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There was a sense of nostalgia around this year’s Download Festival not least because of Iron Maiden headlining Sunday.Ìý As the weekend drew on the anticipation rose and by the final day there was a strange sense of déjà vu amongst those of us who could remember the Monsters of Rock days. It made for an exciting and oddly comfortable festival, sometimes there is a welcome enjoyment in the well trodden paths. But of course it wasn’t all about Maiden. The festival fielded a diverse line up which at times created a diverse reaction.Ìý Friday spawned a lot of pent up energy as the track basked in sunlight which would thankfully bless the whole weekend after doubts the dry skies would hold out. On Friday’s mainstage, Velvet Revolver had the comfort and ease of experience whilst headliners My Chemical Romance graciously faced some mindless and disresptful heckles from a minority who apparently could not exercise tolerance or mature expression towards other peoples enjoyment and ultimately failed as the more appreciative crowd enjoyed a passionate set. Coupled with a packed out second stage appearance byÌý the mighty Korn, which in my opinion was somewhat of a cynical marketing ploy on their behalf by requesting the smaller venue slot, the matter of whom should have been where will be debated for some time to come. However, at a venue which is renowned in this festival and in its previous incarnation as one of tolerance and innovation there is little doubt that the diversity of line ups, which is whole heartedly supported by the wide spectrum of bands themselves, will continue to breath life into the festival as the politics ebbs and flows elsewhere.Ìý Of a number of British bands appearing, Friday’s set by Enter Shakira raised the bar.Ìý Whilst elsewhere over the weekend legendary music mogul Tony Wilson hailed the band as one to take a new wave of British talent into America, the Londoner’s proved such faith was well placed. Marilyn Manson’s return to Download on Saturday was highly anticipated though lacked a degree of oomph. His larger than life presence perhaps not perfectly suited to the daylight hours where his candle heavy set was less gothic and menacing, and looked more like the ‘At Home’ section of a department store, yet his charisma did pull the crowd through. Follow on headliners Linkin Park proved they still have staying power but again it was the power of nostalgia that drew the heart to the second stage and the appearance of Motley Crew. The hair metal glamsters of the 1980s returned to Donington after 17 years, with not a bald spot between them. Whilst the expectation of Maiden on Sunday was felt in the air as the gates opened for the final day there was still plenty of spirit for the other acts. Stone Sour and Dream Theater both seemed to please old and new fans alike. The dramatic and haunting tones of Evanescence filled the difficult spot prior to Maiden with aplomb but the night, indeed the weekend surely belonged to the now grandfathers of British rock Iron Maiden. In a record breaking fourth headline appearance at Donington Park, the energy and passion resounded as the sense of a band coming home swept over the appreciative crowd.Ìý A band whose average age is over 50, embarrassed many a younger man with unbounded dynamism. It was a fitting end to another great festival. Of course I haven’t even begun to touch on the number of bands that were there, space and time forbids me, but rest assured there remains a big heart in rock music and it beats loudest at Donington. Rebecca Hobbs | 
