Although Good Charlotte headlined last night's Edgefest, even lead singer Joel Madden knew that most had come for the Canadian content, namely Billy Talent.

"You guys have a lot of great bands up here," Madden told the nearly sold-out Molson Amphitheatre crowd. "I think there's going to be a Canadian invasion soon."

Playing its first live gig in more than seven months, the Maryland power punk group played favourites such as The Story Of My Old Man and Hold On from 2002's The Young And The Hopeless. When not being pelted with empty water bottles, guitarists Benji Madden and Billy Martin occasionally faced their amps, turning their backs to the crowd of mainly teens and early 20-somethings.

Good Charlotte's near hour-long set also included Boys And Girls and a new tune, Walk Away, from a forthcoming album called The Chronicles Of Life And Death.

With nine bands on the bill, most of the bigger names played for between 30 to 40 minutes. Finger Eleven had the tough task of playing between Good Charlotte and Billy Talent. But the hard-rock group, still touring in support of its self-titled album released last year, delivered a fine performance beginning with Above and Absent Elements.

Lead singer Scott Anderson, when not looking as if he was channelling the spirit of Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie, nailed songs such as Complicated Questions and the band's biggest hit, the acoustic-driven One Thing. The tune evoked a sing-along and the rock concert staple -- hundreds of raised lit cigarette lighters. The group wrapped things up with the edgy and bruising Good Times.

But the crowd's biggest response was saved for Billy Talent. Lead singer Ben Kowalewicz -- who came on stage waving a Canadian flag -- and his bandmates had the crowd in a consistent frenzy for 40 minutes. He seems to be the poster child for Ritalin with his screams and spastic movements.

Led by his manic energy, the group tore through most of its self-titled debut. Highlights included The Ex as well as Try Honesty. For the latter tune, the group had some help from Alexisonfire, who had performed earlier.

Perhaps the proverbial black sheep on the bill were Aussie rock band Jet. The band's style is a throwback to rockers like the Rolling Stones, AC/DC and Iggy Pop, which seemed at odds with the youthful, punk-leaning audience. Nonetheless, the haggard-looking quartet finally won the crowd over with the last few songs from its set, including Cold Hard Bitch and the infectious Are You Gonna Be My Girl.

Alexisonfire gave a strong performance with their constant wailing and walls of guitar. Slowly growing a loyal following, the band played a mixture of material from its new album, Watch Out, and its self-titled album. Lead singer George Pettit, who looked as if he just skipped summer camp, shone during .44 Caliber Love Letter, No Transitory and White Devil.