AC/DC Day Opinions?

[andthegunslinger]

I'm not attending Download i'm just genueinly interested in the views of punters with this "AC/DC day" business.

It seems a bit insulting to ticket buyers that the entire Friday revolves around AC/DC, all bands finishing before them, only three acts on the main stage (by the looks of things) and their own little overpowering graphic on the line up page.

It sort of suggests to me that Copping is suggesting "I'm AC/DC's bitch, I'll put a lot of stuff on hold to get them to play, and you must all watch them."

He seems to be whoring the Friday as a glorified AC/DC gig.

What's the general consensus?

Edited March 26, 2010 by andthegunslinger

[WildChildRockChick]

You won't get a sensible answer out of me because Im AC/DC mad but he got them to play by promising them a lot of the stuff that you mention and it IS a huge coup for the festival. lots of festivals have been after them for years, he's acheived it, I don't blame him for wanting to brag! But not everyone's like me

A part of the reason (if not all of it) for the late opening on Friday is that one of the promises / bribes (call it what you will) is that AC/DC can use their own stage and have their whole arena show at the festival - it was a part of AC's pitch to them. There physically isn't room for too much more kit on the stage so that limits the number of bands that can be on that stage on that day. (im still taken aback by the tearing down / rebuilding of the whole stage in one night, tbh). Besides, the late start suits me this year. My sister won't be arriving til Friday morning & her husband will need help getting the tent up, it's a minimum 2 man job and she can't do it. Gives me a bit of extra time to get that done & into the arena!

As for the other bands finishing early on Friday, well that's what (theoretically) happened last year with Prodigy/Slipknot on the Saturday, even though the practise was somewhat different. Again, it won't affect me, I'll probably be stuck somewhere near the front of main all day. But I agree with you here, if I didn't like AC/DC I'd at least like the chance to see someone else.

All that said, not everyone is AC/DC mad like me and one of my mates is almost definitely dropping out now due to the 3 main stage headliners, he might have been convinced to stay if he'd had more choice in terms of 2nd & 3rd stage headliners. Im sure there will be plenty of people saying the same as you and while I understand the late opening Im not sure I especially understand the early finish on the other stages (which I hadn't heard about before seeing your post tbh).

[andthegunslinger]

I thought was very sensible.

You make a good point they're a fantastic signing. But it really is whoring out the name of the festival to please one act.

Opinions of the band aside; U2 are playing Glastonbury and for their tour they have that ugly giant spider thing and obviously won't be taking that to Glastonbury and U2 like AC/DC are a huge mega band but the festival isn't being put on hold for them. I know Download has a lot more of a budget restraint and more competition from Sonisphere and Reading/Leeds but I think it's a bit of a middle finger to ticket buyers that they weren't informed Friday is a day dedicated to AC/DC.

At Reading last year Kings of Leon had a strop because they didn't get the reaction from the crowd they wanted and I argued "It's not Kings of Leon festival. People paid to see lots of bands." I think it's the same here, AC/DC are an amazing signing but they're being put on such a pedastal here that it degrades the rest of the line up. It's as though the day and the festival has been booked around AC/DC. Big signing or not, they're still just a band.

Edited March 27, 2010 by andthegunslinger

[WildChildRockChick]

Thank you

I mostly agree with you to be fair. As insane as it seems to me there are people out there who don't like AC/DC, it IS a festival, with more than one stage, and I do think there should be more than one choice - even if it's to provide me with a little more space!!!

I say this without knowing it for fact but I believe that the situation as it is was offered to AC/DC to get them to play rather than it being a case of 'yes we'll play if we get X/Y/Z'. Maybe it's too subtle a difference for most but it makes a difference to me - taking up an offer is a very different thing to the arrogance of making demands. As I understand it, AC/DC were also told they could have a say in the bands playing on the day as well, I've been waiting for The Answer to be announced as well as Wolfmother!

I just don't know enough to form a huge opinion about where the whole 'AC/DC' day thing has come from - them, A.C. or us, the festival going public - but to be perfectly honest I don't think I really care very much. I've got what I wanted.

