I get what people are saying with ST, it was only 2022 they were subbing the Avalanche tent and 2023 they subbed the FR tent to be headlining Download 2 years later. For all the times Download have refused to booked other bands going higher over the likes of Maiden even when they've done a big tour, it seems mad to them that this is now the case.
Andy done a piece on it because it's obvious ST have got a certain overall reaction outside of this forum and essentially he's got to do what people asked for several years ago. He's got to changes things up and said the festival will die if they don't. But it's more a case of he's got no choice because the options aren't there.
Giving bands spots like 3rd down the main stage would have helped as then at least they are open to broader elements and it's not just such a shock. I fully get the point that a tonne of tickets sold doesn't mean those people are attending Download, or do attend it generally whether they are similar to other bands on the bill or not.
Hey Dan, do you mean in general or specifically next year? I know you're fairly well connected with intel on some festivals in Portugal and I've always fancied a return trip to Nos. One of my favourite festivals but I've never been able to make it work past 2016 (one of the best line ups ever for the price it was too!)