Download Festival mainman Andy Copping admits the first day band list is shorter than the others because no one wants to be on a smaller stage while AC/DC are playing their headline set.

He also says there are only three bands listed on the main stage because he's had to make compromises for the biggest band in the world's stage production.

Fans have been discussing the situation where only Them Crooked Vultures and Wolfmother are listed for the main stage on Friday June 11. It's even been suggested the Friday is a "bolt-on" AC/DC private show which happens to share Donington Park with a two-day Download festival.

But Copping tells Metal Hammer: "The Friday is still a festival day. AC/DC, the biggest rock band in the world, are going to be bringing a huge amount of production. There are certain concessions we've had to make. I've made a judgement on that and I believe it's the right thing to do.

"We're still not finalised on what we're doing. In an ideal world I'd have more bands on the main stage – but I think having AC/DC and losing three or four bands on the main stage was the right call."

Noting that the other stages will close while the Aussie giants are performing, Copping adds: "Nobody wants to play against AC/DC – who would? Nobody would be watching you. That's the reality.

"In the past we've closed the other stages before the headline acts. This isn't what AC/DC are asking for - it's other bands going, 'Please don't put us up against AC/DC'.

"I don't think it's going to take anything away from the festival experience. This is AC/DC at Donington!"

Download is also headlined by Rage Against the Machine and Aerosmith.

AC/DC are set to play at Sofia's 'Vassil Levski' stadium this Friday, 14 May and you can see the construction of the stage below!В В