As I type this on Tuesday morning knowing that 24 hours from now I will be on my way to Donnington Park and Download festival 2016. This will be my 4th Download experience and my 1st time in the main campsite (2008 & 2009 working on lost property and staying in the staff campsite and 2013 with my fiancée in the disabled campsite) Gemma had always wanted to return to Download again after her first time however due to financial issues and her ill health we were unable to attend for the past 2 years. Following Gem's passing in November last year I made the decision to go to Download this year in her memory and now with everything almost packed and list of bands I want to see here are some of my plans for Download 2016.
Friday 10th June
Alien ant farm - A bit of a nostalgia trip for the first band I want to see. I listened to Smooth criminal and Movies a lot when I was a teenager so I'm hoping I'll get to hear them live.
Killswitch engage - A band I've liked for many years but have never seen live yet.
Motorhead slot??????? - Rumors over what will be happening during what would have been Motorhead's slot have been rampant. From video tributes to bands playing Motorhead songs. Let's just hope whatever happens it does Lemmy's memory justice.
Rammstein - Not a huge fan of Rammstein but after seeing them in 2013 they put on one hell of a show.
Saturday 11th June
Santa cruz - A few months ago a friend completely out of the blue asked if I wanted to come to a gig with him in Manchester. I agreed and the opening band that night was Santa cruz. I enjoyed there set and I'm looking forward to seeing them again at Download.
NXT - As I stated in a previous blog I am a huge wrestling fan and right now the best thing about WWE at the moment is it's developmental brand NXT
Black Sabbath - This could well be Sabbath's final Donnington show. I can't miss this.
Sunday 12th June
Delain - I have been a fan of this band for about 7 years and this will be my first time seeing them live.
Halestorm - Another band I will be seeing live for the first time.
Disturbed - The third band of the day I will be seeing for the first time.
Iron maiden - SCREAM FOR ME DONNINGTON! SCREEEEEEEEAM FOR ME DONNINGTON! One of my all time favourite bands closing out Download as they say always save the best for last.
And that's it. All that's left for me to do is finish packing and try and get some sleep. I'll be back next week.