Sorry! I had every intention to write up my review of Sonisphere 2010 in the days after returning but unfortunately I've been feeling terrible. You know, man-flu. I feel much better now so now I have got to challenge myself to remember all the awesomeness that happened in the three glorious days of Sonis.

Friday started as you'd expect, setting up camp, making some lunch and taking a wonder to see the first bands. The first band we saw was Turisas. They are a folksy Finnish warrior type band, well that's how I'd describe them. The members of Truisas were all covered in red and black war paints. Truisas has some catchy tunes and an accordion (yes an accordion, win!) found them very enjoyable. 

We took the opportunity after Turisas to have a wonder around the arena. The Apollo and Saturn stages were pretty much in the same position of last year although the main stage had been moved further back. Most noticeable change was the Bohemia tent and fun fair. Bohemia was directly behind the second stage and the fair moved from the top of the slope to the bottom. The whole set up is great. Non what-so-ever of that trekking miles from camp to the area like at Download and other festivals and that's even for the the general camping. Another thing that works well with Sonisphere's set up is the food stalls lined between the two stages as you can just grab something while switching between the two main stages.

The the headline act was Alice Cooper who was prepared to do his full Theatre of Death stage show. I hadn't seen this before. It was full on drama production with a weird story line about (if the titled didn't give it away) death. During, Alice Cooper kills maybe people and "dies" many times himself. Cooper started and finished with Schools Out. It was a cracking and unusual way to kick off Sonisphere. 

After Alice Cooper we went back to camp for something to eat. I won't bore you here about the awesome Sonisfood I cooked, only direct you to Sonisfood where I've fully blogged it in all it's glory.

Tomorrow is Sonisphere 2010 at Knebworth. Hell yeah! Really excited as always. Today has been Sonisphere preparation, packed up all my stuff, did some shopping and tested out the BBQ. 

Sonisfood!

I tasked myself with providing the food for four people and I had a plan to go all out. I'm really happy with what I've prepared, so much so I will be tweeting meal-by-meal, with photos, the food and people's opinions. Be sure to follow the hash-tag #sonisfood on twitter. Here's the meal plan and some pictures. 

• Friday Lunch: Burgers. 
• Friday Dinner: Marinated chicken. 
• Saturday Breakfast: Sausage, bacon & eggs. 
• Saturday Lunch: Chicken, steak, pepper, mushroom & onion kebabs. 
• Saturday Dinner: Gammon steak, pineapple and/or egg. 
• Sunday Breakfast: Sausage, bacon & eggs. 
• Sunday Lunch: Burgers. 
• Sunday Dinner: Steak! 
• Monday Breakfast: Sausage, bacon & eggs. 

Sunday was my final day at Download as we were leaving straight after the last act. It was a lovely warm morning with the sun shining over Donnington, it didn't stay that way. The morning meant packing up early so that the two in my car could go see some random, obscure band. So that was was one trip to the car, quick change of footwear from boots to trainers, and then back to camp for the last of the sausages (nom nom nom). Then once more a trip to the cars to help the other guys out before heading in the arena.

First on the menu was the guy known as Slash. For the set Myles Kennedy (Alter Bridge) did the voice. That was awesome. I'm a huge fan of Alter Bridge and like the sound of Myles Kennedy's voice, a lot. Slash alone would have been cool but Myles was a huge bonus for me. The set was quality although Napalm Death were a little loud in my left ear until we moved forward. I think two Gun n Roses songs were played, including Sweet Child O Mine, which was definitely my highlight. The only other song I can remember being played was Starlight and that's my favourite off Slash's self titled album. Now that I come to write about it I can't remember once mentioning Slash to anyone who's asked about Download. That's wrong of my as it was quality.

