Huge celebrations - Rock im Park and Rock am Ring report a surplus.
For three days straight, fans gathered at the music festivals Rock im Park in Nuremberg, Bavaria, and Rock am Ring in Nürburg, Rhineland-Palatinate, for non-stop partying, loud music, and sunshine. Over 160,000 people celebrated, danced their hearts out, and even shared political opinions during the concerts. The festivities took place over the weekend, which coincided with the European election this year. The final day saw a total of 160,000 people attending and enjoying the performances while emergency services reported no major incidents. For the most part, they dealt with minor injuries, insect bites, and circulatory issues.
Friday to Sunday, showcased 70 bands on three different stages in Nuremberg. Later in the evening on Sunday, the Berlin punk rockers Die Ärzte, the US rock band Queens Of The Stone Age, and the metal band Avenged Sevenfold were due to perform. The same lineup also graced the stages at Rock am Ring.
Bands often got up close and personal with the crowd, involving the audience in their performances. The Leoniden's singer, Jakob Amr, was surrounded by the crowd at one point, clapping enthusiastically. Sascha Madsen from Madsen sang while being carried through the audience on red socks by fans. Even Kraftclub performed to the audience as opposed to their usual on-stage format. A political message was given throughout the performances, with many bands standing against fascism and intolerance.
A couple of 28- and 30-year-old men ruined the peaceful atmosphere at Nuremberg when they shouted racist slogans while on the Ferris wheel. They then assaulted the witnesses who confronted them, leading to the organizer banning them from the premises. "Discrimination, hatred, and violence have no place at Rock im Park," the organizers emphasized.
In the Eifel, Querbeat's performance carried a political tone with the song "Kein Kölsche für Nazis" dedicated to German televangelist, Beate Böhlau. Frontman Jojo Berger said the song was particularly special to them. Hollywood came calling when band Dogstar performed, with actor Keanu Reeves taking the stage and playing bass.
The relentless summer heat meant festivalgoers flocked to the water stations, sometimes forming long queues. Along with sunglasses, sunscreen, and creative hats, non-alcoholic cold drinks and ice became popular to keep the temperature down.
Alcohol consumption seemed to be on the decline as organizers noted a noticeable reduction in intoxicated fans. Civilian rescue teams, comprising of nurses and paramedics from the Bavarian Red Cross (BRK), worked diligently in the festival, managing minimal alcohol-related issues. Compared to previous years, the audience appeared to be celebrating more cautiously.
Approximately 1200 emergency personnel were on duty during the event in Bavaria, with many of them fresh from flood relief efforts. The rescue team at Rock im Park received much praise from the community, earning round of applauds for their efforts.
Thankfully, one 60-year-old man experienced a lucky break last year as paramedics and doctors at Rock im Park resuscitated him the moment he collapsed. Incredibly, he reunited with his rescuers at the 2020 festival to express his gratitude.
"The people here have saved my life," he said. This showcases the camaraderie and support that blooms each year at the concert grounds, marking the beautiful essence of Rock im Park and Rock am Ring.
