This show was a part of the Download Festival, a two day festival with three stages and approximately 70 bands.
This was the sixth time that Metallica have played in Donington at this festival, the first being August 17, 1985.
Lars did not play at this show due to a medical emergency; the first and only show he has missed in Metallica's 23 year history.
Band friends Joey Jordison from Slipknot, Dave Lombardo from Slayer, and Lars' trusty right hand man and drum tech for 19 years, Flemming Larsen, stepped in to make sure there still was a show.
