Monday 9 June 2014

Looking Forward To Download 2014?


If you've followed Zombies from the very beginning, you'll remember how ecstatic I was when I was heading to Download 2012, it was my first ever festival and I still haven't come back down to earth from that earth-shattering Black Sabbath headline set. I was inconsolable when I couldn't afford to go last year, so I was determined to go this year regardless of the lineup.


I've only been to Download once before but I'm already far too excited to get back to that old familiar arena and make a beeline for the heavenly chicken stand... ahem, I mean, see some great bands! Of course I'm not just going for the food, the overpriced food is just a delicious bonus.
Me and Matty are staying in a hotel this year, and I couldn't be more grateful. I'm getting far too old for this camping malarkey. As much as I love the environment in the Village and holding it in all weekend in fear of catching numerous venereal diseases from the toilets, my physical health ain't what it used to be, so a mattress is not only desired but required. Plus who doesn't want a good old shower every night? I'm a hygiene freak as I mention every time I blog about festivals.

Trivialities and hygiene aside... I'm not ecstatically keen on any of the headliners but thankfully, some of my favourite bands are making an appearance at Donington this time around. Who am I most looking forward to, and who should you be keeping an eye out for this weekend?


The Amity Affliction
If you're kicking about the Pepsi Max Stage on Friday at 4.15pm, give these post-hardcore boys a chance and you'll be pleasantly surprised. They put on a fantastic show and give 110%, plus their new album is out this week so you're guaranteed to not be the only one that doesn't know the words. 

Bring Me The Horizon
In the wake of the blockbuster Sempiternal, you'd be a fool to miss BMTH on Saturday at the Main Stage. If you get lost, follow the indomitable crowd of old fans and converts chanting 'this is sandpit turtle' and you'll find your way there. It's safe to predict the atmosphere during their set will be nothing short of orgasm-inducing, especially if they pull out the universally electrifying Can You Feel My Heart. 

Fall Out Boy
I've waited all my teenage years to see Fall Out Boy and I'm beyond ecstatic to see them at last. Following last summer's comeback Save Rock And Roll, the kings of pop-punk are neck deep in success and Download will be the highlight, just you wait and see. I predict some stage theatrics to round off their music video compilation The Youngblood Chronicles, so head to the Main Stage on Saturday night to bring back all those Take This To Your Grave memories.

Memphis May Fire
Unconditional is up there with my favourite releases this year, Memphis May Fire are just hitting it big time and now's the best time to catch them at their height. I can see a guest appearance or two happening at Download for these guys, so if you don't know MMF by now, you'll hear their crowd at the Pepsi Max Stage on Sunday from a mile off.

The Used
If you haven't heard of The Used by now, I hereby invite you to crawl out from under your rock and check them out at the Pepsi Max Stage (a pitiful staging error if I do say so myself) at 8pm on Sunday. Undoubtedly my favourite band of all time, The Used are renowned for their addictive choruses and game-changing records, so their new release Imaginary Enemy is bound to make a lasting impact on anyone in that crowd. If you happen to be there and Generation Throwaway kicks in, consider this a warning to shield yourselves, I guarantee I'll spontaneously combust.

Twisted Sister
If these guys weren't clashing with Fall Out Boy, I'd be there in a heartbeat. One of my favourite glam metal bands out there, I'm gutted I won't be able to see these guys, especially because they come over here so rarely. So if you're not into FOB, go and see Twisted Sister for me?

We Came As Romans
I'm a diehard metalcore addict and Tracing Back Roots is a thumping good album to prove the appeal of the genre in recent years, so my money's on these guys storming the Zippo Encore stage on Sunday afternoon as if it were Warped Tour. Judging by the videos of these guys live, their crowds are passionate and energetic, so even if you're not a metalcore fanatic, it'll be worth tagging along purely for the experience.

Of course, these aren't the only bands I'll be seeing this weekend, I'll more than likely be dragged along to the likes of Sikth and Thy Art Is Murder with Matty. Thankfully I only have one massive clash this year, with Fall Out Boy and Twisted Sister, but I'm not struggling as badly with timings as I'd anticipated. With any luck, I'll be vlogging as much of the weekend as possible, so providing my hair and makeup has worked out every day, you'll be seeing my experience of the festival on YouTube soon after!

Are you heading to Download? Who are you most looking forward to? Drop me a line in the comments or on Twitter, I'd love to meet as many followers as possible!

Facebook Twitter Instagram Tumblr Pinterest YouTube RSS

5 comments:

  1. Hey Ali,
    Just wanted to say how much I adore your Blog. It was, in fact, reading your Blog last year that inspired me to start my own and thus kick started my own blogging addiction. I look forward to reading every new post you publish!
    Best wishes,
    Robert William. - http://www.mrgothinista.com/ xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am so insanely jealous. Avenged Sevenfold and Linkin Park and The Used and The Offspring and Fall Out Boy.... *deep breath* I need to find someone who will stuff me in their luggage and sneak me in.
    Have an amazing time! Take pictures and post them on the blog so I can live vicariously?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh my, I am so jealous! I wish I could go too! If I'd go, I'd definitely check out Avenged Sevenfold, Within Temptation, The Offspring, Linkin Park, Fall Out Boy, Bowling For Soup, Twisted Sister, Skid Row, Aerosmith, Alter Bridge, Volbeat, The Pretty Reckless, Sabaton and Skillet! So many names I want to see (again)! Damn it, I really wish I could go! Luckily a lot of these names are also playing at Graspop at the end of June. And I'll be there, woohoo :D Can't wait!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sounds like fun! I love fall out boy, too. I've seen them a handful of times and it was great every time. They get better and better every time. The used also put on a great show! have fun!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I just realized this post is old and the festival is now over hahah I'm so behind on my reader! so correction: I hope you HAD fun! :)

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for reading my post, I hope you liked it! I read every comment and aim to reply as soon as possible.