The world-famous rock & metal festival Download took place again this year, as it does every year at Donington Park in England. The motorsport circuit previously hosted the Monsters of Rock Festival in the ’80s and ’90s, with iconic headliners like AC/DC – a legacy that Download has proudly carried on.

Now, I’m not a big fan of heavy rock and metal. After checking out playlists from the 2026 lineup, there wasn’t much I enjoyed. However, there were still a handful of acts that caught my attention – either through their music or their live performances. And with everything else going on at festivals (I didn’t even get through half the activities at Latitude last year), I’m sure I could’ve filled my days somehow.

Friday – Party Starters

On the Friday, I would’ve headed to the main stage for the double bill of Cypress Hill and Limp Bizkit.

Download has been diversifying in recent years, and Cypress Hill are a good example of that. You wouldn’t immediately associate a classic hip-hop group with a heavy festival, but their hard-hitting, groove-based sound fits surprisingly well. Their set looked lively too, with added rock riffs and even a Rage Against The Machine cover.

That led into headliners Limp Bizkit – a band who were once the laughing stock of the rock world, but have had a huge resurgence. Younger audiences probably aren’t even aware of the backlash they faced in their prime.

A big part of that comeback seems to be their self-awareness. Fred Durst leans fully into the absurdity now – wigs, costumes, the lot – and Download was no exception.

Their set looked like pure chaos in the best way. Playing snippets of songs like “Careless Whisper” between tracks might sound like filler, but it adds to the ridiculous, party-like atmosphere. Even opening and closing with “Break Stuff” somehow felt more creative than lazy.

They’re not really an albums band for me – outside of Chocolate Starfish… – but as a live act, they just work. It’s heavy, yes, but also groovy and genuinely fun. Wes Borland’s guitar work is a big part of that too – his effects-heavy style reminds me a bit of The Edge.

I also would’ve checked out Feeder on the Avalanche stage. Their post-Britpop/alt-rock sound suits me much more, and I like that they adapted their set with a Nirvana cover. The only song I’m not keen on is “Feeling A Moment” – that chorus chord progression just doesn’t do it for me.

Saturday:

Saturday looked like a quieter day for me. That said, festivals are as much about the experience as the lineup – overpriced burgers included – and I’d probably still find something to enjoy.

The headliners, Guns N’ Roses, are obviously legendary, but a slightly odd booking in 2026. The main issue is Axl Rose’s voice – it just isn’t there anymore, especially on the higher songs. It sounds like a mix of Mickey Mouse and Herbert from Family Guy. His lower register still works, and if he leaned into that more, it would improve things massively.

The other problem is the length. A 2.5-hour set, especially at a festival, feels excessive – packed with deep cuts and extended solos that likely lose a lot of the crowd. Trim it down to a tighter 90-120 minutes and it would hit much harder.

Still, there’s entertainment value. Axl changing outfits about ten times is pretty hilarious, and if I was in the right spot (preferably near a toilet), I would’ve enjoyed the spectacle.

*Ash at Download 2026

Sunday: More My Thing

Sunday had a few more acts that appealed to me.

Dogstar – featuring Keanu Reeves on bass – were an interesting one. Their live set didn’t stand out massively, but their recent 2023 album that I checked out leans into a really nice melodic, power pop/alt-rock sound that I do enjoy.

Similarly, The Pretty Reckless have moments I like. Their sound seems split between angsty, heavier rock (not really my thing) and a more classic rock-inspired style, which I much prefer. That side of them – the bluesier, melodic approach – feels closer to bands like AC/DC or The Rolling Stones, which probably explains why they’ve supported both.

That, for me, highlights the difference between rock and rock n roll. AC/DC’s Malcolm Young once said it comes down to swing – that danceable rhythm a lot of modern rock lacks. I think that’s exactly why I struggle with some of the heavier Download acts: I need something I can move to!

Tom Morello was another highlight – his effects-driven guitar style is always impressive, and he just has that presence about him.

Then there’s Ash, who really stood out. They opened with the heavier “Fun People” (not one I enjoy, but it works in that setting), before moving into their melodic, major key power pop strengths. It’s that mix of hooks and energy that clicks for me. I’d maybe throw in a few cover snippets for fun, but overall, they fit the festival surprisingly well.

Finally, I am not a big fan of the Sunday headliner Linkin Park, which I know may upset some people! It’s for the reasons I listed – that very angsty ’00s rock sound. It was cool to see their new singer Emily Armstrong become the first female Download headliner though.

So there you go, the acts I would’ve enjoyed at Download! Not that many, but as I said there is so much to explore at festivals – I could’ve probably explored it all if I had gone. Rumours for headliners next year include Blink-182, Foo Fighters and AC/DC! I think that would be a knockout set of headliners, really not very heavy – although it may be a bit unrealistic! Download may not have the same amount of softer classic rock/hard rock of older times, but is diversifying in different ways. If bands like Ash keep turning up, I’m sure I would enjoy it to a certain degree! See you next time.