Rockness Reader Memories: “A more beautiful venue doesn’t exist in the British Isles”
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It turns out that even 10 years on, RockNess holds a special place in many hearts – readers still haven't got over the abrupt exit of the festival after its final hurrah in 2013.
Blessed with its world-class site at the head of Loch Ness, RockNess brought some true dance legends – such as Daft Punk – to the Highlands.
It lasted for just eight years after launching with headliner Fatboy Slim in 2006.
And when we posted some throwback pictures on The Inverness Courier Facebook page, it stirred up some serious nostalgia.
Commenting on the post, Fraser Davidson said: "The first one was incredible, as it was brand new and exciting. If I remember correctly, they had Carl Cox absolutely pumping on the main stage at some point in the afternoon – it was a bit surreal."
And Fraser went on to comment that other memorable acts for him included "... Leftfield, Aphex Twin, Underworld, Carl Cox, Cagedbaby, The Editors, The Chemical Bros, plus a lot of other awesome performances..."
For others RockNess is an important part of their life story, like Jenny Connolly, who posted: "Myself and Chris Donnelly got engaged the day of the very first Rockness, 24th June 2006 and we've just celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary last week. So many awesome memories with friends over the years that followed. The most amazing thing about the festival was the stunning backdrop ... The lasers and lights just looked awesome in the surroundings, there'll never be another festival as good as this."
Some recall their favourite year, and like Kim Ros Watson, felt that being there made a lifelong impression: "... The Prodigy were my ultimate favourites that year. It’s funny because the memories I have from then are still so fresh in my mind and had an impact on my music taste for life. Been to festivals everywhere, that was probably the best one ever though."
Many people felt the Daft Punk set in 2007 was a truly legendary performance – like Rodger Podacter.
He said: "Anyone who was in that tent to see Daft Punk on the first leg of their Alive tour – You would be hard pressed to ever top that."
Peigi MacCrimmon said: "Leftfield – genuinely one of the best nights of my whole life. Fatboy Slim always wondrous in the early years. It needs to return!"
Victoria Sanderson said: "Bring it back! Such a good wee festival."
Donna McWhirter commented: "Every memory – never missed a year, best festival on the planet by far! Bring it back xx."
For loads of people, it produced once-in-a-lifetime memories, like Ellie Gartside's: "Seeing The Prodigy as the sun set over Loch Ness – best gig I've ever been to..."
Davie Green looked back: "When David Guetta played his remix of when love takes over and the heavens opened, the whole place erupted! Also Prodigy headlining the Sunday night of can't remember what year. Unreal!"
Matt Davies said: "A more beautiful venue to listen to music doesn’t exist in the whole of The British Isles. That view, those line ups."
And as a lot of people commented, like Elisha Gilham and Sarah Denoon, the same plea – "Bring it back!!" and Aimee Williamson – "Definitely bring it back!"
Kevin Cook felt: "Need to get it back on, was superb."
Blair A B MacIntosh wants it back too "... but keep it dance music."