Next up was a newly formed band who go by the name of The Damned Things. This band is one of those super groups, comprising of Joe Trohman and Andy Hurley of Fall Out Boy, Keith Buckley of Every Time I Die, and Scott Ian and Rob Caggiano of Anthrax (who also makes an appearance with Steel Panther later on). The Damned Things were another totally new band to me and I think the same for most of the audience. Their performance was solid and (from a sound quality point of view) sound great, helped by being central to the stage. However, similarly to Them Crooked Vultures, nothing really stood out for me. But give them their dues much of the crowd enjoyed it and I'll be giving them another chance sometime when they get on Spotify.

Straight after The Damned Thing were The Dillinger Escape Plan. Everyone I was camping with were all saying great things about them but now it was my time to decide. They were... not for me. To their credit there was an abundance of energy in their set if not a bit over the top? They were jumping on and off amps constantly and there was a dedicated guy to move things back to where they were. As for the music I didn't like. Really it was just noise (that does make me sound old but it's turn). I don't get what people were raving about. 

We didn't stay for the whole of Dillinger because my mate wanted to seek shelter as the rain started to come down. So we headed in the direction of the third stage where Whitechapel were soon to start. On the way past the main stage Billy Idol was planning. Most people know that name and everyone knows White Wedding but what else has he done? Nothing else I can say I really care about. While walking by I heard a little of him and nothing impressed me. This main stage slot should have been given to some one more deserving I think.

In the shelter of the third stage it was time for Whitechapel. These guys are yet another band I've heard rave reviews of and when I come to list to them I cannot hear what they were talking about. In short Whitechapel shout. They gave me not reason to stage. They actually made me go out in the rain again. On my own I grabbed some over priced, cold pizza and headed back to the second stage. This time as I past the main stage Motorhead were starting up, cool, but I wanted to get a good spot for Steel Panther.

One of the weirdest things about a festival are the people you bump into. I just so happened to leave one person who I'm going home with and then bump into the other. Feels weird when you're amongst around 100,000 people. 

Porcupine Tree were still on the second stage. They were a nice change from Whitechapel. Decent and pleasant music performed well. This is one of those bands I don't really know too well but I know one of their songs, Blackest Eyes. From what I saw and heard Porcupine Tree did a good job. Another band to add to my Spotify playlist.

Next up on the second stage were a band who make me smile just thinking about their awesomeness. Steel Panther!!! I had been looking forward to these all weekend. It was still raining and everyone was little a little miserable and very soggy. That all changed when the pink lights of Steel Panther were turned on and they came on stage. Steel Panther were legendary. These guys are such great fun. They aren't a band to be taken too seriously but they are all talented. With Steel Panther there is always boobs! Everyone woman on the shoulders of someone got their boobies out when they were seen on the big screens... and for that they got huge cheer from the crowd. Just like the last show I went too Steel Panther got couple of girls on stage to show their boobs and make out. Boobs. That's enough boobs (for now). They opened with Death To All But Metal, unfortunately Corey Taylor didn't join them for this. The panther did get one guest on stage in the form of Scott Ian (Anthrax and The Damned Things) for Asian Hooker. Steel Panther brightened up every one's day. I highly recommend seeing these guys and next time they are about I will be sure to be there.

After Steel Panther, we (a different we this time) headed back to the third stage for some shelter but there wasn't any room. To be honest I wasn't too bothered about the cold and the rain even though there wasn't a dry area on my body. I'm not sure who was on the third stage but they didn't interest me. Back we headed to the second stage so for Airbourne.

Airbourne had already started and when we arrived their guitarist was half way up the side of the stage. He got to the top, with guitar, to huge applause from the crowd but to the anger of health and safety. The sound was cut and he came down. It was a cool stunt and very impressive considering the rain was still coming down heavily. Old school rock bands like Airbourne are always entertaining. One thing that I particularly remember about them is the sing saying "we play rock for real people"... as apposed to what? Unreal people? Silly really. Airbourne were really good. 

