Bottles, Circle Pits And Enthusiasm A Plenty
Greeted with a hail of bottles and other such missiles, Aiden took to the Main Stage intent on causing havoc and waking the Downloaders aggressively from their sun induced slumber.
Having suffered, and indeed welcomed, a volley of bottles at their Download set last year, Aiden seem to take today's onslaught almost as a sign of appreciation with wiL Francis even managing to cheekily catch a lampooned missile during opener 'Goodbye We're Falling Fast'. With the microphone cord whirling like a possessed lasso, Francis was obviously determined on putting on a lively performance as the band launched into 'We Sleep Forever', steadily winning over the sceptics before demanding that some circle pits were started, a request that was readily obeyed. Having gained some audience participation the Seattle post hardcore punks set about taking Download by the throat and shaking it to life as the now cackling Francis demands that the crowd make the guys in the yellow shirts work for their money by crowd surfing on mass during 'Die Romantic' and once again his orders are met with unquestionable enthusiasm as a wave of bodies flow over the barriers. Still not content though the manic-like Francis had one more trick in the bag to truly make the Saturday crowd wake up with a jolt and to ensure security are equally exhausted by suggesting that we play a little game, and no Francis did not have Scrabble in mind. Ignoring the partition running down the centre of the crowd, the bringer of havoc parts both sides of the crowd to guarantee that closer 'I Set My Friends On Fire' receives a vigorous burst of the wall of death. Perhaps not fun for all the family, Francis' idea of a game certainly brought an energetically charged climax to their set and highlighted further what an exciting band the Seattle quintet are to see live.
Recklessly passionate and enthusiastically grateful to all that came to see them, Aiden managed to bring a touch of humanity and humbleness to the main stage. As they pointed out themselves, they are not signed to a major label but are simply five friends doing something they love, a fact that screams out from everything they do and that somehow adheres you to them. Inexhaustibly enthusiastic, relentlessly energetic and with tunes brimming with infectiousness, Aiden proved just why they deserved to be promoted from the tent this year.