Big Rig tops the U.S. Air Guitar Championships

Rockers display their "Airness" at the Bluebird

Big Rig, Rockness Monster, Hott Lixx Hulahan, Scotty Ramone—These are names that you will need to know, because they are bringing a new level to the world of rock, and without any instruments. The U.S. National Air Guitar Championships held its regional finals at the Bluebird Theatre Tuesday night where competitors rocked the faces off the crowd by displaying an unbridled fury of air guitar to the stage.

Air Guitar, you say? Yes, just like when you are listening to your favorite band and that amazing guitar solo comes on and you start strumming like you are in the band. Except these guys are professionals, who put on their best show hoping they could make it to the national competition, and on to the world competition in Finland.

The night was warmed up by the rock cover band "It Should Have Been Lars" who, actually playing instruments, rocked some of the great metal bands such as Metallica and Megadeth.  Then on came the competitors, who were judged by a panel according to several criteria, including their "Airness" which is how well the performer imitates a real guitar playing rock star.

It was a fierce competition, and in the end Big Rig, one of the highest ranked air guitarists in the U.S. took first place for the evening.  Other performances that were notable include Duke Thrashington, who actually drew blood in his final performance, as well as Glitz Gunner, who had a serious following at the Bluebird.

It was a night that will be remembered in air rock history.  And, if you missed it on Tuesday, you can still see another competition in Fort Collins at the Aggie Theatre on Wednesday!