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We’re lucky enough to have a front-row seat at the FADER FORT by FIAT for four days of music that some would deem enough to keep satisfied through,say, Coachella. But hey, this is our line of work. So naturally, each night when the fort shuts down for the evening, we’re just getting started. In our first of a two-part SXSW evening recap, we’re taking you into the gritty depths of 6th Street, past the cascading aroma of sweet, saucy BBQ and into the clubs where the real parties are going down.

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DAY ONE

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On Wednesday night, without question, the biggest event was the return performance by Queens of the Stone Age. This would mark the first performance by the hard-riffing crew since frontman Josh Homme died on the operating table during an intense knee surgery a few months back. As such, it was epic to see the Queens–who had previously taken some time off as Homme indulged his inner-rock geek while gigging with John Paul Jones and Dave Grohl for supergroup Them Crooked Vultures– back onstage. And, as one might expect, they returned in grand fashion as they powered through the entirety of their self-titled debut. Homme, Dean Fertitda and the rest of the crew proved that even with a lead singer temporarily dying on the operating table, nothing was gonna stop these dudes.That’s what we call rock n’ roll.

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Nearby, mtvU held their annual Woodie Awards, honoring some of the brightest young talent in the biz. Onhand, accepting awards and performing were the likes of Two Door Cinema Club ( who won the American Breakthough Woodie) and Wiz Khalifa (who performed his hit “Black and Yellow” before taking home the Woodie of the Year for that very song). Meanwhile, Grohl, who is now back with his first-love (second if you count Nirvana) Foo Fighters, led his reinvigorated band through a rendition of the gut-punch that is “Rope” from their upcoming comeback-album “Wasting Light.” And how can we forget our favorite psycho-rap crew, Odd Future. Tyler the Creator, Hodgy Beatz and the rest of the LA dudes were onhand to perform… and how they did. If today’s gig at the fort is nearly as badass as their Woodies rendition of “Yonkers and Sandwiches” was, FADER better get some more security heavies up front. In other awards news, Chiddy Bang took home the Woodie for Video of the Year while Matt and Kim took home the Best Performing Woodie.

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DAY TWO

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Such as was the case when Foo Fighters performed at Stubbs on Tuesday night, the line stretched beyond all comprehension for the Strokes free gig on Thursday at Auditorium Shores stage. This wasn’t your normal SXSW stuffy club gig– Julian Casablancas (pictured above) and co. drew an estimated 30,000 large. For their second gig of the year in support of their first album in five years, Angles, the band that reinvented garage rock tore through tunes both old and new— “Somebody” and “New York City Cops” from 2001’s Is This It? as well as current cuts the likes of “Under Cover of Darkness” and “Macchu Picchu.”

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In the nearby downtown digs of La Zona Rosa, the Rolling Stone/Atlantic Records party featured some of 2010’s hottest breakout acts: B.o.B, Wiz Khalifa and Janelle Monae showed off their skills. While original performer, Cee-Lo Green, wasn’t there to give the crowd a literal’ f’ you, those present didn’t mind jamming out to B.o.B.’s “Nothin on You” Wiz’s new cut, “Roll Up” or Janelle’s spectacular version of “Tightrope.”

For those not eager to fight the massive crowds, Sacramento bluesy-punk duo Middle Class Rut ignited the rooftop stage at Maggie Maes. While sound issues at one point caused drummer Sean Stockham to throw his mic across the stage, the tatted stickman with the words “For Sale” inked across his chest and guitarist Zack Lopez still managed to create audible havoc with rowdy renditions of cuts such as “USA” and “Busy Bein’ Born” from their debut LP No Name No Color.

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The past two days have been beyond comprehension, but now it’s time to soak in Day Three at the FADER FORT by FIAT. Check back on Sunday for Part Two of our SXSW evening coverage and remember, you can stream all the fort performances right here at Myspace Music, as well as catch exclusive interviews from your favorite SXSW acts.