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08.06.12 MusicWeek 15
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Live Nation COO John Probyn recalls Download’s birth back in 2003: “The idea of a rock concert was kicked around
and it’s the same for Pendulum who we booked in 2008. “There are certain electronic acts that sit very
comfortably alongside some of the other acts. There’s a staple diet of rock at Download, but I’m always looking at new and fresh acts to add a little bit of additional colour to the festival.” The close conversation that Copping and his
team have with Download’s customers tessellates well with what he calls a “loyal, passionate community” brought together by a love of the festival’s ‘staple diet’ – but also open to new music. The event has never struggled to attract massive global acts, drawn both by Download’s reputation and Live Nation’s imposing chequebook. Copping counts standouts such as AC/DC and Rage Against The Machine in 2010, as well as Slipknot in 2009. Headliners over the years include Linkin Park, Def Leppard, Motorhead, Tool, Guns N’ Roses and Kiss.
Copping says the size of Download and the
calibre of artists on its bill can’t really get any bigger – but admits Live Nation has its eye on international expansion. “We're talking about moving into other
markets,” he says. “Download is a really recognisable brand, but I don’t want to just automatically jump
in. It’s laughable - only two years ago the media were kicking off and saying that rock music was dead as we were selling 105,000 tickets at Download - which was the biggest turn out we’ve ever had.
“I wish people would take their blinkers off,
Download isn’t about knuckle-dragging bikers - a real cross-section of people come here. Rock isn’t a dirty word.” ANDY COPPING, LIVE NATION
“People have to believe in what you’re doing and if they do, we can then branch out - whether into Europe, South America, Australia, the US or wherever.” People ‘believing’ in Download is a slight bone
of contention for Copping and his team, he admits – with particular frustration directed towards an erroneous reputation in industry and media circles. “I wish people would take the blinkers off,” he
says. “Download isn’t about knuckle-dragging bikers – a real cross-section of people come here. Rock isn’t a dirty word. The atmosphere and the vibe at Download are wonderful – so if you haven’t tried it, don’t knock it.”
ABOVE LEFT Rock on Genre legends Metallica will perform at Download 2012
ABOVE CENTRE Crossover Kings The Prodigy first won over Download crowds in 2006
for a while and I think everyone in the London office thought it was time, but we had a big job persuading the US. “Then in 2002 we did Ozzfest at Donington and it just seemed the right time and place so we pushed harder and we were given the go ahead. We opened the gates expecting the old Monsters of Rock crowd and realised we had an entirely new audience… and the rest is history.”
This weekend’s tenth Download promises to be a special affair – with both Deep Purple and Metallica headlining a main stage dedicated to amp guru Jim Marshall, who passed away in April. 100,000 punters will revel in rock – but once the glasses have been collected up, the stages deconstructed and the memories plastered all over Facebook, the hard work begins in earnest for Copping and his team all over again. “If we can still be here in 10 years time doing 70,000-plus people year-in-year-out, we’ll have really achieved,” he says. “I’m really proud of this festival, the value it offers punters and how it’s grown - but we’re always looking to improve. We’ll strive to maintain our trademark credibility and the quality of our acts. And if we become internationally renowned in other territories around the world – that’s all the better.”
THANK YOU DOWNLOAD! Industry luminaries in the UK rock scene give their thoughts on the festival’s tenth birthday…
“Roadrunner Records would like to congratulate Andy Copping and his team at Live Nation on making Download the UK’s number one rock festival. Over the last 10 years, Donington has witnessed many incredible performances by Roadrunner’s artists, not least Slipknot’s triumphant 2009 headline set.”
Mark Palmer, Roadrunner
“Download is one of the few permanent fixtures on the festival calendar and rightly so. All our rock acts (Shikari, Young Guns, Darkness, Gallows etc) have played there many times and I’m sure they’ll be back in the future. Congratulations to all involved with the ongoing success of Download.”
Peter Thompson, PIAS
“Download is the essential weekend of the Rock and Metal calendar – supporting both the large acts and nurturing upcoming talent. The team have always been very supportive of Visible Noise and our artists , so here's to another Decade of Decibels!”
Julie Weir, Visible Noise
“Download festival has been pivotal for so many of our bands over the years, from FFAF and Bullet for my Valentine being second and third on main stage, to You Me At Six headlining stage 2 this year.
It’s
always a great benchmark of where bands are in their careers and is Raw Power’s biggest weekend of the year.”
Craig Jennings,
Raw Power Management & Search and Destroy Records
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