IN THIS MOMENT

The LA crew are heading to Download’s main stage!

HOW’S 2018 TREATING YOU?

CHRIS HOWARTH (GUITAR): “Terrific! We’ve been touring across the US and Canada supporting Ritual and the shows have been fantastic. Canada’s been on fire this year!”

YOU’RE PLAYING THE MAIN STAGE OF DOWNLOAD FOR THE FIRST TIME. HOW DOES THAT FEEL?

“It’s mindblowing! We’ve played Download a couple times, but the main stage has always been the coveted spot. It’s a huge honour and we are incredibly grateful.”

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PLAYING IN IN THIS MOMENT NOW COMPARED TO THE FIRST TIME YOU PLAYED DOWNLOAD, IN 2007?

“In 2007 it was ‘throw and go’. We didn’t know what was going on the whole time, we were just in la la land! The show ended up being incredible. The environment was surreal, though; Iron Maiden were there, so Steve Harris is standing next to you backstage and then Bruce Dickinson walks in… iconic rock stars everywhere! It was our first time with any of that.”

DO YOU REMEMBER THE SET?

“I remember it being a big tent and it was pretty full, to our surprise! We had no idea what we’d need for a festival-type show, so we ordered a backdrop, but when we hung it it was four metres wide! It was so small and ridiculous, but we had to hang it because we knew no one would know who we were otherwise. It was one of our first Spinal Tap-type moments, and it had to happen at Download!”

IS IT HARD TO DECIDE WHAT TO PUT INTO FESTIVAL SETS?

“Yes, definitely. We have six albums now and fans have their favourite tracks, and we also have songs we like as artists. We try to strike a good balance between the ‘singles’ and the songs we just enjoy playing live as a band.”

WHAT DO YOU HAVE PLANNED FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR?

“We are touring all year in support of Ritual. We’ve a new single and video out soon, a summer tour is coming together and I even heard talk of a return to Europe. We’re also working on ideas for the next album. We want to continue with the momentum we’ve built.”