Credit: Found On Internet

There was always going to be anicipation filling the air when a band that has been going for nigh on 15 years plays in the UK for the first time ever. However, when two members are from Crowbar, one is from Corrosion Of Conformity and two are from the legendary Pantera there is going to be much excitement.

It was no surprise to see, upon my belated arrival, that the Astoria was jam packed. It was smelling, as always, of a heady cocktail of stale beer and sick, but thats rock n roll I guess.

Since there was no support on this tour (Down are without a label and had no promotion on this wildly successful tour) Down had to entertain the expectant hordes somehow so they played a lengthy video on the projectors. It featured much Pantera home video style horseplay interspersed with the band's favourite music videos. These included 'Ace Of Spades' by Motorhead, 'Whole Lotta Love' by Led Zep and 'Deuce' by the mighty KISS!

The lights went down and the smoke filled the air as the fivepiece appeared through the haze. Unsurprisingly the most rapturous reception when to fomer Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo. He said a quick hello before tearing into 'Losing All' from the 'Nola' album. 'Ghosts Along The Mississippi' and 'Hair To The Leaf' got the heads banging and fist pumping the air, while 'Rehab' (tonight dedicated to Anselmo's 'fallen brother' Dimebag Darrel) and the epic 'Jail' lended a bit of emotion to the evening.

After 15 years of existence and no UK visit Down owed us a lot! And they paid in full. An excellent mix of both albums with a slight favour towards the debut release 'Nola' and even Phil banging out a short rendition of 'Man In The Box' by Alice In Chains on the roadie's belly!

All five members of Down are old hands at playing shows, but there's no escaping Anselmo's infectious charisma and all round genuine attitude. His face twisting gurns he displays while singing just show the raw passion that comes with doing something you genuinely love. There was even an amusing moment when he demanded a man with a t-shirt saing 'C**T' on the front be beaten up by the crowd, shortly before inviting him onstage and giving him a beer and a hug and telling him to 'sit his ass down' and watch them play 'Jail'. That's a lucky c**t right there.