2. Dropkick Murpys
In a weekend soaked to the bone, and occasionally in danger of losing some of the crowd to misery (some defeated souls left even before the arena gates opened on Wednesday afternoon), the sunshine on Sunday was enough to send everyone into a frenzy, and as rock fans ignored the very real need for suncream to get as much enjoyment of the sun as possible, the arrival of Dropkick Murphys on the second stage late on Sunday was the perfect accompaniment. The Quincy, Massachusetts boys brought a powerful party atmosphere, as endearing and charming as their singular sound is ferocious, bounding around the stage with enormous energy and adding some whisky-soaked Celtic power to the day's performances. They are like few other bands on the circuit, and it says a lot that despite their idiosyncratic sound, they have managed to break into the mainstream rock market. Their finest moments? That epic cover of TNT, and the final, barn-storming song: "I'm Shipping Up To Boston"... http://youtu.be/x-64CaD8GXw
1. Steel Panther
Who says there is no place for comedy in rock music? When it is as tight and tongue-in-cheek as Steel Panther's act, and all done against the backdrop of some seriously impressive technical ability and catchy, delightfully inappropriate songs, there most certainly is. Steel Panther are the kings of post-cock-rock humour, riffing on big-haired beautiful stalwarts like Motley Crue and Aerosmith and unleashing a hail of jaw-droppingly crass songs about fucking girls and partying hard, all with a touch of endearing self-mockery about their supposed age (anywhere between 50 and 60 according to their skits) and intellect. They were easily the pick of the bunch, making a mockery of anyone who questioned their placement above Trivium in the run list, and showing every other act on show during the weekend exactly how crowd interaction should be done. But it's not just comedy, despite how much I wished their between-songs shtick would be allowed to continue for longer, and it is remarkable that the wonderfully disgraceful foursome never miss a beat, and never put a foot wrong when it's time for the music to take centre-stage. In a brilliant set, the arrival of Corey Taylor on stage for a rousing edition of "Death To All But Metal" was a particular high-point, but in the way-too-short nine-song set, the appearance of personal favourite "Community Property" was also extremely pleasing. A damn fine year all round. What were your particular high-lights of this year's festival? Did we miss anything? Let us know below...