Band share stage with rock royalty

AN UNSIGNED Walsall band will perform the biggest gig of their lives in front of a possible 80,000 music lovers later this month.

No Americana will rub shoulders with the Prodigy, Def Leppard and ZZ Top when they appear at the Download Festival at Donnington Park on Saturday, June 13.

The festival date marks a huge achievement for the band, which has been together for little over a year.

Rhythm guitarist and singer Dav Foster, 24, said: "It's a massive gig for us, the biggest we've ever played and hopefully it will help us kick on and open up further opportunities."

Lead guitarist Adam Beddow, 23, comes from Park Hall, while drummer Dan Taylor, 22, and bassist Jamie Weate, 20, are both from Beacon.

One of No Americana's demo tracks fell into the hands of Live Nation – who in turn offered the band their dream shot at Download.

Dav added: "The name of our band isn't us having a pop at America, but British acts who try to make it in America by making themselves sound American.

"We stay true to our voices and where we come from, there's nothing political about it.

"It's just a huge opportunity for us, we're on at 11.45am so we have a good slot.

"We've got half an hour so enough time to play seven or eight of our songs, and hopefully people will enjoy it."

Beginning on Friday, June 12 and ending on Sunday, Download Festival showcases the best of heavier rock music, with Korn, Limp Bizkit and Pendulum also set to perform.