Download 2018 Lineup: Everything You Need to Know
If you are a fan of rock and metal music, chances are you have heard of Download Festival. It is one of the biggest and most prestigious music festivals in the world, attracting over 100,000 fans every year to the hallowed grounds of Donington Park in Derbyshire, England. Download Festival is known for its stellar lineup of world-famous bands and artists, spanning across various genres and styles. From classic rock legends to modern metal icons, from punk rock rebels to pop rock sensations, there is something for everyone at Download.
Download 2018 was no exception. It took place on June 8th-10th, and featured over 100 acts across four stages. It was a weekend full of unforgettable moments, amazing performances, and incredible atmosphere. Whether you were there or not, here is everything you need to know about Download 2018 lineup.
The Headliners: Avenged Sevenfold, Guns N’ Roses, and Ozzy Osbourne
The main stage at Download is where the biggest names in rock and metal history grace the stage and deliver epic shows. Download 2018 had three headliners that did not disappoint.
Avenged Sevenfold
The metal giants from California kicked off the festival on Friday night with a bang. They played a career-spanning set that included hits like “Nightmare”, “Hail to the King”, “Bat Country”, and “Afterlife”. They also treated the fans to some rare songs like “Second Heartbeat” and “M.I.A.”. They also paid tribute to their late drummer Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan with a touching rendition of “So Far Away”. Avenged Sevenfold proved why they are one of the most popular and influential bands in modern metal, with their flawless musicianship, charismatic stage presence, and stunning visuals.
Guns N’ Roses
The legendary rockers from Los Angeles delivered a three-hour epic set on Saturday night that left the crowd speechless. It was their first time playing at Download since their reunion in 2016, and they did not hold back. They played all their classics like “Welcome to the Jungle”, “Sweet Child O’ Mine”, “Paradise City”, “November Rain”, and “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”. They also surprised the fans with some covers like “Slither” by Velvet Revolver, “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden, and “The Seeker” by The Who. Guns N’ Roses showed why they are one of the most influential and iconic bands in rock history, with their powerful performance, charismatic chemistry, and legendary status.
Ozzy Osbourne
The Prince of Darkness from Birmingham closed the festival on Sunday night with his first and last solo performance at Download. He was joined by his longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde, as well as Rob “Blasko” Nicholson on bass, Tommy Clufetos on drums, and Adam Wakeman on keyboards. He played a mix of his solo hits like “Crazy Train”, “Mr. Crowley”, “Bark at the Moon”, and “No More Tears”, as well as some Black Sabbath classics like “War Pigs”, “Iron Man”, and “Paranoid”. Ozzy Osbourne proved why he is one of the most influential and iconic figures in metal history, with his distinctive voice, energetic stage presence, and legendary charisma.
The Highlights: The Best Performances from the Other Stages
The main stage was not the only place where amazing performances took place. Download 2018 also featured three other stages that showcased a variety of bands and artists from different genres and styles. Here are some of the highlights from the other stages.
Babymetal
The Japanese kawaii metal sensation returned to Download after three years, and they did not disappoint. They played at the Zippo Encore Stage on Friday afternoon, and they drew a huge crowd of fans and curious spectators. They played songs from their first two albums, such as “Gimme Chocolate!!”, “Megitsune”, “Karate”, and “Road of Resistance”. They also debuted a new song called “Distortion”, which featured a heavier sound and a darker theme. Babymetal showed why they are one of the most unique and innovative acts in metal today, with their catchy songs, impressive choreography, and adorable charm.
Black Stone Cherry
The southern rockers from Kentucky rocked the main stage on Saturday afternoon with their anthems. They played songs from their latest album Family Tree, such as “Bad Habit”, “Burnin'”, and “Southern Fried Friday Night”. They also played some of their older hits, such as “Blame It on the Boom Boom”, “White Trash Millionaire”, and “Lonely Train”. They also paid tribute to their influences with a cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird”. Black Stone Cherry showed why they are one of the most popular and respected bands in rock today, with their groovy riffs, soulful vocals, and genuine attitude.
Parkway Drive
The Australian metalcore masters brought out of this world pyro and fireworks to the Zippo Encore Stage on Saturday night. They played a blistering set that included songs from their latest album Reverence, such as “Wishing Wells”, “The Void”, and “Prey”. They also played some of their older classics, such as “Carrion”, “Vice Grip”, and “Wild Eyes”. They also surprised the fans with a cover of Rage Against the Machine’s “Bulls on Parade”. Parkway Drive showed why they are one of the most exciting and explosive bands in metal today, with their intense music, spectacular showmanship, and passionate message.
The Fever 333
The political rap-rock trio from California staged a secret show at the Avalanche Stage on Sunday afternoon, and they caused a riot. They played songs from their debut EP Made an America, such as “We’re Coming In”, “Made an America”, and “Walking in My Shoes”. They also played a new song called “Burn It”, which featured a guest appearance from Papa Roach’s Jacoby Shaddix. The Fever 333 showed why they are one of the most relevant and revolutionary acts in rock today, with their powerful music, provocative message, and chaotic performance.
