking Metal? Needless to say, it's Download time, and given the pant-crustingly awesome array of bands on display this weekend, only a fool would bet against 2009 being one of the best festivals of the 21st century. As if that wasn't enough, early signs of a washout seem to have been unfounded, because Friday morning proves to be hotter than Satan's Sunday roast lamb.
Not long after on the main stage, professional grumps Staind go some way to making everyone wonder exactly how in the hell they ever bagged a record deal, let alone a number one album. Sure, 'Outside' draws an inevitable singalong from those still hankering for the nu metal era, but on a day like this, is all this moping really necessary? No such self-pity from Sylosis of course, who deafen just about everyone within a half-mile radius of the Tuborg tent thanks to their riveting display of progressive, thrashy metalcore mayhem. They'll go places, those boys.
While the main stage prepares for one of the most hyped reunions of the last few years, Mötley Crüe attempt to roll back a few years of their own with a set that throws in a couple of numbers from last year's 'Saints Of Los Angeles' album as well as the usual fanfare. The likes of 'Motherfucker Of The Year' and 'Saints...' don't quite match up to 'Primal Scream' et all, but they still draw a strong response, and the presence of a huge backing screen complete with funky psychedelic videos suggests that while the Crüe might lack the edge they once had, they still have showmanship in abundance.
Naturally, there's only one band on the bill tonight (and arguably the whole weekend) that's had people talking more than any other. Faith No More's headliner slot raised the eyebrows of some and the boners of many, but if you're not even a bit excited by the prospect of Mike Patton and co's first festival slot in over a decade, then you probably shouldn't be here. Faith would have to have been truly spectacular to live up to the mania surrounding their return, and though the lack of practice tells at times, no one can argue with storming renditions of 'Midlife Crisis', 'From Out Of Nowhere' and...er... Lady GaGa's 'Poker Face'. Well, they're unpredictable chaps if nothing else.
review by: Merlin Alderslade
photos by: Luke Seagrave / Chris Perowne
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