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!

The pickups on this particular model are of particular interest and are basically a trio of hot single-coils, including a reverse wound and reverse polarity pickup in the middle position and the Greasebucket tone circuit which was designed in the Fender Custom Shop. The Greasebucket tone circuit provides a rounder tone all around by rolling back that piercing high-end on the bridge pickup without unduly boosting the bass response. This produces some thick dark tones that are perfect for modern rock guitar playing and the high gain settings that many guitarists will love.

The Highway One Stratocaster also features 22 jumbo frets which provide smoother playing and certainly make it easier to bend notes. It also has a vintage-style synchronized tremolo, a highly playable satin-finish modern C-shaped neck (in maple,) and a new satin nitrocellulose lacquer body finish which allows the wood to resonate better.

Perhaps the only downside is that you don’t get Fender’s incredibly versatile S1-switching system which is typically found on the more expensive strats. However something has to give at this price and overall this guitar is a great all-rounder that has a combination of quality, playability, versatility and affordability.

Guitar Specification

• Body:     Alder
• Neck:     Maple, Modern ?C? Shape,(Satin Urethane Finish)
• Fingerboard:     Rosewood (P/N 011-1160) or Maple (P/N 011-1162), 9.5? Radius (241 mm)
• No. of Frets:     22 Jumbo Frets
• Pickups:     3 Hot Single-Coil Strat® Pickups with Alnico 3 Magnets and Reverse Wound/Reverse Polarity Middle Pickup
• Controls:     Master Volume,
  Tone 1. (Neck Pickup), Greasebucket™ Tone Circuit, (Rolls Off Highs without Adding Bass)
  Tone 2. (Bridge Pickup), Greasebucket™ Tone Circuit, (Rolls Off Highs without Adding Bass)
• Pickup Switching: 5-Position Blade:
• Bridge:     Vintage Style Synchronized Tremolo
• Machine Heads:     Fender®/Ping® Standard Cast/Sealed Tuning Machines
• Hardware:     Chrome
• Pickguard:     3-Ply Parchment
• Scale Length:     25.5? (648 mm)
• Width at Nut:     1.6875? (43 mm)

Unique Features:

• Satin Nitrocellulose Lacquer Body Finish,
• Parchment Plastic Parts,
• Large ?70s Style Headstock Shape,
• Large ?70s Style Headstock Logo,
• Original Body Shape,
• ?Original Contour Body? Decal on Headstock,
• H/S/S Pickup Routing,
• Reverse Wound/Reverse Polarity Middle Pickup

Colors: (300) 3-Color Sunburst, (306) Flat Black

Price: $999 USD / £549 GBP

The Marshall 2266C Combo is part of the Marshall Vintage Modern Series and is a 50 Watt, 2x12", all-valve single channel amplifier with a choice of two 'dynamic ranges' selectable by footswitch. The Low range gives the performance you would associate with a stock vintage Marshall amplifier in terms of tone and gain. The High range adds an extra preamp valve into the signal path,which enables guitarists to access those classic hot rodded marshall tones from the seventies.

The amp features a master volume and plate reverb which can also be switched on and off by the foot switch. The Marshall 2266C Vintage Modern comes fitted with two Celestion G12C 25 Watt greenback speakers enabling stand alone performance. There is facility for using an extention cab if required.

There is no denying this amp has plenty to offer and gives you access to a wide range of Marshall tones. If your looking for that hot rodded Marshall tone from the seventies however then I'd urge you to splash out a few more bucks and investigate the Reeves Super 78 which for me has far more to offer.

The Marshall 2266C Guitar Tube Amplifier Combo main features include:

• Output (RMS): 50 Watts
• 2 x G12C Speakers
• Pre-amp Valves: 4 x ECC83
• Power Amp Valves: 2 x KT66
• Footswitch (supplied): PEDL-00041
• Dimensions (mm): 690 x 570 x 270
• Weight (Kg): 30

Price: $ 1,599 USD / £915 GBP

Video Reviews

Pro Guitar Shop Review of the 2266C Head

There is no mistaking the Class 5's homage to Marshall's 1960's 'Bluesbreaker' and 18-watt combos, with its black vinyl and 'Plexi' style top-mounted control panel. The Marshall Class 5 is made in the UK at Bletchley and this is reflected in the price. Whilst it may not be the cheapest low wattage amp on the market this is a seriously classy rig with some high quality tonal range. For a start it's important to note that the class 5 is extremely loud for 5 watts and the amp could definitely cut it at small gigs and reheasals. With the inclusion of the extension speaker output and connected to a 4 x 12 cabinet, the Class 5 is capable of sounding huge making it even more interesting for gigging guitarists.