All weekend, and much of the week I had been debating with myself who I should see. Stone Sour or Aerosmith. First I thought Stone Sour, then Aerosmith and finally on Sunday I decided on Stone Sour. I have to say it was undoubtedly the best decision and here's why. 

The rain stopped just before Stone Sour came on. Stone Sour's whole set was quality and the crowd was so strongly behind them. If think they played three tracks from their up coming album and from what I heard the new album will a most. What really made Stone Sour's set a highlight of Download was the solo performance of Bother by Corey Taylor that he dedicated to the late Paul Grey (Slipknot). This was the most emotional performance I have ever seen. I honestly had a bit of a lump in my throat during. It'll be hard for any other artist I see to come anywhere close to this performance. Bother was followed by Looking Glass and part way through that the rest of Stone Sour join in again. They ended with 30/30 - 150 and I came away so happy. Corey Taylor is at Sonisphere this year and is set to do an acoustic show. I WILL be there. Stone Sour, on top of their new album, are touring as well. Again, I WILL be there. 

Aerosmith were still on stage so we did have a listen. I really wasn't to bothered about them. I do Aerosmith but like many people it's all about those few songs everyone knows. They aren't a band who I was bothered about missing. What I did catch of them was good. I Don't Want To Miss A Thing was one of the few songs I got to see. My lighter came out for that. The sight of hundreds of lighters swaying in a crowd is really cool. We didn't wait Aerosmith to finish before heading to the car. 

The highlight for Sunday was undoubtedly Stone Sour and in particularly Bother. 

Saturday at Download was the day I was most looking forward to and that was for one reason, Rage Against The Machine. I've been a fan of these for so many years now and have never had the pleasure to see them before. Today was going to be that day. Before I get to Rage there's a few more bands to review. 

First up was Flyleaf. I first heard Flyleaf on Die Hard 4.0 and from there I got their self titled album. It's a great album. Their second album which came out this year was a bit too soft. Nevertheless I was looking forward to them. It looked like I was going to miss Flyleaf because waiting for the Luxury Loos took longer than hoped but for some reason Flyleaf switched times with Atreyu. So that worked out good for me as we arrive just after Flyleaf's set would have finished. They did a sound performance on stage and Lacey Mosley looked as cute as ever. I'm So Sick was the best song they played. At the end of the set I was slightly disappointed, not because of Flyleaf but because I realised I should have gone to their gig at Rock City. Next time I'll be there.

Next up on the main stage was Five Finger Death Punch. Generally I don't like bands like these (by that I mean bands who shout all the time) but surprisingly I thoroughly enjoyed their set. Still, I couldn't tell you the name of a single song they performed. During their one before last song the lead singer told the crowd to crowd surf to the front and shake his hand. If you tell the crowd to crowd surf you're going to get a load of bodies at the front. This caused a problem with too many people for security and FFDP had their sound cut half way through the song. Eventually, they were 'allowed' to to play one more song when people had moved on. Clearly this was planned and they only had time for one more song anyway but it was a laugh. I've been meaning to have another listen to these to see if I actually like them or it was just the live show that I enjoyed but I've not got round to doing that yet.

Lamb of God followed Five Finger Death Punch and I can't review these as I'm pretty sure I went and laid down somewhere. We all did the same for Megadeth & Deftones. Both sounded good but I honestly wasn't paying much attention... I was too busy napping. My nap was great, really relaxing and prepared me for what became my highlight of download.

