Download 2013 has one of the best line ups of any festival in the history of the world ever (note: I am never, ever prone to exaggeration). But seriously, it’s going to be great. Here’s just a taster of who’ll be making us lose our minds.
FRIDAY
3 DOORS DOWN
Friday is pretty bloody good for nostalgia, and 3 Doors Down will be great for that. Mass singalongs to ‘Be Like That’ on the Zippo Encore stage? Oh, go on then.
ASKING ALEXANDRIA
Say what you want about Asking Alexandria, but they are an absolutely storming live band. The only sad part is that they’re playing the main stage so early in the day, so there probably won’t be pyrotechnics. Feel free to prove me wrong, please.
PAPA ROACH
Papa Roach are not only great for nostalgic value, but are actually way better now than they used to be. Make sure you listen to their most recent albums, because they will blow your mind with their catchy brilliance. That’s not to say that ‘Last Resort’ won’t be a ridiculously brilliant moment, because it will. But still.
KORN
Hi there 2001, nu metal is back for the weekend and Korn will be ripping up the main stage. Let’s all dig out our ridiculously baggy flared jeans, studded belts and oversized band hoodies, because we’re going back in time and it’s gonna be bloody great.
SLIPKNOT
Last but not least are the first headliners of the weekend: the mighty Slipknot. Last time they were in the UK they headlined Sonisphere 2011 and it was nothing less than spectacular. Expect just the same this time around. GET PSYCHED.
SATURDAY
YOUNG GUNS
Sure, they’ve been on the rampage taking on America but good lord we’re glad that Young Guns are back on home turf and ready to get back to what they do best: entertaining the pants off us!
LIT
I’m in over my head with the levels of “Oh my gosh!” excitement going on right now. The soundtrack of my early noughties coming to life in front of my face? Brace yourselves for ginormous sing alongs. This is going to be huge!
JIMMY EAT WORLD
Ok, so Damage hasn’t turned out to be everyone’s cup of tea… it’s a grower. But you’ll sure lose your mind when Salt Sweat Sugar, Sweetness and The Middle are inevitably played.
THE HIVES
Who are you? THE HIVES. What do you want? THE HIVES. Does honey badger give a shit? THE HIVES. Yes, the answer to everything while the Swedish outfit are on stage is, in fact, The Hives. And don’t you bloody forget it.
IRON MAIDEN
As if we’d make a trip up Donington way without spending some time with the heavy metal stalwarts who are set to top off Saturday night. No doubt they’ll treat us to all the pyros and theatrics that they are famous for. And yes, we expect to sup a pint or two of Iron Maiden beer.
SUNDAY
RAMMSTEIN
While none expect to see even a glimpse of sunny weather, Rammstein’s fiery blasts are sure to warm our cockles. And we can’t wait to be weirded out by the bizarre Berliners’ typical on-stage oddities.
LIMP BIZKIT
Lil Wayne, please, please, PLEASE make an appearance!
POD
We’ve all seen Blue Crush and dreamed of being Kate Bosworth surfing pipe in Hawaii while POD – Youth Of The Nation blasts over the roaring waves, right? No? Just me? Oh well. She rules. And we wanna party like it’s 2002 and we’re back ripping up the best beach parties. C’mon, P.O.D., make us feel alive!
THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM
Who’s ready to hear ‘The 59 Sound’ and ‘Handwritten’ live? And who’s ready to get all emotional and sing along at the tops of our voices? Oh, that’s us. Just a bit excited.
A DAY TO REMEMBER
Duh duh duh duh duh duh duh duh duh duh…LET’S GO. If you’ve been living under a rock, I am of course referring to the intro of ‘The Downfall Of Us All’, which is without a doubt going to be one of the best singalongs of the weekend. Get ready to bounce Donington!
See you down the front!
LAIS MW / JESSICA ACREMAN