Get ready to rock as the thunderous sound of Dinosaur Pile-Up is about to shake the grounds of the legendary Download Festival!

Hailing from the heart of England, this powerhouse British band has been taking the rock scene by storm with their infectious melodies, electrifying performances, and a raw energy that refuses to be contained. In this exclusive interview, we had the privilege of chatting with front man Matt Bigland to discuss his excitement for the festival, and what fans can expect from their explosive set. So strap in, turn up the volume, and join us as we dive into the world of Dinosaur Pile-Up and their relentless pursuit of sonic bliss.

It’s been a long 3 years since you guys played Download Festival. How does it feel to be returning to the hallowed grounds of Donington and what are you most looking forward to? 

You can say that again. It’s been a LONG 3 years. It feels great getting back to Download. We have really great memories of this festival so it’s always really cool getting back. We’re most looking forward to the show! Obviously! Can’t wait to get out there with a big ol’ crowd of rock and metal fans. It’s why we do it!

Having performed across some of the most iconic festivals in the UK how does Download compare? What makes it stand out from the rest?

Download is great because, like I just mentioned, it’s the festival for the rock and metal fans, which I guess is why we feel so at home there. People are there to watch heavy music, and that feels good you know? 

With your last single ‘It’s Tricky’ being released in 2020 and your socials stating you’re in the studio, do you plan on sharing any new music with fans at Download? 

You know what – I like to play songs when people know them. I know that sounds obvious, but sometimes when you’re really stoked about playing a new song that no ones heard before and you play it – it kinda backfires! Because people are like “Wait what? Is this a cover??” And that vibe is actually sometimes a bummer! So I think we might wait until the record’s out. 

Describe Dinosaur Pile-Up in three words. 

Really, really late. 

What 3 Dinosaur Pile-Up tracks would you recommend to new listeners?

Thrash Metal Cassette! Back Foot! Stupid Heavy Metal Broken Hearted Loser Punk! 

Continuing on from this which track are you most looking forward to performing at Download Festival and why? 

Probably Thrash Metal Cassette. Because it’s really fun! And well, it’s in the title right? That’s just a really fun song to play and I get to scream my ass off. 

What can fans expect from your set at Download Festival? 

The same as always. Getting their faces shredded the heck off. 

What bands are you most looking forward to seeing at this year’s Download Festival? 

Well I was stoked that Distillers were playing right after us – but I just heard that maybe they pulled out! So that sucks! I don’t know. Are Metallica playing? 

Best festival grub? 

Pizza. Why? Because. You. Can’t. Fuck. It. Up. 

Dream headline acts for Download 2024? 

 DPU, obviously. And The Hives. Because I fucking love that band. Are they Metal enough for Download?? They just dropped a new song and as usual it’s great. 

Finally rounding things off share your craziest festival memory.

I can never remember the ‘craziessst’ shit when I get asked. Probably because the craziest shit usually happens when you’ve had a couple beers. But I remember walking face first into Josh Hommes chest coming out of catering at Leeds fest a long time ago. That was mildly crazy, in a ‘how was lunch?’ kind’a way. Dude’s really fucking big.

You can catch Dinosaur Pile-Up on Sunday performing on the Opus Stage alongside headliners by Metallica (Thursday and Saturday night), Slipknot and Bring Me The Horizo at Download Festival taking place at Donington Park in Leicestershire from Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th June 2023.