US air guitarist wins world championship with fierce headbanging

OULU, FINLAND, Aug 24:  American Eric “Mean” Melin was crowned air guitar world champion yesterday after his fierce rendition of alternative rock band Weezer’s “Hash Pipe” impressed judges at an annual competition in the northern Finnish city of Oulu. Melin narrowly beat compatriot Doug “The Thunder” Stroock after a play-off by showing off a combination of energetic headbanging and charismatic stage presence. (agencies)