*ETA : who do you see the middle finger belonging to? Live Nation? AC/DC?

Edited March 27, 2010 by WildChildRockChick

[andthegunslinger]

Ummm both really. It's a bit disrespectful to the punters as I think they're getting less than what they was advertised.

But at the same time if AC/DC could just play a show without their stage it'd leave a bit of space on that day. I imagine our tastes are different but I'd like to see Mastodon, Biffy Clyro, The Subways, Alexisonfire and some more younger and relevant bands padding out the Friday.

Something like

AC/DC

Them Crooked Vultures

Biffy Clyro

Wolfmother

The Subways

Alexisonfire

Mastodon

would give the friday a younger and fresher look. If Sunday is a classic rock day, I'd like to see a modern rock day on the main stage rather than smaller modern acts playing on the second stage.

i'm not too keen on Live Nation's booking targets this year. I think it'd have done them well to target (that are around) Brand New, Placebo, Biffy Clyro, Mastodon, The Used, Gogol Bordello, The Subways, Feeder, Taking Back Sunday, Mindless Self Indulgence just to cover some more bases and go for something other than aged rocker after aged rocker.

Edited March 27, 2010 by andthegunslinger

[t8yman]

Ummm both really. It's a bit disrespectful to the punters as I think they're getting less than what they was advertised.

But at the same time if AC/DC could just play a show without their stage it'd leave a bit of space on that day. I imagine our tastes are different but I'd like to see Mastodon, Biffy Clyro, The Subways, Alexisonfire and some more younger and relevant bands padding out the Friday.

Something like

AC/DC

Them Crooked Vultures

Biffy Clyro

Wolfmother

The Subways

Alexisonfire

Mastodon

would give the friday a younger and fresher look. If Sunday is a classic rock day, I'd like to see a modern rock day on the main stage rather than smaller modern acts playing on the second stage.

i'm not too keen on Live Nation's booking targets this year. I think it'd have done them well to target (that are around) Brand New, Placebo, Biffy Clyro, Mastodon, The Used, Gogol Bordello, The Subways, Feeder, Taking Back Sunday, Mindless Self Indulgence just to cover some more bases and go for something other than aged rocker after aged rocker.

[Spiral_Low]

I think Andy Coppign has done well this year. He is fending off Sonsiphere whilst booking 3 massive headliners who haven't played Download before, thats a big coup.

Sure the support bill isn't as good as it has been in the past but thats because Sonsiphere is here to poach bands that normally would have been 4th/5th and below on the Download stage and offer them higher slots there.

So all in all Andy Copping has done a great job of ensuring Download goers are getting some new, different bands each year and by getting 3 of the biggest rock headliners around.

Edited March 27, 2010 by Spiral_Low

[luckysalt]

As far as I can see the other stages will start at normal early time.

AC has said the bands below AC/DC can play longer sets if they wish, however im not sure how long a set Wolfmother could go for to be honest and TCV without dipping into their other bands catalogues.

I think we may get another 2 bands on main stage Friday.

Friday always used to be a shorter day anyway, and if it starts at 3pm that still isn't too late for main stage, if the 2nd stage and 3rd stages open at midday or whatever. 2nd stage is an open air stage so im sure a lot of people could fit on there.

oh well, lets wait and see how the finished line up looks eh? but already for me Im thinking it won't have as much depth as last year

[jammy2211]

Pretty sure there'll be two more bands on the ACDC day, and imo it's fairly obvious Slash was going to be 4th on the day but that could have fallen through.

I don't really like it, but the Download Friday has never been a full day - and they've covered a few bases with their alternatives on the second stage imo, just need to get some METALZZZZ on the third stage and I'd guess everyone will be happy, to an extent.

Like they guy above I'd love to see a few more 'modern rock' bands like Mastodon / Alexisonfire etc, but his Friday line up was way to unrealistic in terms of bands playing low slots. Any rock band that is actually garnering mainstream success and attention will be gobbled straight up by Reading / Leeds too, which hold bigger appeal to most bands.

