This years Download Festival is only a few days away and I like many rock fans I’m starting to get very excited. This year will celebrate 30 years of rock history at Donnington Park in the UK and over the years this festival has seen an incredible array of guitar talent. However, this years lineup promises to be something very special indeed so to get you in the mood I thought I would highlight some of this years ‘must see’ guitar performances.
Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine
This could very well be one of the last UK performances we see from this incredible band and Tom Morello’s guitar playing remains as innovative today as it ever was. The crowd are going to go insane for this Saturday’s headlining act!
Dave Mustaine of Megadeth
Megadeth are going through something of a renaissance period art the moment with high level billing on a number of big festivals including Rock in Rio, Download and Sonicsphere. The band have been commemorating the ‘Rust in Peace’ album’s 20th anniversary and it will be intersting to see whether they stick to this set at this years Download. As long as they play ‘Hangar 18′ I’ll be a happy man!
Joe Perry of Aerosmith
I was really surprised when Aerosmith were announced as Sunday’s headlining act as there was incredible speculation at the time that Steven Tyler had been fired from the group. It now seems whatever kerfuffle was occuring has blown over and we are going to be treated to what should be a fine performance from Joe Perry et al. I love Joe’s iconic blues rock style and I can’t think of a more fitting headline act for this Sunday. Expect a greatest hits medley from this supergroup!
Slash
Slash’s self titled album this year has seen a welcome return to form for everyone’s favourite axe slinger. Although sadly we won’t see a teaming up with Andrew Stockdale this year (due to Wolfmother pulling out), Myles Kennedy will be handling vocal duties and I think we’ll be seeing a great setlist featuring everything from Guns and Roses and Velvet Revolver classics to the best rockers on his new album.
Warren Demartini from Ratt
Ever since I heard the opening riff to lay it down I’ve been hooked on Warren Demartini’s blues laden rock riffs. Ratt were huge in the eighties and it’s great to see them back on such a big stage this year. Look out for them this Sunday.
Dave Meniketti from Y&T
Dave Meniketti has been one of rocks unsung guitar heroes for years and has been honing his chops with Y&T for over three decades. Dave’s love for all types of music including soul, R&B and Jazz artists of the ’60s and ’70s is one of his great strengths and is evident in his soulful approach to guitar playing. Check out the incredible guitar solo on ‘I Believe in You’.
Angus Young from AC/DC
Angus Young
This year is also the thirtieth anniversary of AC/DC’s ‘Back in Black’ album. The band are bringing their own stage and it promises to be an incredible show. Although he might be getting on, Angus will no doubt be pulling out all the stops and from the footage I saw of their wembley shows in 2009 the band will be as tight as ever. Can’t wait for this show!
Hey dude… just a quick question! Will Joe Bonamassa be appearing at download? V
Not that I’m aware of Viv. The full line up of bands has now been anounced and Joe Bonamassa isn’t on the bill. He is touring the UK in October though and I think he’s playing at Colston Hall in Bristol on Thursday 14th.
Ratt have now cancelled due to lead singer, Stephen Pearcy having a hernia operation so unfortunately we won’t get a chance to see Warren DeMartini in action. FM have been announced as 11th hour replacements.