With a stratocaster style guitar the class 5 is able to dial in everything from Beck to Hendrix and with a modern humbucker equipped guitar you'll get plenty of Bluesbreakers era fat Clapton tones which are great for solo work. You'll also be able to achieve that AC/DC style crunch so often associated with Marshall amplification.

Overall the class 5 Amplifier has all the classic Marshall tone that guitarists love in conjunction with some vintage Marshall styling. Many guitarists will still opt for the Marshall Haze as a more realistic and functional alternative but I can still see this guitar carving out a niche for itself.

Marshall Class 5 Valve Combo Specification

• Power: 5 Watts
• 2x ECC83 Preamp Valves
• 1xEL84Power Amp Valves
• Controls: volume, Treble, Middle, Bass
• Custom designed 10" Internal Speaker (16? Celestion G10F-15)
• Headphone output
• Speaker / Headphone selector On rear panel
• Headphone output optimised for 32? headphones
• Extension speaker output 16? (Automatically mutes internal speaker)
• UK Made

Price: $399 USD / £299 GBP

The Fender Frontman 212R combo is a mainstay of young guitarists and although entirely solid state is capable of producing some classic Fender clean tones as well as plenty of raunchy overdrive. This is a versatile amp and  features three channels ("clean," "drive" and "more drive"), on-board spring reverb and a "mid contour" switch which produces a multitude of distortion tones. And with its black control panel, chrome hardware and black vinyl covering and grille cloth, the FM 212R certainly looks the business.

Rated at 100 watts this isn't a quiet amp by any means and can easily handle most gigs. Although some guitarists will never quite come to terms with solid state technology I've heard these used in many pub gigs and they always sound great in my opinion. Whilst it may lack the warm valve tones when playing lead I'd put the clean tones up against plenty of other amps at this price.

Fender Frontman 212 Specification

• Type: Solid State
• Output: 100 watts into 4 ohms
• Ohms: 4 ohms
• Speakers: 2x 12" Special Design 8 ohm, 50 watt Speakers
• Channels: Three Selectable Channels (Normal, Drive and More Drive)
• Features: Dedicated Volume and Tone Controls in Both Channels, Effects Loop, Footswitch Jack (For Remote Drive Select with Optional Footswitch)
• Controls: Normal Channel: Volume, Treble, Bass; Drive Channel: Drive, Volume, Channel Select Switch, Treble, Mid, Mid Contour Switch, Bass, Reverb
• Footswitch Jack: Effects Loop, Preamp Out, Power Amp In
• Covering: Black Textured Vinyl with Silver Grille Cloth; Chrome Hardware; Blackface Control Panel
• Weight: 48 lbs. (21.7 kg)
• Dimensions: Height: 19.5" (49.5 cm), Width: 26" (66 cm), Depth: 9.5" (24.13 cm)

Price: $399 USD / £229 GBP

This amp is a  fun and affordable tribute from Fender to one of their rarest and historical little practice amps. The new Champion 600 is a 5-watt valve amp with a 6" speaker and vintage 1950 "two-tone" look. It features a higher-gain preamp circuit than the original to let the overdriven tone exceed what was previously capable, and Fender have also added a choice of high or low-gain inputs. The internal speaker jack also means this little amp can be used of a larger speaker cabinet which could come in handy for a small gig or two.

The amp sounds great and whilst you'll need an overdrive pedal (see video below) to get much bite out of the amp, its clean tone is fantastic. Combined with a Strat or Telecaster you'll get lots of vintage Fender sounds at a very affordable price. We'd recommend this amp for practising and recording.

Fender Champion 600 Specification

• Series: Vintage Modified
• Type: Tube Amplifier
• Output: 5 watts
• Ohms: 4 ohms
• Speakers: One 6", 4-ohm Special Design driver with ceramic magnet
• Channels: Two (Instrument and Microphone) Controls: Volume
• Covering: Brown and blonde vinyl covering; vintage-correct 1950 "two-tone" cosmetics.
• Weight: 15 lbs. (7 kg)
• Dimensions Height 11" (28 cm), Width 12" (31 cm), Depth 7.5" (19 cm)
• Tube Complement 1-12AX7A 1-6V6 (diode rectifier)

Price: $199 USD / £139 GBP

Video Reviews

Great Video Featuring a Stock Fender Champion 600 vs a Mercury Magnetics Modified Champion 600

The Fender 65 DELUXE REVERB is part of Fenders reissue series and is a 22watt all valve 1X12 combo with a Jensen Speaker. This amp is firmly in the rock, country or blues camp, combines classic retro looks and vintage sounds and is perfect for recording in the studio or small gigs.

