Download’s most left-field booking to date, Scooter, are here to give Donington the full rave experience. Here, legendary frontman H.P Baxxter talks all things metal and why it's going to be a night to remember...
For over three decades, Scooter have built a reputation as one of electronic music’s most relentless and high-energy acts. Led by the instantly recognisable H.P. Baxxter, the German group have never confined themselves to one lane, instead pushing their sound across rave, techno, and pop territories while maintaining a chaotic, livewire presence on stage. Their shows are loud, fast, and unapologetically over the top, which can be more akin to a rock spectacle than a traditional electronic set. It’s this crossover appeal that makes their arrival at Download Festival feel both unexpected and completely fitting.
Download has long been a cornerstone for rock and metal, a space where guitars dominate and crowds pride themselves on intensity. Yet Scooter’s inclusion speaks to a broader shift in festival culture, where genre boundaries are becoming increasingly fluid. For H.P., though, this isn’t unfamiliar ground. Long before Scooter, his musical roots were planted firmly in classic rock, drawing inspiration from legendary acts and even playing guitar in his own band as a teenager. That foundation still shapes how he approaches performing today, bringing a frontman’s energy to an electronic stage.
Even now, after 30 years, new experiences continue to drive the band forward. Playing Download is exactly the kind of moment that keeps things fresh. It’s a new audience, a different atmosphere, and an element of unpredictability. Whether it’s adapting their setlist, navigating the chaos of a mosh-pit, or simply seeing how a metal crowd reacts, there’s a clear sense that Scooter are embracing the challenge. And if there’s one thing they’re confident in, it’s that energy transcends genre and theirs is impossible to ignore.
When you first got the call to play Download Festival, what was your immediate reaction?
“I liked it immediately because I grew up with rock music. What you call classic rock today back then, that was just the sound. Later in the '80s it was Motörhead and AC/DC for me. So, coming back into that kind of environment feels natural in a way and it’s going to be so much fun bringing our sound to that!”
Let’s be honest here, did you think you might be the strangest band on the bill?
“Of course! (laughs). It's a bit crazy, but I see it as an honour. And honestly, with our energy, we are not that far away. We still like to party – of course we have balance, we don’t do it every night – but when we have a good show, there’s always a big aftershow and we out partying for as long as the traditional rock stars used to do it!”
What kind of reaction are you expecting from a Download audience, then?
“I’m really curious. We’re headlining the third stage [Dogtooth] and we’re going to be bringing everything we would normally bring, so I think the Download crowd is going to match our energy and that’s what makes it exciting.”
Are you expecting the Download crowd to provide you with a few mosh-pits?
“Yes, that has happened quite often! Sometimes they are huge. As long as nobody gets hurt, I like really it – it’s something special. We once had our video guy go into one and get video footage for us, and he got knocked unconscious for a few minutes, but our crowd looked after him. Now he’s a bit more careful! But yes, mosh-pits are not always something we get, but we can’t wait.”
And by playing to a rock and metal crowd, will you change your set for this kind of crowd?
“Not too much, but we will focus on the high-energy tracks. There are songs like Fire which actually have this heavy guitar riff that will fit in perfectly for the Download crowd and we hope they're going to lose their minds with us. It’s going to be full-on party mode, so they better be ready for us!”
Going back to rock music, did it have a massive influence over you when you were younger, even though you’re known for being ravers?
“Yes, it really did. I love rock music, and every type of music. As long as it has a good energy, I love it. When I was younger, I played in a school rock band. I had a Stratocaster and a Marshall amp. That influence is still there, especially in how I perform. I’m a frontman and I shout, I move, I engage the crowd. I got all of that from looking and being influenced by rock singers.
And what do you think will surprise Download fans the most about a Scooter live set?
“I think the energy. The full show. The pyro, if we’re allowed to use our full production because that tent is going to get hot. It’s not just music, it’s an experience and everyone should come and experience, even if its for five minutes!”
Music culture has changed a lot throughout your career. Are you noticing more crossover now?
“Definitely. When we started, there was no connection between genres. Metal, techno, hip-hop – everyone stayed in their own world. Now it’s completely different. Even at big DJ festivals, the crowd accepts all kinds of music”
After 30 years, what keeps things exciting for you?
“It’s those moments where you play somewhere you never expected. A festival like this is a perfect example. It never gets boring. I actually enjoy the live shows even more now than studio work.”
And this is your first time speaking to Kerrang!…
“Yes! I know the magazine from my youth. I used to buy it, so to be featured now is really cool. I never expected that to happen in our career!”
Finally, what would you say to a sceptical Downloader?
“Just try it out. I’ve heard many times from people who said they weren’t into our music, but after seeing us live, they were really impressed. That’s the best reaction you can get.”
Scooter headline the Avalanche Stage tonight at Download Festival.
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