After the nap, I had a Red Bull and then we headed into the crowd again for Rage Against The Machine. We got a decent position but were still quite for away. I was buzzing from the Red Bull and, more so, the excitement for Rage. The second they came on the crowd went crazy! There was a huge surge forward and during Rage's second song a few people got a little crushed. I don't think anyone was seriously hurt. For the second time that day the set was cut... only temporarily... Zack de la Rocha was approached by a member of security who whispered in his ear. Zack then asked the crowd to take two steps back, and that's what we did. People were getting a little squashed at the front but really come on people! If you've waiting around at the front of 100,000 people for a headline act you should expect to be squeezed and if that's not something you want then DON'T go to the front! After that the Rage started the song again and the crowed surged forward again, ha. This time I joined them. I said cheerio to my mates and went in. This is where it got awesome. I just went with the crowd. After a bit of jumping, singing and 7 mosh pits I was 2-3 people away from the front. It was great. Rage Against The Machine were fantastic. They didn't use any of the special effects like fireworks, over the top lighting, massive trains or an extra huge screen like AC\DC and Aerosmith. They didn't need it. Zack got every word spot on, although he did change some of the lyrics to catch out all us singing along. Ending with Killing In Name Of was the perfect way for them to end their set. It was an incredible feeling being at the front of a 100,000 strong crowd of people shouting "Fuck you I won't do what you tell me". Overall Rage did every thing perfectly and took the number 1 spot in my favourite gigs.

For me and the people I was camping with Download started on Wednesday evening. I did a half day at work and rushed home so we could have a bro-train up the M1 with the two cars we took. Getting sorted at Donnington was a breeze. As I was driving, I dropped some people off and parked up. The walk from the car park to Black Camp wasn't anywhere near what it was the last year when we camped in Orange (that was 2 miles!). After setting up the tents, gazebo and making a trip back to the car for beer and BBQ we were sorted. My new pop up tent worked great. 

Last year I didn't go on the Wednesday but I wish I had. It was much nicer as there were no queues and plently of choice where to set up camp. Thursday was spent just lazying around and we had a walk over to Castle Donnington to pick up some kindling to keep us warm at night. Clearly the Sonisphere street team had been out as there were Sonisphere posters all over Castle Donnington. Perfect placement with all the metal heads around. Kindling wasn't to be found at the Spa or the Co-op. In the end I wondered to the BP petrol station. Boo I here you say? Yes they've messed up in the Gulf but the USA gave them permission to drill without scrutinising them enough. America let them screw up, just like you did with the banks. Rant over. I forgive them as they had kindling, YEAH! 

Anyway back on track, Friday, bands... that's what you want to hear about isn't it? Here goes. The first band up for me was 36 Crazyfists on the main stage. I've seen 36 Crazyfists at The Corporation in Sheffield a few years again and they were great. Crazyfists' set was really good but unfortunately the vocal weren't loud enough. However, a there was more. The awesome Howard Jones (Killswitch Engage) come on and joined 36 Crazyfists on stage for a song. That was cool. 

Next up was the awesome Killswitch Engage with our friend Howard Jones. Last year these guys killed it and that's just what they did again. In memory of Ronnie James Dio they performed Holy Diver. Next time Killswitch are around I'll be their. 

The penultimate band before the mighty AC\DC were Them Crooked Vultures. This band is made up of Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), and Dave Grohl (Nirvana & Foo Fighters). An incredible line up of immense talent but in reality I couldn't hear any magic. It's such a shame. The music was quality but there was no spark. 

The final band of the night was AC\DC. I had been waiting around the end of their catwalk since before Them Crooked Vultures. Others has been waiting their all day, dedication for the AC\DC. The AC\DC show started with a cartoon of a run-away train and that ended with a giant train crashing through the big screen and fireworks shooting down the catwalk. Angus Young jumped out of the end and they bust into Rock 'N Roll Train. The crowd went crazy. The rest of the show was just as good. Brian Johnson was running around like a teenager, he even jumped on a giant bell roll. Angus was rocking it with his guitar solos, being raised up on a podium, stripping and doing that funny dance with his guitar. It was a fantastic show and they played all the classics. By the end of the set and before the encore I was feeling a bit sick. The same thing happened at the end of Metallica at Sonisphere last year, I think it's from standing around for ages around sweaty rockers. So I made my way out and watched the encore from a far.  There were fireworks and everything thing. It was great.

Friday completely rocked! AC\DC was, unsurprisingly, the highlight.