Many of the classic Fender tones heard on famous recordings from the Memphis scene and Abbey Road were made using the Deluxe amp. As you'll see from the video reviews below this amp is capable of producing some lush cleans tones as well as a great retro overdrive which sounds best when combines with either a Fender Stratocaster or Telecaster. The gain is limited however and you'll have to push the amp hard (i.e. loud) to get the right kind of bluesy overdrive. This is something you could easily exploit at a small gig however.

The Fender Deluxe Reverb features a pair of 6V6 Groove Tube output tubes, one 5AR4 rectifier tube, four 12AX7 preamp tubes, two 12AT7 tubes, one 12 inch 8-ohm Jensen C-12K speaker. It has dual channels (normal and vibrato), a tube-driven Fender reverb, tube vibrato with a  two-button footswitch for reverb and vibrato on-off.

Fender 65 DELUXE REVERB Specification:

• Output: 22 watts into 8 ohms
• 8 ohms operation
• Speakers: 1-12 inch Jensen C-12K, 8 ohm Speaker with Ceramic Magnet
• Channels: Dual Channels (Normal and Vibrato)
• Features: Tube Driven Spring Reverb, Tube Vibrato, 2-Button footswitch, Baltic Birch Plywood Cabinet
• Controls: Normal Channel: Volume, Treble, Bass. Vibrato Channel: Volume, Treble, Bass, Reverb. Vibrato: Speed, Intensity
• Covering: Black Textured Vinyl with Silver Grille Cloth
• Weight: 42 lbs. (19.05 kg)
• Dimensions: Height: 17.5 inches (44.45 cm), Width: 24.5 inches (62.23 cm), Depth: 9.5 inches (24.13 cm)
• Tube Complement: 4 X 12AX7, 2 X 12AT7, 2 X 6V6, 1 X 5AR4 RectifierTube
• Fender 2-Button Footswitch for Reverb and Vibrato On/Off,  (included)

Price: $1,399 USD / £879 GBP

Video Reviews

World Music Supply Review

Pro Guitar Shop Review

The So-Cal Style 1 is part of this series and features an alder body and an outstanding bolt on Charvel San Dimas neck. The neck is quarter sawn which is similar to USA Jacksons and basically gives the neck more integral strength. The neck also has compound radius which is rounded down by the nut and progressively gets flatter (16-12 inch) as you go up the fretboard which makes it much faster for solo work.

The So-Cal Style 1 is fitted with Dimarzio pickups including a Tone Zone in the bridge and an Evolution in the neck. This differs significantly from the other two models which feature Seymour Duncan JB and 59 pickups instead.

These guitars sound great clean but really come into their own with higher gain settings where the attack of the pickups really shine through. You can hear Paul Riario of Guitar World Magazine getting some great high gain tones from this guitar in the video demo at the bottom of the page.

At around a thousand dollars these guitars represent the best opportunity to date to get your hands on an authentic USA made charvel and whilst it might not be everyones cup of tea, I can see the So Cal and San Dimas range proving amazingly popular.

Specifications: Charvel So Cal Style 1

• Series: U.S.A. Production Model
• Neck-thru or Bolt-on: Bolt-on
• Body Wood: Alder (no veneer)
• Body Binding: No
• Scallop Heel: No
• Scallop Horn: No
• Neck Description: Charvel USA San Dimas®
  Reg./Reverse Headstock: Regular
  Neck/Centerblock Wood:1 pc Maple - quarter sawn
• Fingerboard Wood: n/a
• Inlay: Dots
• Nut Width: 42.86 mm [1 11/16 inch]
  Butt Width: 57.15 mm [2 ¼ inch]
• Scale Length: 25.5"
• 22 Jumbo Frets
• Neck Backshape: Charvel USA San Dimas® Other
  12”-16” Compound Radius
• Bridge: Floyd Rose®
• Black Grover Tuners
• Bridge Pickup: DiMarzio® DP155 Tone Zone
• Neck Pickup: DiMarzio Evolution
• Pickup Selector: 3 Way Toggle Position 1 Bridge
• Neck Finish: Gunstock oil
• Headstock Colour: Natural - stain matte on front
• Case: Charvel padded gig bag

Prices: $1099 USD / £899 GBP

Video Review

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.