Download boss reveals Sonisphere has no impact on his event

Download festival director John Probyn reveals in an exclusive interview with eFestivals, (here) that the rival Sonisphere festival has made little impact on the set up of his festival at Donington Park, Castle Donington, Leicestershire. The festival boss also stated that he knew nothing of the re-formed Faith No More playing other UK festivals.

When asked whether August's rock event Sonisphere had had any impact on the general set-up of his event, Probyn replied, "It hasn't affected me, or the set up of Download at all. Every year we have competition from someone and if I allowed myself to get all bitter and twisted over how well another festival was doing, or what effect it might have on me, then life would be very short – and sad."

The boss also answered questions about the confusion caused when the festival first announced Faith No More's appearance as the "only UK show of the year". Probyn responded, "We don't tell lies, we give people information based on facts at the time. What's the point in me misleading a fan, is that going to make them want to buy tickets in the future?"

His reply hinted that presumably Probyn was given false information at the time by the band or their agents, and was unaware of the band's plans for another UK appearance. When asked if the band's 'self-confirmation' for other UK shows was a big surprise to Download bookers, he replied, "Every day is a day at school in this business."

To read the exclusive eFestivals interview with John Probyn in full, click here.

Confirmed acts appearing over the weekend of Friday 12th to Sunday 14th June 2009 include headliners Faith No More, Slipknot and Def Leppard. Joining them over the weekend are Korn, ZZ Top, Chris Cornell, Journey, Marilyn Manson, Killswitch Engage, Hatebreed, Therapy?, Middle Class rut, Dragonforce, Devildriver, Motley Crue, Pendulum, The Prodigy, Whitesnake, Trivium, Limp Bizkit and more. For the line-up details, including day and stage splits, please click here.

Tickets are on sale priced at £135 for a full weekend ticket, while day tickets cost £65 for any day. Camping is an extra £25 (family camping is also available), car parking tickets are priced at £10 advance, £20 on the day, camper vans tickets are priced at £40, and lockers will be £11.

To buy tickets, click here.

Latest Updates