Before I get on to the good stuff, lets just get the crap out of the way. Firstly no AC/DC on the official Download 2010 t-shirts? What the hell is that about? There are a ton of rumours that AC/DC were incredibly expensive ( no surprise if you saw their stage show but more about that later) so merchandising may have been used as a way to claw back some much needed revenue. If this is true I think its a real shame not to see the AC/DC name on the t-shirts and a real dissapointment for fans. Secondly the food was extortionate and whilst this is something common to all festivals, it does make festivals way more expensive than they need to be. Thirdly the campsite is more like a demilitarised zone so getting a good nights rest is never really on the cards. I can't see this ever changing so be warned if you ever plan of going to another download. Its RIP camping next year for me! On a plus note the toilets were emptied on a regular basis and weren't anywher near as bad as I thought they would be. Result!

Ok so on to the bands. What I really loved about this years Download festival was the sheet quality of all the bands playing the smaller stages. You could have an amazing festival without going anywhere near the main stage which I think is awesome. The Pepsi Max stage in particular was superb (much like the Tuborg tent last year). Rock Sugar, Y&T, Halestorm and Skin were real highlights for me!

The Jagermeister acoustic stage was also a revelation with fine acoustic performances from many tops bands including Skin, Dommin, Enuff Znuff and Everything Burns (shameless plug for Cornish Rock!). Plenty of hardcore fans turning out for these bands which ensured a great atmosphere!

AC/DC

So on to the headliners, AC/DC kicked off the Friday night with what I have to say is probably one of the finest stage shows from a rock band that I have ever had the privilege of seeing. This was AC/DC's first time in 19 years and the band exploded to a note perfect Runnaway Train. The show had all the favourites and was complete with CGI graphics, pyrotechnics, inflatable rosie, exploding cannons and fireworks. What more do you want? The crowd loved any minute and I don't think I've ever seen a crowd so excited in my life. What stood out for me was the incredible marshall tone that Angus had, the sounds system was as good as I've ever heard.

AC/DC setlist – June 11th 2010 – Donington Park

• Runaway Train
• Back in Black
• Big Jack
• Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
• Shot Down In Flames
• Thunderstruck
• Black Ice
• T.N.T.
• The Jack
• Hells Bells
• Shoot To Thrill
• War Machine
• High Voltage
• Shook Me All Night Long
• Whole Lotta Rosie
• Let There Be Rock

Encore

• Highway To Hell
• For Those About To Rock

Rage Against The Machine

Rage Against The Machine headlined on Saturday and whilst the band didn't have the advantage of such a dynamic stage, the band were awesome. The crowd went mental (no surprise there then) and the band actually had to stop the set a few bars into People of the Sun as a couple of fans were injured. Zack controlled the crowd really well and they got everyone to take a few steps back so first aiders could get in to helps the fans out. Things were soon back to normal however and tha band totally rocked Donnington Park. The performance is intense full of polical message and a wall of sound like no other band can create. You literally have to experience this band live to know what I'm talking about. It's a wall of sound like no other!

"Rage left the stage having set out what they achieved to do. Spread a political message. Thank their UK fans for never losing faith in them. And above all, to have an awesome time sending thousands of people wild on the world’s most prestigious rock turf."
www.downloadfestival.co.uk

Rage Against The Machine  setlist – June 12th 2010 – Donington Park

• Testify
• Bombtrack
• People Of The Sun
• Know Your Enemy
• Bulls On Parade
• Township Rebellion
• White Riot (The Clash cover)
• Bullet In The Head
• Calm Like A Bomb
• Guerrilla Radio
• Sleep Now In The Fire
• Wake Up

Encore

• Freedom
• Killing In The Name

Aerosmith

Despite a massive Downpour on the Sunday afternoon the crowd is still firmly encamped in front of the main stage ready for what promises to be an incredible set from Aerosmith. The band from Boston don't dissapoint! The band run through some absolute classics including  Love in an elevator, Livin on the edge, Sweet emotion and Mama kin. Shame we didn't see much material from Permanent Vacation though ( a big favourite of mine).

