Sunday:
The final day of Download showcased some of the "classic rock" bands on the main stage that had yet to feature during the weekend. However first of all it was time to check out some more metal on the second stage.
I only saw the end of We Came As Romans and all I remember about it is hearing a rendition of a Wanted song and wanting to be sick.
Even Emmure didn't do much for me that day. They gave a solid performance but with little to show for it. It might have been due to the time of day which they were on but overall it wasn't anything too astonishing (5).
(Photo courtesy of Obey Photography)
Afterwards I wandered over to the tent to check to see who the secret band were. The strongest rumour had always been Black Stone Cherry and well, it was right. It was safe to say that I immediately ran over to the main stage to catch Volbeat. On the flipside, I heard many reviews that BSC were extremely good, but it's just not my cup of tea.
If it weren't for fatigue kicking in, I would have enjoyed Volbeat a lot more than I did. The Danish act have always had a place in my heart and it was brilliant seeing them proving themselves to tens of thousands of fans on the main stage. Musically they are a very strong act and are true live performers, however the stage show and theatrics left little to desire. That being said, it was a strong show from a band who continue to show potential (7).
Following from Volbeat were Steel Panther. The reoccurring theme for me at Download this year was that I could finally get to see bands I've never seen before, and it didn't end here. Download organiser Andy Copping graced the stage to personally introduce the band, to which a sea of roars immediately rung out. Steel Panther were looking great as you would expect. The fact that the "Hair metal" look is still acceptable in 2014 is mostly due to Steel Panther. Sonically, the band were amazing, with each song receiving as much credit as the previous one. It is refreshing to see a band who are a parody of themselves play so intricately as if they are pioneers of their genre. Also as you would expect, there was plenty of talk about sex, drugs, Rock 'n' Roll ... and sex. My fatigue immediately disappeared the second Steel Panther came onto the stage and it was one of the most enjoyable shows of the weekend. I look forward to their upcoming arena tour in March next year (8).
Now back to this theme about seeing bands for the first time. It is safe to say that Alter Bridge are the band I have been waiting the longest to see. For whatever reason, I never was able to see them on their previous UK tours and now was the chance to put that right and finally see them. Alter Bridge are another band heavily in the talks about becoming future headliners. After their performance at this year's Download, you can clearly see why that's justifiable. Although it was a weak start setlist-wise, it soon picked up and the band played all of their classics. Myles Kennedy has the best voice in rock music and even live it resonates so beautifully. "Blackbird" was a personal highlight and the emotions from that performance echoed around the crowd for the rest of the night. For what the band lack in stage presence they certainly make up for in their musical ability. Sometimes, all you need in a stage show is for the pyro and lights to be stripped back and to just let the music do the talking (9).
To close Download 2014, was the legendary Aerosmith. After returning from their previous headlining position in 2010, you could see a clear difference. They seemed more hungry to re-establish themselves as one of the all time greats and they certainly didn't let anyone down. Even if you're not a fan of Aerosmith, it is guaranteed that you know more of their songs than you think. Opening with "Train Kept-a Rollin' " was a marvellous choice as it gave the chance for the band to immediately demonstrate their talents, especially the guitar solos. Singer Steve Tyler sounded the best he has in a very long time and didn't show a single sign of struggling, other than the cheeky bum piano note during "Dream On". Their surprise cover of The Beatles "Come Together" was amazing and went down well. Also, with it being my favourite Beatles song, I couldn't have disliked Aerosmith's rendition. Highlights of the set had to be the gigantic sing-along to "Don't Wanna Miss a Thing." As cheesy as it is, it really is a crowd pleaser. Also, Walk This Way was well performed, full of energy and passion. Aerosmith done the job and were a great act to close the festival (7).
No comments:
Post a Comment