Cradle of Filth
The extreme metal veterans from Suffolk unleashed their dark and theatrical show at the Zippo Encore Stage on Sunday night. They played songs from their latest album Cryptoriana – The Seductiveness of Decay, such as “Heartbreak and Seance”, “You Will Know the Lion by His Claw”, and “Achingly Beautiful”. They also played some of their older classics, such as “Nymphetamine”, “Her Ghost in the Fog”, and “Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids”. Cradle of Filth showed why they are one of the most influential and iconic bands in metal today, with their complex music, sinister lyrics, and elaborate costumes.
The Extras: The Other Attractions and Activities at Download
Download 2018 was not just about the music. It was also about the other attractions and activities that made the festival more fun and enjoyable. Download 2018 featured a new area called SINDROME, as well as the return of WWE NXT Live!, Doghouse, and Village. Here are some of the extras that added to the Download experience.
SINDROME
SINDROME was a new area that featured extreme spectacles, such as the UK Air Guitar Championships, the Circus of Horrors, the Firestone Stage, and the SINDROME Arena. It was a place where Downloaders could unleash their inner rock star, witness some amazing stunts, enjoy some live music, and participate in some interactive games. SINDROME was a place where anything could happen, and it did.
WWE NXT Live!
WWE NXT Live! was a wrestling show that showcased action-packed matches and guest appearances from rock stars. It took place at the NXT Arena, which was located near the main stage. It featured some of the best wrestlers from WWE’s developmental brand NXT, such as Aleister Black, Shayna Baszler, Ricochet, Adam Cole, and Velveteen Dream. It also featured some surprise appearances from rock stars like Corey Taylor from Slipknot, Lzzy Hale from Halestorm, and Benji Webbe from Skindred. WWE NXT Live! was a show that combined rock and wrestling in a perfect way.
Doghouse
Doghouse was a comedy tent that hosted hilarious stand-up acts and karaoke sessions. It was located near the Village, and it was a place where Downloaders could have a laugh and a sing-along. It featured some of the best comedians from the UK, such as Andrew O’Neill, Matt Reed, Jim Smallman, and Phil Nichol. It also featured some karaoke sessions, where Downloaders could belt out some rock and metal classics, such as “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Livin’ on a Prayer”, and “Enter Sandman”. Doghouse was a place where Downloaders could have some fun and relax.
Village
Village was the camping area that offered food, drinks, entertainment, and amenities for the Downloaders. It was located near the main entrance, and it was open 24 hours a day. It featured a variety of food stalls, bars, shops, and services, such as burgers, pizzas, beers, wines, souvenirs, tattoos, haircuts, and massages. It also featured some entertainment options, such as fairground rides, arcade games, silent disco, and cinema. Village was a place where Downloaders could enjoy the festival atmosphere and make some new friends.
The Conclusion: Why Download 2018 Was a Success
Download 2018 was a success because it delivered on its promise of being the ultimate rock and metal festival. It featured a lineup of world-class bands and artists that catered to every taste and preference. It also featured a range of attractions and activities that made the festival more fun and enjoyable. It also had a great atmosphere of camaraderie and passion among the fans and the performers. Download 2018 was a weekend that will be remembered for years to come.
If you missed Download 2018 or you want to relive it, you can watch some of the highlights on YouTube or on Sky Arts. You can also check out the official website for more information and photos. And if you want to be part of Download 2019, you can get your tickets now from Ticketmaster or See Tickets. Download 2019 will take place on June 14th-16th, and it will feature headliners like Def Leppard, Slipknot, and Tool. You don’t want to miss it!
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Download 2018 lineup.
Q: How many bands played at Download 2018?
A: Over 100 bands played at Download 2018 across four stages: Main Stage, Zippo Encore Stage, Avalanche Stage, and Dogtooth Stage.
Q: Who were the surprise guests at Download 2018?
A: Some of the surprise guests at Download 2018 were Corey Taylor from Slipknot, Lzzy Hale from Halestorm, Benji Webbe from Skindred, Jacoby Shaddix from Papa Roach, and Daron Malakian from System of a Down.
Q: What were the weather conditions at Download 2018?
A: The weather conditions at Download 2018 were mostly sunny and warm, with some occasional showers and clouds. The temperature ranged from 15°C to 25°C.
Q: What were the security measures at Download 2018?
A: The security measures at Download 2018 included bag searches, metal detectors, sniffer dogs, CCTV cameras, and police patrols. The festival also had a zero-tolerance policy for drugs, weapons, fireworks, and drones.
Q: What were the accessibility options at Download 2018?
A: The accessibility options at Download 2018 included wheelchair access, viewing platforms, accessible toilets, charging points for electric wheelchairs and scooters, hearing loops, sign language interpreters, and personal assistant tickets.
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