RØRY headlined the Kids These Days Party ahead of Download Festival, with support from alt-metal band Mallavora. With fan messages raised high above their heads, sharing the life challenges RØRY and her music had helped them get through, the room was filled with nothing but love, hope and unity.
For many, RØRY has been a sign of hope. We often put barriers on what we can and can’t do, whether that be because we have been told that we are not capable enough, that we are too old or too young, or that our dreams weren’t meant for us to achieve. What RØRY reminds us is that “you need to keep showing up for yourself”. The only way we can achieve anything is by working on it, even if it takes a while. As she keeps reminding us, she could never have imagined reaching this level of fame at 40, making the music she has always wanted to write. It is proof that there is a time and place for you in this world to reach whatever goal you may have.
With the fans knowing the lyrics to even the newest songs from the recently announced album, ‘BLOODLETTING’, you could tell there was true passion for her music in the room. But I’m not sure what else I should have expected, as there is a reason she has been given the main stage at Download 2026. Her songs are both emotional and humorous, like “Kids These Days”, which is all about how we are trained to suppress our struggles and just get on with it, until the new generation came along and started talking about all these emotions.
The song comes with a rule though:
“Rule #1: Say Anything That Ignites Rage Everywhere“
RØRY was supported by Mallavora, who played the Courtyard Stage at Download Festival on Thursday. The alt-metal band’s vocalist, Jessica Douek, raised the roof with incredible vocals at The Dome.
But what makes Mallavora even more special is their decision not to play venues that are not fully accessible. Many venues across the country exclude people with disabilities by failing to adapt or provide the structures and systems needed to support them, leaving both artists and fans without the access they deserve. We need more artists to stand up for these requirements and push venues into making live music available to everyone.
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