Backstage at Download Festival 2026, Mikey Doling and John “Tumor” Fahnestock talk bucket-list dreams finally ticked off, honouring Lynn Strait, and why teenagers are showing up in droves to a band from another era.
Words by Felix Bartlett | June 25, 2026
For a band whose story was tragically cut short before it ever had the chance to reach its full potential, Snot’s return still feels surreal.
Speaking backstage at Download Festival 2026, guitarist Mikey Doling and bassist John “Tumor” Fahnestock are visibly soaking it all in. The Californian outfit have played plenty of major shows throughout their career, but Download remained one of the few bucket-list festivals they had never ticked off.
How does it feel to finally be playing Download Festival?
“It’s a dream come true,” says Tumor. “Mikey and I have to pinch ourselves all the time. We’re like, ‘This is really happening again.’”
For Doling, Download carried particular significance.
“I’ve been playing music professionally for a long time and I’ve never got to play Download. I’ve always wanted to. And here we are.”
Despite the magnitude of the occasion, neither musician admits to feeling nervous before taking to the stage.
Were there any nerves before going on?
“It was game time,” Doling says. “Just like every other show we’ve played. I wasn’t nervous, I was ready. Fired up.”
Tumor’s morning was slightly more chaotic.
“It was 9:30 in the morning and Mikey comes to my bunk and says, ‘You’ve got 45 minutes, the bus is picking us up and we go on stage at 11:30.’ I woke up straight away. Suddenly it was game time.”
Looking back, what has the journey been like from the original run of Snot to where you are now?
The band’s return has been years in the making. Doling points to a visit Tumor made to Sick New World several years ago as a turning point.
“He called me and he was sad,” recalls Doling. “All these bands we grew up with and came up alongside were headlining festivals and playing huge shows. We should have been there.”
That feeling lingered before the pair began searching for a vocalist, eventually finding Andy Knapp and launching a new chapter for the band.
“We ended up playing Sick New World this year,” Doling says with a grin.
“From dreaming about it to actually being there, it’s another dream come true,” adds Tumor. “We’re very blessed.”
Why do you think younger audiences are connecting with bands from your era?
One thing that has surprised the band since returning is the age of the audience. While nostalgia undoubtedly plays a role, Doling says younger fans are turning out in huge numbers.
“We’re seeing 16, 17, 18-year-old kids coming to our shows and filling the rooms. You see the same thing with Korn and Deftones.”
His theory is simple.
“I think they’re searching for rock.”
Tumor believes authenticity is equally important.
“A lot of people are playing to tapes. We’re still a real live rock and roll band. The honesty shines through.”
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned through everything you’ve experienced?
For both musicians, the answer comes down to perspective.
“I’ve learned a lot,” says Doling.
“Just be grateful,” Tumor adds. “Don’t take life for granted.”
The sentiment surfaces repeatedly throughout the conversation. Gratitude for still being here. Gratitude that fans still care. Gratitude that Snot’s music continues to resonate decades after Lynn Strait’s passing.
“We’re very grateful to be here right now,” says Doling. “Playing Download, talking to you, people caring about what we’re doing.”
Do you each have a favourite Snot song?
When asked to pick highlights from the catalogue, both immediately turn to Get Some.
Doling chooses Snooze Button.
“It’s a deep song. Musically it describes the band perfectly. There’s funk, rock and groove. That song says it all.”
Tumor opts for the title-track.
“There are times when I’m playing it live and I’ll start tearing up because I still feel Lynn there. I miss him so much.”
How has it been seeing fans embrace Andy Knapp and this new chapter of the band?
The conversation naturally turns to Lynn Strait’s legacy and how fans have responded to Knapp stepping into an incredibly difficult role.
“We miss our brother Lynn and we always honour his memory,” says Doling. “Andy has handled everything with so much class.”
“Since we found Andy there’s hardly been any negativity,” adds Tumor. “That support helps us want to keep pushing forward.”
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen happen at a Snot show?
Not every memory is quite so emotional. Doling immediately launches into a story involving Lynn Strait emerging naked from a giant toilet prop at Ozzfest before being arrested afterwards.
“That was one of the craziest ones,” he laughs.
The pair then recall another infamous incident involving Lynn stealing a golf cart backstage, leading security on a slow-speed chase before abandoning the vehicle, jumping a fence and disappearing into the woods.
What’s next for Snot?
Looking ahead, the future appears bright. The band confirmed that new music is on the horizon alongside plans to return to the UK.
“New album,” says Tumor.
“And lots more shows in England,” adds Doling.
As for what fans can expect from the new material?
“We stayed in our lane,” says Doling. “It’s punk rock. It’s funky. It’s rock and roll.”
Tumor is equally enthusiastic about Andy Knapp’s contributions.
“He’s killing it. What he’s doing with the new music is unbelievable.”
After years of uncertainty, Snot are once again looking forward rather than back. Judging by the reaction they received at Download, the feeling is mutual.
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