Motley Crüe promised it was not ''goodbye'' as they took to the stage at Download Festival.

The legendary rock band played their last ever slot at the festival in front of a crowd full of festival-goers who had battled through the mud to take their places near the main stage.

Addressing the excited crowd, frontman Vince Neil said: ''We've been together almost 35 years. 1981, we were four f***ing teenagers walking the streets of Hollywood, California saying, 'Let's make some f***ing music man.'

''So we did and that's why we are here. And I'll tell you, it's not saying goodbye. Tonight is a celebration of Motley Crüe music.''

And celebrate they did with a 14 song setlist and a unique performance, which included dancing girls, drummer Tommy Lee playing in a fire pit in the shape of a pentagon and Nikki Sixx's flame throwing guitar.

The 'All Bad Things Must End' rockers also paid tribute to the Sex Pistols and Gary Glitter and even opened their set with the soundtrack from 'The Sound Of Music'.

The group ended their fantastic performance with a rather emotional rendition of 'Home Sweet Home', with Tommy Lee retiring to the piano.

Sounding close to tears, Vince added, for the last time: ''Good night Download and God bless.''

Other rock legends performing at the festival included Billy Idol, Myles Kennedy & Slash as well as, more controversially, Muse.

When the 'Drones' hitmakers were announced as headliners for the heavy metal festival alongside Kiss and Slipknot, fans rushed to complained they didn't quite fit the bill.

However, they pulled out all the stops as if they had something to prove, with pyrotechnics, fireworks and even throwing out bouncy balls into the crowd.

They played their heaviest set to date, treating fans to both old and new tracks including some from their latest LP 'Drones' and classics such as 'Time Is Running Out' and 'Plug In Baby'.