To be honest the only thing that'll annoy me is if the Friday arena opens later then usual - just cause ACDC has too much stuff - and this for no real reason thus cuts out some time from the stages it shouldn't affect.

[WildChildRockChick]

Ummm both really. It's a bit disrespectful to the punters as I think they're getting less than what they was advertised.

But at the same time if AC/DC could just play a show without their stage it'd leave a bit of space on that day. I imagine our tastes are different but I'd like to see Mastodon, Biffy Clyro, The Subways, Alexisonfire and some more younger and relevant bands padding out the Friday.

Something like

AC/DC

Them Crooked Vultures

Biffy Clyro

Wolfmother

The Subways

Alexisonfire

Mastodon

would give the friday a younger and fresher look. If Sunday is a classic rock day, I'd like to see a modern rock day on the main stage rather than smaller modern acts playing on the second stage.

i'm not too keen on Live Nation's booking targets this year. I think it'd have done them well to target (that are around) Brand New, Placebo, Biffy Clyro, Mastodon, The Used, Gogol Bordello, The Subways, Feeder, Taking Back Sunday, Mindless Self Indulgence just to cover some more bases and go for something other than aged rocker after aged rocker.

Edited March 27, 2010 by WildChildRockChick

[tohellweride]

I don't really care too much, it's AC/DC, their stage show will just be immense. Plus it's Rage and Aerosmith aswell so it's a pretty stellar line up. There could be a few more bands on the friday main stage and the 2nd and 3rd stages will be normal service by the looks of it.

By the sounds of it, it was either pander to all of AC/DCs requests and essentially make it 'their' day, or to not have them and have them crooked vultures headline. I know which I prefer.

[Chavmeisterdeluxe]

I read an interview with BFMV where they said they're gonna go all out on pyro and lights and what not for their show, it's all gonna be a bit redundant if they have to play at 5 in the afternoon (I'm assuming AC/DC play at least 3 hours?).

[theramm]

(I'm assuming AC/DC play at least 3 hours?).

[bekimo]

Sure the support bill isn't as good as it has been in the past but thats because Sonsiphere is here to poach bands that normally would have been 4th/5th and below on the Download stage and offer them higher slots there.

[andthegunslinger]

AC/DC usually go for about 2 hours I think. About 18 songs.

I guess Sonisphere is too much competition. I imagine as legendary a location as Donnington is, most bands would jump at the chance to play Knebworth and play to a bigger audience.

And realistically it's all good me saying "SIGN BLAH BLAH BLAH!" but I know it's not as easy as that.

Just me personally think Download should change with the times. It's not the 80's anymore and would like to see some younger bands on the line up. It just makes the festival seem like it's run by old men stuck in the past. It's a very conservative booking policy.

You can still please the older fans with AC/DC and Billy Idol and the metal fans with Deftones and Megadeth but they've gotta give some fresh blood a chance now and then.

I've already listed most of these but Brand New, Placebo, Biffy Clyro, Mastodon, Gogol Bordello, The Subways, Feeder, Taking Back Sunday, The Bronx, Serj Tankian, Gallows, Frank Turner, AFI, Dir En Grey, All Time Low, Eagles of Death Metal and the Used to name but a few would make the festival seem like it isn't taking place in 1984.

Edited March 28, 2010 by andthegunslinger

[jammy2211]

AC/DC usually go for about 2 hours I think. About 18 songs.

I guess Sonisphere is too much competition. I imagine as legendary a location as Donnington is, most bands would jump at the chance to play Knebworth and play to a bigger audience.

And realistically it's all good me saying "SIGN BLAH BLAH BLAH!" but I know it's not as easy as that.

Just me personally think Download should change with the times. It's not the 80's anymore and would like to see some younger bands on the line up. It just makes the festival seem like it's run by old men stuck in the past. It's a very conservative booking policy.

You can still please the older fans with AC/DC and Billy Idol and the metal fans with Deftones and Megadeth but they've gotta give some fresh blood a chance now and then.

