Get the lowdown on Download from Booker Nigel Melder

As Download Fest makes its Australian debut this Saturday, we sit down with its Live Nation Booker, Nigel Melder.

We sit down with Live Nation Booker, Nigel Melder, to discuss all things Download Festival Melbourne.

Ahead of the iconic rock and metal festival’s debut down under this Saturday (24 March), Nigel tells us more about what went into booking the festival, how long it’s all been in the works and exactly how Australia is about to claim Download for its own.

Here’s our Q&A with Nigel Melder, Live Nation Booker…

What was the planning process like for Download Melbourne?

The Melbourne 2018 line up has been in the works for a couple of years. The plan to bring the festival down here was in the works for a couple of years before that but all the beams have crossed and this felt like the right time to getting the festival up and running, people are buying tickets so clearly we’ve got the mix right for launching.

What do you think makes Download such an iconic heavy music festival across the globe?

It’s been running for close to two decades and has slowly expanded and grown year after year. The headliners over the years read like a who’s who of the biggest and most important metal acts across the genre, that’s why it’s iconic.

Do you think Download Melbourne will still feel authentically Australian?

I think it will. We have a third Australian talent representing our scene which is important. Australia has a lot of strong bands out there killing it all over the world, headlining their own tours on other continents or working their way up the bill and demanding well deserved respect and recognition.

What aspects of Download Melbourne are you most excited to see come to life on Sat 24th Feb?

It’s pretty basic for me, it’ll be about people enjoying themselves. This world has not had a dedicated festival of this size for some time now and once again there will be a day dedicated to giving people what they want. Its going to be heavy music, good food and great time that they will want to be a part of the following year.

Any personal favourite acts on the Download Melbourne lineup?

I’m really excited for NAILS, they were an act that I thought I’d never get to see. They don’t play a lot of shows as it is and I never thought Australia would get a show from them. Last year at Download in the UK and France I caught Prophets Of Rage, Suicidal Tendencies, Sabaton, Mastodon, Northlane and Good Charlotte, so it’ll be good to see them doing the same thing at Download Melbourne.

Given how legendary the festival brand is, was bringing Download to Australia something you’d always wanted to be involved in?

Yes, of course! I’m not that egotistical, I’d much rather be a part of a successful festival with a prestigious name versus it being my own creation. At the end of the day its really about the bands and people enjoying what you are putting forward.

What can fans expect from Download’s first inaugural Australian festivals?

Metal, punk, food, drinks, friends, tunes, a solid mix for a massive day.

We. can. not. wait.

Download Festival Melbourne takes place at Flemington Racecourse this Saturday (24 March) – book remaining tickets here.