Rock am Ring witnessed a significant event four decades past.

Rockin' for 40 Years: The Unforgettable Journey of Rock am Ring

At Rock am Ring four decades past, this event took place - Rock 'n' Roll's Four Decade Evolution Unveiled

This weekend, a massive wave of music lovers, numbering 90,000 strong, will once again storm the Nürburgring for Rock am Ring's 40th anniversary bash. Over these four decades, the festival and its die-hard fans have witnessed a rollercoaster ride of unforgettable moments.

The 80s - Birth and Initial Struggles

1985: The first edition of Rock am Ring took the stage at the Nürburgring, making its grand entrance amidst a crowd of 70,000 enthusiasts. Performance by the likes of Joe Cocker, U2, and Chris de Burgh set the tone for the festival.

1986: The specter of terror attacks loomed large. Many top American acts and thousands of US troops stationed in Germany decided to stay home. This caused a dramatic dip in attendance, with only 40,000 revellers in attendance.

1987: A series of storms wreaked havoc at the festival, but performers such as Udo Lindenberg, Eurythmics, and David Bowie kept spirits high.

1989 and 1990: A decline in visitor numbers led the festival to take a brief two-year hiatus.

The 90s - Growth and Expansion

1995: The event returned bigger and better, hosting 27 bands spanning two days with an attendance of around 65,000. The twin festival "Rock im Park" was also launched. Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Die Doofen, and Otto Waalkes graced the stage that year.

1996: The festival expanded to a three-day event for the first time.

1997: A bolt from the blue crippled a main power generator, forcing Chris Rea to abruptly end his performance.

The 2000s - Racing, Football, and Milestones

2000: Some 80,000 visitors enjoyed the festival, with an entrance fee of 135 marks.

2004: Renovations transformed the Nürburgring for Formula 1 racing, compelling Rock am Ring to switch its dates a week later. 75 bands entertained 65,000 fans during the three-day event.

2005: The festival commemorated its 20th anniversary, incurring an estimated cost of between six and seven million euros.

2008: The EM football match Germany vs Poland was broadcast live on the main stage, attracting thousands of viewers. A visitor record of 85,000 was set that year.

The 2010s - New Locations, Weather Woes, and Terror Threats

2010: To commemorate the 25th anniversary, an additional festival day was added. The four-day jubilee event began on Thursday evening.

2014: A disagreement between the new owner of the Nürburgring and the organizer led to the event being temporarily discontinued at the Eifel. The dispute over the name of the festival even reached the courts, with the organizer ultimately prevailing.

2015: Rock am Ring was held at the former military airbase in Mendig, where multiple lightning strikes left several people injured.

2016: Lightning once again struck Mendig, leaving dozens injured and requiring resuscitation for two festival-goers. The event was abandoned after just two days due to severe storms.

2017: The festival returned to the Nürburgring but faced a terror threat, leading to a temporary evacuation of the site on Friday evening. Despite the interruption, the festival continued on Saturday.

The 2020s - Corona Pandemic, Cancellations, and a Fresh Start

2020 and 2021: The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the festival in both years, postponing the 35th anniversary of Rock am Ring.

2022: A record-breaking 90,000 tickets were sold for the resumption, with the Toten Hosen putting on a surprise performance.

As the festival prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025, it is expected to feature four stages with 100 acts. The weekend will kick off with a surprise opening performance.

Rock am Ring, a beacon of rock music in Germany, continues to thrive, evolving with the times while maintaining its core mission of bringing fans and musicians together for an unforgettable musical experience.

Rock Music
Nürburgring
Weekend Festival
Germany
Music Lineup
1980s
2010
COVID-19
Mass Attendance
Lightning Strikes
Toten Hosen
Surprise Acts

The band is currently touring the UK, Europe, and the United States, as part of their extensive entertainment lineup, offering music lovers an unforgettable weekend at the Nürburgring in Germany for the iconic Rock am Ring festival. This continues the tradition started in the 1980s, when Rock am Ring began at the Nürburgring, hosting acts like Joe Cocker, U2, and Chris de Burgh.