The first ever Rock’N Derby festival made its way to upstate New York, where some heavy hitting acts made their way to town of Schaghticoke. With barns filled with beer and three stages of music, the first day of Rock’N Derby definitely set the bar high for the rest of the weekend.

On the main Derby Stage, Five Finger Death Punch headlined and brought the house down (or the barn down).  From the anthem “Lift Me Up” to an older favorite “Never Enough” to the newer “Got Your Six” the crowd was amped up. Frontman Ivan Moody and the gang were all smiles and he even sang “Happy Birthday” to a little cutie pie who turned 5 years old.

We’re surprised there was still a Derby Stage left after Lamb of God were done with it. The Virginia metallers battered ear drums and bodies flew to favorites like “Walk With Me In Hell,” “Now You’ve Got Something to Die For” and “Redneck.” Other acts who played the Derby Stage earlier in the day included the psychedelic Clutch and hit-making rockers Pop Evil.

Over on the Rock’N stage (an apt name), Australian metal act Parkway Drive completely obliterated the stage for one of the best and most forceful performances of the entire festival. Fellow Aussie band Wolfmother took the stage beforehand with a groovy show. While Red Sun Rising performed early in the evening and also brought an impressive set which impacted the crowd heavily.

The Upstate Concert Hall Arena Stage, the only indoor stage (in a cozy barn) housed Australian deathcore band, Thy Art is Murder, as well as the very notable Corrosion of Conformity. Former Creed frontman Scott Stapp headlined the stage to round out the night.

Check out our gallery above of some of the bands who crushed Rock’N Derby on Day 1 and stay tuned for our coverage of Day 2!

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