Thunder take their final bow at Download

Thunder were scheduled in the program as a '???????' band, but seeing as they were announced the week of Download it was possibly the worst kept secret ever, but I for one was grateful of the chance to catch them in what was going to be a very emotional set and judging by the crowd spilling out the tent I wasn't alone.
As soon as the opening riff to AC/DC's 'Thunderstuck' rang out the crowd erupted into chants of "Thunder" and didn't stop until the chants turned to cheers as Danny Bowes and the boys took to the stage, opening with 'Dirty Love'. You could tell that their hearts were in this performance, Luke Morley, Ben Matthews and Chris Childs were interacting fantastically and had that look in their eyes that said everything.

After the opening track Bowes took the opportunity to tell the crowd this was to be their last ever Donington performance, the emotion showing on his face as he thanked all the fans for all their support, looking around me it was obvious how well regarded this band are as a few sleeves were mopping away tears, 20 years is a long time and unlike other bands Thunder haven't seen many line-up changes and no one will be able to fill the void that they will leave behind.

Thunder were here today to go out on a high, and there was no doubt in my mind that they got what they wanted, as they ripped through their many hits the atmosphere in the tent was more than electric, everyone determined to give them a good send off, my only criticism would be that 40 minutes just wasn't enough.

The final track I thought would make a great tribute to all the fans 'I Love You More Than Rock n' Roll', even after this the crowd wasn't quite ready to say goodbye so an encore of 'Backstreet Symphony' brought their set to a close.
Boys you will all be missed, let the tears commence.

Set List:

Dirty Love
River Of Pain
Higher Ground
Gimme Some Lovin
The Devil Made Me Do It
Love Walked In
I Love You More Than Rock N' Roll

Backstreet Symphony

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