Tonight’s the night when Japanese superstars Dir en grey get the chance to show Tyneside what all the fuss is about. One of four bands on what promises to be a cracking Kerrang! Tour bill, the five-piece is huge back home and in the US but 2009 is when they intend to break Britain. But there’s no Bring Me The Horizon in Newcastle after illness the struck the young rockers.

Here at rushonrock we’re very excited about the prospect of retro metallers Black Tide taking to the Academy stage but we’re expecting Dir en grey to get the biggest cheer as they plot their next move from underground heroes to mainstream rock kings.

The line-up is completed by headliners Mindless Self Indulgence – minus LynZ – and In Case Of Fire. And as a showcase for some of the hottest acts in rock it doesn’t get much better than a quintet of truly talented noiseniks.

Look out for your in-depth rushonrock review right here – just as soon as we can fight our way through the throbbing masses and reach the nearest laptop.