Never been to Download

[kaosmark2]

Slowly and quite unnoticeably Reading has been trying to shake off that aspect over the last few years.

[Dan R]

I did leeds from 08-11 and reading this year, seen a massive improvement of the organisation of the festivals. Was really impressed by reading this year, was definitely better than download.

[luckysalt]

I haven't been to Reading since 2005 so can't comment but I agree with Scottie, Download was exactly like he posted this year, it didn't used to be that way but every year it feels more of a Live Nation cash cow rather than when it used to feel like they would do EVERYTHING possible to make it the best weekend for the fans, this year they sqeezed every penny possible out of you and every extra thing such as signs even were stripped away, the only signs were showing you where you could spend more money.

It defo lost a lot of the spirit there this year, and the crowd were a huge shift towards dickville, even the pub crawl sucked this year.

[devilman]

I've heard the "herded like cattle" thing a few times. I don't understand what was different this year. For me it was exactly the same as every other time except there was mud. Signs? The bars are signposted, teh toilets are sign posted and the first aid points are sign posted. there's maps on your phone, on the internet and on the lanyard things, as well big ones up around the place. Not that I need any of these, it's hardly a major nav exercise finding any of these things. As far as I can see the only thing different was MUD making people miserable. Or was it the queue thing on the friday? We were monitoring facebook and enjoying a few cans whilst that was going on but it really does seem to have spoiled a lot of people's weekend.

[neilloggie]

I've heard the "herded like cattle" thing a few times. I don't understand what was different this year. For me it was exactly the same as every other time except there was mud. Signs? The bars are signposted, teh toilets are sign posted and the first aid points are sign posted. there's maps on your phone, on the internet and on the lanyard things, as well big ones up around the place. Not that I need any of these, it's hardly a major nav exercise finding any of these things. As far as I can see the only thing different was MUD making people miserable. Or was it the queue thing on the friday? We were monitoring facebook and enjoying a few cans whilst that was going on but it really does seem to have spoiled a lot of people's weekend.

[rivalschools.price]

So it's not a case of being herded like cattle, expensive beer with a limited choice, and not much else except bands to watch?

[devilman]

Not much to do other than drink beer and watch bands?

sounds like my kinda weekend.

[thejimbola]

I've heard the "herded like cattle" thing a few times. I don't understand what was different this year. For me it was exactly the same as every other time except there was mud. Signs? The bars are signposted, teh toilets are sign posted and the first aid points are sign posted. there's maps on your phone, on the internet and on the lanyard things, as well big ones up around the place. Not that I need any of these, it's hardly a major nav exercise finding any of these things. As far as I can see the only thing different was MUD making people miserable. Or was it the queue thing on the friday? We were monitoring facebook and enjoying a few cans whilst that was going on but it really does seem to have spoiled a lot of people's weekend.

[sheffieldlady]

It will also be my first time at Download next year. I've been to many festivals before. I wouldn't say I was a metal fan at all - my worry is the variety of music to keep me entertained. I am open to new types of music and would love to discover a band I haven't heard of before! (I think Download will offer me plenty of chances for that!)

[AcademicPistol]

It will also be my first time at Download next year. I've been to many festivals before. I wouldn't say I was a metal fan at all - my worry is the variety of music to keep me entertained. I am open to new types of music and would love to discover a band I haven't heard of before! (I think Download will offer me plenty of chances for that!)

[sheffieldlady]

Oh I love rock. It isn't like I've just picked it. I love all three main-headliners and I am liking some of the rumors so far

I was hoping for Pearl Jam over Slipknot but I will live! Last year I liked the line-up as well. I guess I'm just worried as to what it will be like compared to other festivals I've been to

[AcademicPistol]

Oh I love rock. It isn't like I've just picked it. I love all three main-headliners and I am liking some of the rumors so far

I was hoping for Pearl Jam over Slipknot but I will live! Last year I liked the line-up as well. I guess I'm just worried as to what it will be like compared to other festivals I've been to

Edited October 8, 2012 by AcademicPistol

[sheffieldlady]

I've been to both R/L (not recently, I feel to old for that at the age of 24 now!). Glastonbury - but for other reasons then just the music. I also went 2000 trees last year and enjoyed that.

Also - living in Sheffield means I enjoy going to Tramlines and experiencing the delights of little non bands and some well known bands.

I enjoy the likes of 65 Days of Static, Future for the Left and Pulled Apart By Horses.. As mentioned, I love all three headliners and have seen Slipknot a couple of times before.

I'm not looking forward to paying over a fiver for a crappy burger but I guess due to the nature of some festivals you can't have everything!

We haven't brought the tickets as yet, as they never seem to sell out quickly so figured we can afford to wait a little while before committing.

[Hazz]

Download offers a lot more than just bands. But seriously why bother coming to download if you dont like any of the bands

[sheffieldlady]

Download offers a lot more than just bands. But seriously why bother coming to download if you dont like any of the bands

[devilman]

There's an awful lot of variety and you will love it. True science fact right there!

[AcademicPistol]

I enjoy the likes of 65 Days of Static, Future for the Left and Pulled Apart By Horses.

[kaosmark2]

Download offers a lot more than just bands. But seriously why bother coming to download if you dont like any of the bands

[thegremlin_1999]

There certainly isn't musically. Token crossover acts like Prodigy does not variety make.

[devilman]

What else does it offer? Fairground rides and chilling at the campsite?

There certainly isn't musically. Token crossover acts like Prodigy does not variety make.

[kaosmark2]

To be fair, there's quite a variety of different styles musically, but constrained to the rock spectrum. Ignore the token crossover bits and think. Machine head ain't anywhere close to kyuss or really to slash. None of whom really match up to youmeat6 either. There's your variety...

[neilloggie]

I must say over the years i have met some great people and a few that i am still in contact with now and still see every June when we are there.

It's sold primarily as a Heavy Rock/Metal festival so expect little else.

[kaosmark2]

It's sold primarily as a Heavy Rock/Metal festival so expect little else.

[sheffieldlady]

Yeah, I don't have a problem with it sticking to that. It's targeted an audience and keeps within that niche.

I just like being a pedantic twat on the internet.

[kaosmark2]

I think everyone enjoys being a pedantic twat on the internet at one stage in their lifetime!