Headliners at Bloodstock compared to Download

This was my first year at Bloodstock and I have attended the last 3 download festivals... One massive difference I noticed was the headline acts were different levels at Bloodstock!

This may just be me, but my checklist for a 10/10 headline act is:

• Good live singing
• Good crowd engagement
• Pyro/Fireworks/Smoke cannons etc
• Overall good visual display

All three headliners at bloodstock ticked every box for me and this is something I've noticed I haven't seen much at Download. Whether its a p*ssed up Josh Homme during his QOTSA set or in my opinion a bit of a 'safe' Slipknot set back in 2023, I feel like they don't separate themselves as the 'Headliner' acts as they should do.

I'm not saying fireworks and visual displays are the be all and end all of a good performance, but the end of Gojira's set felt like a cherry on top to a great festival. I know there have been the odd fireworks on Downloads headliners but in comparison nowhere near. I think if you are the HEADLINE spot, you should make sure people are going to remember your set for years to come.

I am definitely going to remember Machine Head, Trivium and Gojiras set. Sadly I cant say the same for Metallica, QOTSA and Green Day (I know GD did have fireworks, I just thought they were a bit 'meh')

Maybe I lucked out this year with Bloodstock! Thoughts?