I’ve already given it the biggun on our Download podcast but come on in to check out who I’m tipping this weekend.

Slipknot: Duh!? Yeah, I know it’s the most obvious thing in the world to predict but Slipknot headlining a UK festival for the first time is going to blow the bloody doors off. Our fair isle picked up on them before the rest of the world and this is going to be their crowning moment. See you on the deck for ‘Spit It Out’!

Limp Bizkit: They need to put me on commission, don’t they? Here’s the facts: they WILL pull a bigger crowd than anyone with the possible exception than Slipknot (for better or worse, that does includes FNM), they WILL throw out hot shit that makes them bounce in the mosh pit and they WILL completely own. You disagree? You’re wrong and you’ll be proved wrong at 17:45 on the main stage.

Faith No More: You really need an explanation? No? Good.

DevilDriver: You’ve heard all of the hype on this site about their new album (which completely owns), they’ve always slayed live and they’ve got a main stage slot that will see them try to better THAT circle pit from 2007. Be there or be a complete mug.

Down: Anselmo was on the form of his life on their last UK show. A repeat performance could see Down steal the whole weekend. Never underestimate the power of the ultimate super-group.

Hollywood Undead: Only joking.

Volbeat: Johnny Cash, The Misfits & Metallica in a melting pot with one of the meatiest guitar sounds you’ll hear all weekend. The continent love them already and, if there’s any justice, we will too. Check them out, friends.

Five Finger Death Punch: The buzz is insane and they were great on Defenders Of the Faith. I still don’t get it personally but I’m willing to try and be converted.

Auger Bane: Black Label Society meets 80’s Maiden. First up on the Tuborg stage on Saturday morning and perfect to blow your hangover away.

The Black Spiders: You love the riff? You’ll love the Spiders!

Classic Rock Sunday: I love Slayer, At The Gates and Minor Threat. It’s not going to stop me losing my voice to ‘Don’t Stop Believin”, ‘Two Steps Behind’ and ‘Is This Love?’ though! In all seriousness, the Classic Rock Sunday gives us the opportunity to see bands that we ordinarily wouldn’t check out (ZZ Top and Def leppard!) and also means that we could get the likes of Aerosmith, Bon Jovi and Van Halen at Download in the future. Get the fuck in!

See you at Donington! I cannot wait!

Til next time,

Beez