Rock am Ring: An Unforgettable 40-Year Journey Through Music and Mayhem
Rock am Ring witnessed a significant event four decades back - In the span of four decades, the landscape of rock 'n' roll has undergone profound transformations.
Are you ready to reminisce about one of Germany's most iconic music festivals? Rock am Ring is celebrating an astounding 40 years, and boy, have they had a rollercoaster ride.
A weekend of pure rock, rain, and fun started in '85 when over 70,000 Soulmates descended upon Nürburgring! Only 19 bands graced the stage, featuring legends such as Joe Cocker, U2, and Chris de Burgh. But those were just the beginning days - there were more stars, storms, disputes, and records to come!
Heed the 80s Apprehension:
- Stormy Start: The 1980s brought heavy rain and storms to the Nürburgring, sweeping away the dreams of many. Performances from Udo Lindenberg, Eurythmics, and David Bowie shone amid the chaos.
- Terrorist Fears: The 1986 crowd shrank to 40,000, as top US acts backed out due to fear of terrorist attacks, and thousands of US soldiers stayed away. Sigh, those were the tense times!
The 90s: Rock am Ring's Golden Era?:
- Newblood Rising: By '95, Rock am Ring had embraced 27 bands over two days. The roster boasted headliners like Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Die Doofen, and Otto Waalkes.
- Extending the Party: For the first time, the festival expanded to three days in '96! But it wasn't all fun and games – a lightning strike in '97 forced Chris Rea to bid adieu prematurely.
The 2000s: A Race for the Stage and a Temporary Halt
- GT Racers Invade: In '04, the Formula 1 took over the Nürburgring, and Rock am Ring moved a week later. No problem for the 75 bands that played for 65,000 strong. The three-day ticket cost 105 euros in advance and a whopping 125 at the box office!
- Success Still Strikes: Rock am Ring celebrated its 20th anniversary in '05, racking up costs between six and seven million euros!
The 2010s: New Location, Strikes, and a Terrifying Alert
- Flyboys’ Festival: In '15, Rock am Ring moved to the former military airbase in Mendig. Yet, the fun came to a screeching halt as lightning strikes injured several people.
- Weather Woes: Lightning struck again in '16, leaving dozens injured and, tragically, causing the festival to shut down after two days.
- Suspense in the Air: In '17, threat of terror forced the festival to halt for a brief moment, evacuating the crowd. But the show must go on, and it did, resuming the next day.
The 2020s: Pandemic Pauses and Peaks
- Lockdown Lull: The Corona pandemic forced the festival to close its gates in '20 and '21, cancelling the 35th anniversary celebrations.
- Coming Back Stronger: 90,000 tickets were snapped up for the festival's comeback in '22, setting a new record. Even the Toten Hosen popped in for a surprising performance.
2025: Rock am Ring roars back for its 40th anniversary. For the first time, four stages will host 100 acts, and surprise performances await! Let the party begin!
- Music
- Germany
- Norrin' Ring
- Party fans
- Rainy shows
- US soldiers
- Udo Lindenberg
- Eurythmics
- David Bowie
- Bon Jovi
- Van Halen
- Scorpions
- U2
- AC/DC
- Guns N Roses
- Linkin Park
- Rammstein
- Slipknot
- Red Hot Chili Peppers
- The Killers
- The Doofen
- Otto Waalkes
- Formula 1
- Court Dispute
- Terror Alert
- Covid Pandemic
- Military Airbase
- Lightning Strikes
The band, which includes artists like U2, Bon Jovi, and Rammstein, is currently touring the UK, Europe, and the United States, offering entertainment to music enthusiasts worldwide.
Rock am Ring, situated in Germany's Norrin' Ring, has been a haven for party fans for over four decades, hosting music giants such as Eurythmics, David Bowie, and AC/DC, amidst rainy shows and court disputes.