I've already listed most of these but Brand New, Placebo, Biffy Clyro, Mastodon, Gogol Bordello, The Subways, Feeder, Taking Back Sunday, The Bronx, Serj Tankian, Gallows, Frank Turner, AFI, Dir En Grey, All Time Low, Eagles of Death Metal and the Used to name but a few would make the festival seem like it isn't taking place in 1984.

[andthegunslinger]

I wasn't saying headline but taking good slots. It seems any modern bands are generally playing the second stage.

A few acts aside like Five Finger, TCV and Wolfmother. The Download line up (although the festival isn't that old) could have looked exactly the same 10-15 years ago.

I just think they need to evolve as music does.

[bekimo]

I think a lot of it has to do with the success of classic rock day last year. I remember Andy saying he was happy with all of the good feedback from it and hoped to do a similar thing this year. I think he might have just got a teeny weeny bit carried away!!

[jammy2211]

I wasn't saying headline but taking good slots. It seems any modern bands are generally playing the second stage.

A few acts aside like Five Finger, TCV and Wolfmother. The Download line up (although the festival isn't that old) could have looked exactly the same 10-15 years ago.

I just think they need to evolve as music does.

[fred_flintstone]

I think that there is a bit of a 'damned if they do damned if they dont' about the AC/DC day. AC/DC have probably been the most wanted headliner by fans since Downloads inception and people seemed delighted that they were announced. Obviously the stage set up etc were conditions that the band demanded to play. Andy Copping could have refused and booked someone else. That would have been the signal for everyone asking 'why arent we getting AC/DC?' If Copping had come out and said that the reason was that AC/DCs demands would have meant the arena opening an hour later and all other stages finishing early I garuntee there would have been loads of people sying that it would have been worth losing some smaller bands to have AC/DC.

I'm a bit disappointed about the later opening time on the Friday but I would have went to see AC/DC anyway so the other stages finishing early means I can catch a good bit of Bullet for my Valentine or the stage 3 headliners first. My only real concern is that it will be rammed for AC/DC and probably a nightmare getting back to the campsite.

[WildChildRockChick]

I think a lot of it has to do with the success of classic rock day last year. I remember Andy saying he was happy with all of the good feedback from it and hoped to do a similar thing this year. I think he might have just got a teeny weeny bit carried away!!

[loscfestivals]

First sensible thread I've seen without any flaming on the whole AC/DC issue.

Personally I think they have gone a bit far with it all. I think if the festival has had to do all this to get AC/DC to play then it does show that their ego's are too big perhaps? That they need something different to what is fine for a long list of extremely successful bands that have headlined and played before.

I think it is extremely disappointing that there is no alternative to AC/DC, made worst by the fact that the bands start two hours later anyway! The bands on the 2nd stage won't half have be cramming their sets in too, they've got about 6 hours at the most to get through 7 bands. That is the same amount of time the bottom 7 bands normally get, so a lot of short sets or the headliners on that stage not getting the time they deserve. I think if there are only 3 bands on the mainstage on Friday then it is a complete pisstake.

Download has always been abotu a strong depth throughout the lineup, but it isn't going to be like that this year for me. I think it is very top heavy and it may well have a weird vibe due to the huge numbers of people only there to see Aerosmith, Rage or AC/DC. Most of the undercard will not sell many tickets im.

On the Friday night, the two options will either be campsite or AC/DC. As a casual fan of AC/DC I will watch them but I am imagining that it will be pretty uncomfortable for someone who isn't an avid fan to watch because of how packed the crowd will be.

[bekimo]

I am imagining that it will be pretty uncomfortable for someone who isn't an avid fan to watch because of how packed the crowd will be.

[fred_flintstone]

I am an AC/DC fan and my only real concern is how packed it will be as well. I think it would have been a big crowd regardless but its going to be unbeliveable now, also geting out the arena and back to the campsite will be a bit of a nightmare I imagine.

[armthehomeless]

Is anyone else starting to suspect that the banning of the flags actually had nothing to do with making things better for us, and was infact done to pander to ac/dc so they could film a DVD?