Queens Of The Stone Age - Green Room - 23.55

A bit of an odd one this. After their highly memorable performance on the main stage two years ago, QOTSA return to Punchestown with a somewhat lesser fan fare. Opting to headline the 2nd smallest stage of the entire festival they obviously intend to treat us to a more intimate gig, creating more of a burlesque club scene. Shattered chandeliers hover precariously above a well suited Josh Homme, the black suit and red tie complimented by his slick backed hair. He's dressed like a man up to badness, and he wants us to witness it all. Experience shines throughout this set as all the hits needed to feed the festival crowd are served with garnish, just enough to wet our appitite for the more obscure. Kyuss album tracks are dropped in alongside impromptu jams and new material. 'Sic Sic Sic' losing out to the better known tracks from previous albums, but crowd are tollerent however and wake up when instructed to do so. It's late and we need a slap to stay standing, and it seems we're in the right place. The spill from the main stage is now ridiculous and you need to stand close to hear the best of what's filling this small tent, however with every step closer every smile is widened. I can think of no better way to close the first day of what has so far been a great weekend in the mud, and it's clear by the fun being had on stage that we're not the only ones thinking that. The new material is shown up tonight, but when a band has this much personality then you know that should they return in another two years, we'll be greeting them like old friends.

Rory