But Download, the mecca of rock and metal, has always held its own. Despite some surprise bookings, Donington Park's weekend festival has generally maintained its momentum – even going so far as to see Metallica headline not once but twice last year. When this year's lineup was announced, there was relative surprise from avid festival goers. As Friday night's headliner, Josh Homme's dashing rockers Queens of the Stone Age were deemed unfit – not heavy or flashy enough to fill the spot. And when the band took to the stage in the 9pm top slot, the crowd was noticeably thin, although it's unclear whether this was down to the bad weather (Drownload remains a mud bath) or whether this opinion is widespread.
Friday's lineup has been tweaked to accommodate a broader, and in some ways more indie-leaning, slant on the lineup overall. There's plenty for OG Download fans to absorb (Norwegian experimental folk band Heilung's opening sage cleansing ritual and bone instrumentation is unlike anything you're likely to see in this or any other field), but the afternoon set by SOFT PLAY, who appeared on the cover of DIY's 2024 festival guide, will be well-received and crushing. And the response to Royal Blood, who struggled with technical issues (not their only problem all weekend) in their main support slot on the Apex stage, was more lukewarm. They're a fitting warm-up for Homme and company, but unlikely to draw the crowds that will tune in for Busted's set, which is hugely popular across the venue.