"Closing the weekend in formidable style the Boston boys climaxed with an encore which included fan favourites Dream On and Walk This Way."

www.downloadfestival.co.uk

Aerosmith setlist – June 13th 2010 – Donington Park

• Love in an Elevator
• Back in the Saddle
• Mama Kin
• Eat The Rich
• Livin' on the Edge
• What It TakesA
• Train Kept A-Rollin' (Tiny Bradshaw cover)
• Cryin'
• Lord Of The Thighs
• Stop Messin' Around (Fleetwood Mac cover)
• I Don't Want To Miss a Thing
• Sweet Emotion
• Baby, Please Don't Go (Big Joe Williams cover)

Encore

• Dream On
• Walk This Way
• Toys in the Attic

I'm looking forward to seeing what the Download team can pull off next year but I get the impression that this lineup will be hard to beat for some time!

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!

Joe Satriani will be playing a few select dates UK during October 2010. The tour will undoubtedly be promoting his 11th studio album and comes off the back of recent tours with the supergroup Chickenfoot and Experience Jimi Hendrix Tribute Tour.  Tickets will be on sale from Friday May 14th at 9am and are available from  www.ticketline.co.uk.

Check out the full details and venues over at Guitar Noize.

We got very excited when we heard that the legendary Slash of Gn'R and Revolver fame was recording a new album. Slash is on fine form on this new album which features the vocal talents of many artists including Ozzy Osborne, Lemmy, Fergie (Black Eyed Peas), Chris Cornell and Iggy Pop.

The album is surpringly diverse and ranges from classic rock to tracks that are even reminiscent of Metallic'as early albums (check out 'Nothing To Say' with M Shadows from Avenged Sevenfold). I found it very hard to pick one track that I didn't like and whilst my taste in music is quite mainstream I loved everything from the opening bars of 'Ghost' to the wonderfully anarchic 'We're All Gonna Die' with Iggy Pop.  Fergie's kick ass vocal on 'Beautiful Dangerous' is a revelation (This girl belongs in rock!) and 'By The Sword; with Andrew Stockdale from Wolfmother is a fine blues rock anthem. The sombre acoustic number 'Saint Is a Sinner' will also surprise many Slash fans but adds some real depth to the album.

It seems that Slash has an eye on repeating Carlos Santana's incredibly successful formula with the album Supernatural and I think he may have pulled it off. The album has some classic anthems and plenty of fine guitar playing from the master himself. We have everything from the finest Gn'R inspired sleazy blues rock riffs to revolveresque metal riffage.

Do yourself a favour and listen this album on Spotify, you won't regret it!

Track List

1. Ghost - featuring Ian Astbury
2. Crucify The Dead - featuring Ozzy Osborne
3. Beautiful Dangerous - featuring Fergie
4. Back from Cali - featuring Myles Kennedy
5. Promise - featuring Chris Cornell
6. By The Sword - featuring Andrew Stockdale or Wolfmother
7. Gotten - featuring Adam Levine
8. Doctor Alibi - featuring Lemmy Kilminster
9. Watch This - featuring Dave Grohl and Duff McKagan
10. I Hold On - featuring Kid Rock
11. Nothing To Say - featuring M Shadows
12. Starlight - featuring Myles Kennedy
13. Saint Is A Sinner - featuring Rocco DeLuca
14. We're All Gonna Die - featuring Iggy Pop

The making of Slash's new album

A peak behind the making of Slash's self-titled album, featuring Fergie, Ozzy Osbourne, Andrew Stockdale (of Wolfmother), Kid Rock, Ian Astbury and a ton of other talent.

The scary thing is they can really play (check out Satchel's guitar playing on some of the live performances). I think they might have been quite big had they been around back in the eighties. Here's 10 Steel Panther music videos and interviews that will give you a giggle.

Steel Panther - Death To All But Metal Video

Steel Panther's Message to NME

Steel Panther - Behind The Music Mockumentary

Steel Panther Interview with Hot Reporter

Girl from Oklahoma Performed Live on KUPD Radio

Steel Panther Interview (Have you ever tried to?)

Community Property Music Video

Live performance and Q & A

5 Reasons To See Steel Panther tomorrow!

Steel Panther comedy at Wembley,London Oct 2009

Here are some of the most interesting products that caught my eye this year.

Line6 - James Tyler Variax

At last a Variax that looks the business!

