The world would be a much better place if every Sunday could begin like a Sonisphere Sunday

The world would be a much better place if every Sunday could begin like a Sonisphere Sunday. Early morning punters were in for a treat as Henry Rollins regaled us with stories of his year travelling around the world. As always Rollins provides an informative and inspiring hour with that little twist of humour that only a ex Black flag, 50 year old mountain of a man could deliver. Be it working on his latest TV spot 'Sons of Anarchy' or talking us through the horror stores of Bhopal, India; one cannot help but leave feeling truly motivated to make a difference. His message is simple- If you're not happy with something, then get stuck in and change it. Be it the government, and injustice or even personal circumstance. He encourages us all to travel as much of the world as possible. "I used George W Bush as my tour guide. Whenever he would brand a country as a nation of terrorists, that's where my next flight was booked to." Rollins declared. It's his open and liberal attitude from which Rollins really draws a strength which can only be described as infectious.

Next up CKY emerge on the Saturn stage for 30 minutes of madness opening up with the timeless 'Escape from hell view', quickly followed by the epically heavy 'Rio Bravo'.CKY seemed to suffer from big stage syndrome, and perhaps would have been more suited to a smaller venue. (Guitarist) Chad I Ginsburg as always is the focus of the band as he bounces around the stage at all times. He affection to his audience is a pleasure to witness along with his signature guitar swing, the 'bitch toss'. The band play to their strengths, leaning toward the more popular first two albums appeasing a mixed opinion of an audience before them. Ginsburg declares how "I think they wanna hear something else" before pumping some god awful Britney Spears through the PA, declaring the only way he will stop is if the fans tell him to. One fan takes it an extra level by hurling a can of cider at the axe wielder, a welcome thirst quencher as Ginsburg catches and consumes the drink instantly. '96 Quite Bitter Beings' generates the most action of the afternoon, followed by 'Disengage the simulator' to finish. The band have clearly done the best they could this afternoon, its a feeling of intimacy felt at smaller shows has been all but lost here today.

Further into the afternoon, Japanesee metallers Dir En Grey appear for their 'unique' take on metal. They begin rather slow but soon find pace. The most impressive part of a mixed set being a 4 minute screechathon by vocalist Kyo. Covering all pitches and noises, the singer sounds almost possessed as he dementedly screams throughout the interlude. An interesting few minutes for sure, which sounded very much like an animal being slowly killed in a box. But without question credit needs to be due to a talented vocalist not afraid to try something a little different.

Next up, Slayer, deliver a performance which shows why they're so good at what they do. I must admit however, it did feel a little like going through the motions. As always with a band at this scale, the crowd look like they're waiting for that 'one track' -- 'Raining Blood'. But once this is played along with their second place hit 'Angel of Death', everything seems to fizzle down slightly. Tom Araya is his warming self, however does look a little distant this afternoon. Not a bad show by any means but it's hard to shake the feeling that festival Slayer is perhaps not the best time you'd catch a Slayer show. Maybe something a little more on their terms.

Alice in Chains however have no trouble whatsoever. Second track 'Man in a Box' sees new fans relived as front man William DuVall hits each and every note pitch perfect. The harmonies between himself and Jerry Cantrell are just spot on every time. 'Check my Brian' and an acoustic 'Your Decision' from '09 album 'Black Gives Way to Blue' fit seamlessly into the set, alongside other Alice In Chains heavy hitters 'would' and personal highlight 'Them Bones'. Duvall announces how together "we're gunna scrape the sky". He remains calm, and content throughout the set but just keeps on delivering. The set comes to a conclusion with a most beautiful rendition of 'Rooster' with most of the crowd singing along to every single word. After a stunning performance here last year, again followed with this show, I for one hope that AIC are not afraid to push on for a hat trick. Because if one thing about their music is undeniably brilliant and that's the fact that it never, ever gets old.

Back over to the smaller stage The Ghost Of A Thousand send the Strongbow tent into a flurry of pure madness. There's not many words that can describe a band like this on paper. They really are an act you'd need to check out in the flesh. Frontman Tom Lacey can only be described as pure energy. He truly wastes not one second to dive into the crowd getting everyone involved with his wired microphone, or more the cord of it.

The rest of the band are explosive. The sound is brilliant, the energy is some of the highest seen all weekend and the vibe is just brilliant. Lacey challenges "I would shout at all the old people at the back to get the fuck up, but they've done all this before. But you're never too old to go a little crazy and have a little fun." And if you're lucky enough to get caught up in his madness, you're guaranteed a whole world of fun. I cannot captivate their energy in these very words, just next time you see them on a bill, check them out. You won't be disappointed.

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