2 Promoters, 1 Pod ArcTanGent & Damnation

3 Promoters, 1 Pod! Download's Kam Haq joins us to lift the curtain on the workings of the UK's biggest metal gathering.What's life like at the top of the ladder, all Champagne and cigars at Live Nation HQ? Or is it the same headaches and hassles with billing, booking headliners and clashes as the rest of us mere mortals suffer?We get in about it all and pick some must see bands from this year's line-up as we look forward to Download 2024.We go again, next Thursday morning. Be there.

We (drunkenly) go again! Gav and James get the pints in and tackle some of the more light-hearted questions.Favourite food vendors at our festivals? What bands would we go back and see with a time machine? Top three bands we've ever seen live?And why did Gav buy not one, but two tour buses? Hiccup!We go again, next Thursday morning. Be there.

Not all events are booked the same. Some promoters enjoy a professionally packaged tour arriving on their doorstep, others don't mind the challenge of luring over bands who rarely play and then there's Damnation, who want artists to dust off old records and perform them as a world exclusive sets in Manchester.Problem is, that's as time consuming, expensive and as difficult as it sounds. But in the end, is it worth all it? We go again, next Thursday morning. Be there.

There weren’t too many clashes at 2000trees that raised an eyebrow, but the ones that did raised an army! What kind of cruel world forces you to choose between Bob Vylan and Palm Reader? Are they being serious about Gaslight Anthem and Better Lovers? Surely Sean McGowan and The Sleeping Souls is a twisted joke and you’re misreading Frank Turner clashing with Lonely The Brave, right? Right? The man behind the plan, Mr James Scarlett, takes his licks and explains all... even manages t...

The humble catering rider, which surely started life as a simple hot meal for touring band members, has morphed beyond all recognition to a sprawling wishlist, often with no rhyme or reason.Seasoned headline acts can ask for so little while fresh-faced tour supports demand so much, but what MUST be provided and who decides where to draw the line?Like most things in this industry... it's complicated.James and Gav share their experiences, from 24 McDonald's cheeseburgers to "Gollum Juice",&nbsp...

One viral photo of Gojira's merch list prices - including an £80 hoodie - sparked a row that refuses to die and lifted the lid on the murky world of merch concessions at venues and festivals.But is it as black and white as greedy venues or promoters dipping their hands into the pockets of hard working bands, or is there a more nuanced conversation to be had about what services are provided in return, from a toilet tour to a major outdoors festival?Do all events approach the issue in the same ...