Joe Satriani's VOX Ice 9 Overdrive Pedal

Designed in collaboration with legendary guitarist Joe Satriani, the new VOX Ice 9 Overdrive combines the best of Joe's favorite vintage and modern distortion effects into one versatile pedal.

The 15 watt Egnater Tweaker Head
Cracking little valve amp that is incredibly, well, tweakable!

30 Seconds to Mars played BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge today and treated fans to two very different versions of 'This is War' and Lady GaGa's 'Bad Romance'. Jared Leto and the band are an enormous talent and this performance showcases just how versatile and creative they can be. Tomo Mili?evi?'s guitar playing is particularly impressive on these tracks.

I was lucky enough to see them in Cardiff in February and they put on one of the most impressive shows I've ever seen. If you get a chance to see them at Download this year then you won't regret it!

This is War

Bad Romance by Lady GaGa Cover

You can check out the full interview and tracks on the Radio One Live Lounge website

There are quite a few iPhone apps for guitar players on the market however this latest one from Legacy Learning Systems sets a new bar in how guitarists can learn this instrument. In partnership with the mighty Gibson Guitars, Learn and master guitar have produced a kick ass iphone app that features some of the most essential tools and features that guitarists will need including a state of the art guitar tuner, metronome, chord chart and high quality guitar lessons from Learn and master guitar.

The iPhone App is probably the most comprehensive on the market and whats more is completely FREE! This has no doubt ensured it's success and it has already become massively popular with over 125,000 downloads already putting it in no 1 position, ahead of Pandora, in the iPhone music apps category. The app has even attracted celebrity endorsements in the shape of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar.

Gibson Learn and Master iPhone App Features

• A professional quality Chromatic Tuner that will allow you to tune any instrument using the iPhone microphone (or iPod Touch with microphone attachment)
• Alternate Tuning settings so you can quickly and easily tune your guitar to various alternate tunings, including Open G, Low C, Drop D, Eb and others.
• A Standard Mode Tuner that allows you to tune each string to a sample tone
• An accurate Metronome with multiple time signatures, visual and audio options, and a set-your-own tempo tap pad
• A Chord Library with a sample of the essential chords for every player beginner to advanced
• Free Videos Lessons - Watch full length lessons from the Award Winning Learn & Master Guitar course.

Overall It seems that learning the guitar via mobile devices such as the iPhone is proving to be a growing trend that seems set to continue. With guitar manufacterurs and instructional companies increasingly using the internet and other digital channels to provide content and multimedia for guitar players worldwide it can mean only good things for guitarists. This iPhone app demonstrates that its never been easier or faster for people to learn the guitar.

Find out more about the Gibson Learn & Master Guitar iPhone App.

Directed by Oscar winner Davis Guggenheim (The Inconvenient Truth), It Might Get Loud brings together, for the first time ever, The Edge (U2), Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) and Jack White (The White Stripes), telling their own stories - their inspirations, their musical journeys, their guitar techniques - in their own words.

All you need to do to win is leave a comment of no less then 20 words on any post on the Fretpoint website. It could be anything from a comment on one of our reviews, a guitar lesson or just some news. We'll leave it up to you. The winner will be picked randomly and announced on this post every week.

The competition is open to anyone from the United Kingdom, United States and Canada.

To get you in the mood check out the trailer for 'It Might Get Loud' below.

Already this year is shaping up nicely as AC/DC have now been anounced as headliners alongside Them Crooked Vultures, Deftones, Bullet For My Valentine, Motorhead, Stone Temple Pilots, Wolfmother, Volbeat and Megadeth. Van Halen are also hotly antipated to headline this year's festival.

The Download Festival website as usual has some great content including a 17 minute documentary about the history of the festival which you can check out below. Tickets for the festival go on sale this Friday (January 29th) and tickets start from £135 for a weekend ticket.

Download 2010 - Celebrating 30 years of Donington history - part 1

Download 2010 - Celebrating 30 years of Donington history - part 2

Update!

Now we're talkin! This years Download line up is really shaping up into something very special indeed with both Rage Against The Machine and Aerosmith headlining the festival alongside AC/DC. Other acts recently anounced include 30 Seconds To Mars, Stone Sour and Billy Idol. Still no confirmation regarding Van Halen however.