Day 1

Rock am Ring has been one of the most remarkable and largest festivals in Europe for years. Known for its fantastic lineup, it has been sold out for the past 4 years. This year was no exception, as 80,000 people traveled to the Formula 1 circuit near Nurnburg last weekend to enjoy about 80 bands of great quality and camaraderie.

Friday

The Friday starts a bit slow; not many people are on the grounds when the band Expatriate opens on the Centerstage. This Australian band, consisting of 4 gentlemen, delivers delicious indie rock. They smoothly play their tunes, and the present audience enjoys a relaxed and solid opener.

In the Coca Cola Soundwave Tent, the German band Silvester performs. Formed in 2008 by singer Naima Husseini, they are already present at this major festival. Unfortunately, there are few people in this tent, which consists of 2 stages alternating to accommodate as many bands as possible. This is a pity because this young band creates delightful pop music. Dressed in a 1950s style, the singer performs her self-written songs for the young audience that doesn’t appreciate the loud rock and nu-metal primarily programmed for today’s Alternastage.

Later on, Chester French takes the stage in the same tent, and the party begins. These guys captivate the audience from the first seconds. The singer and guitarist are the core of the band, evident in their clothing style, typical of the contemporary indie dance rock feeling that has been traveling the world since Franz Ferdinand. However, the other band members do not fall under this style. The drummer and bassist, two individuals with a reggae background, and the keyboardist, who looks more like a conventional musician, complete the ensemble. Everyone is taken on a ride with the swinging and explosive sound of this band, especially singer D.A. Wallach, who knows how to captivate everyone. It’s wonderful to watch and witness the real party unfold.

We stay in this Coca Cola tent to watch two more successive bands. The first is the English band Animal Kingdom, still unknown but certainly interesting to watch. As the tent slowly gets busier, these gentlemen play some beautiful songs, drawing inevitable comparisons to the more famous Mew. In particular, the voice of singer Richard Sauberlich seems like a copy. A band with atmospheric songs and great potential for something bigger. In a few weeks, they will play alongside Silversun Pickups but undoubtedly become a fully independent show in no time.

Next up is the Scottish duo Martin And James. Their acoustic guitar pop literally makes everyone stand listening with closed eyes and open mouths. This must be the unknown gem of this gigantic festival. The clear and beautiful voice of Martin, combined with the rawness of James, creates some goosebump moments among the listeners. Couples quickly draw closer, and the lonely can dream away until, unfortunately, it’s over after about 35 minutes.

The real headliners are ready on center stage. We start with the popular Razorlight. Since their debut album in 2004, they have been a constant presence at festivals and music venues. Many girls stood at the front then and now to see singer Johnny Borrell do his thing. However, it turns out not as enjoyable as expected. Razorlight indeed plays a dull set for the large audience. Few people seem to get really excited about Borrell’s antics and slowly drift back to the nearby food and drink tents. Of course, many sing along loudly with hits like ‘Golden Touch,’ but it’s disappointing to see that they can’t stir anything up at the beginning of the evening.

Then it’s Placebo‘s turn. There has been a long wait for a new album and a new series of performances. Last week, they were only 200 km closer at Pinkpop, where they kind of took over Depeche Mode’s spot. Now they are programmed before The Killers. It probably doesn’t matter much to Placebo because Brian Molko, Stefan Olsdall, and Steve Forrest play exactly as we can expect from these experienced gentlemen. Old hits like ‘Special K,’ ‘Black Eyed,’ and ‘Meds’ are interspersed with new songs from the album Battle for the Sun, which happens to be released today. For the first time today, the audience sings, jumps, and shouts from front to back. Molko’s typical voice and the tight performance of all the gentlemen remain just as good as at Pinkpop, but certainly not less impressive. The additional effect of the electric violin and, of course, the background addition (1 bass, 1 guitar, and 1 drum set are no longer enough nowadays) provides a complete bombastic fill.

Before The Killers start, many try to catch a song from Milow. However, the tent he is playing in is so full that almost no one else is allowed in. Luckily, there is still plenty of space at The Killers, and soon there is no more room. Last week, they were at Pinkpop and the HMH, now the next big party. The show remains the same everywhere, a few palm trees on stage, guitarist Dave Keuning in a crazy shirt, and the charismatic Brandon Flowers who passionately delivers every song. They start with their latest hit ‘Human,’ and after a few songs, ‘Somebody Told Me’ comes around. Actually, every song seems like a hit because

there is no quiet moment in the audience. Everyone knows The Killers; everyone experiences The Killers, and gradually, they elevate themselves to an untouchable status. Especially with songs like ‘Mr. Brightside’ and ‘Spaceman,’ this is emphasized even more. A fantastic performance by an incredible band and, at the same time, a fantastic closer.

Saturday Morning, Everyone Wakes Up in the Rain

From around five in the morning until five in the afternoon, it pours from the sky. Rock am Regen is born, many tents are soaked, and the outlook is not much better. Fortunately, the bands kept playing, trying to make the best of it.

Sevendust

Sevendust starts on the center stage, and they play loudly through the raindrops. Only the front section is filled with fans in pink and yellow ponchos who eagerly want to start a circle pit. In the mist, it all looks a bit sparse, but Sevendust gives it their all.

White Lies

Slowly, the clouds rise again so that, despite the rain, White Lies can be seen. This London-based hype has been immensely popular since the release of their debut album, To Lose My Life. The comparison with Editors and Interpol is quick to make as the three gentlemen in black present their dark indie-pop. The audience participates well, especially when hits like ‘Death’ echo across the Alternastage. A tight performance without further remarks; the limited interaction with the audience fits well with the music, and everyone warms up a bit more due to the crowd.

The Script

After this, The Script takes the Alternastage. Slightly milder than White Lies but certainly no less popular. The rain is almost over, and the field is filling up. The audience welcomes them with cheers and sings almost every song at the top of their lungs. The well-groomed singer, Danny O’Donoghue, empathizes with the audience as he steps a meter forward and checks if there is still rain falling. After that, when he starts the single ‘The Man Who Can’t Be Moved,’ everyone joins in, and it almost stops raining.

Phoenix

From two hypes to the band that has been established for a while. Perhaps not so well known in the Netherlands, but here in Germany, they seem to be big enough for some time. This is Phoenix. From the first song, they give it their all. As soon as the first song starts, singer Thomas Mars standard throws the microphone away. He drags it behind him in the coming songs because the cord is still attached. The party is complete as everyone starts dancing due to the band’s enthusiasm.

Madness

And then Madness takes the stage. The gentlemen know better than anyone how to throw a party. Last week at Pinkpop was already one big party, and now nothing less. Young and old know the ‘ska’ hits, and from the beginning, it is a big dance festival. ‘Baggy Trousers’ and ‘Our House’ are highlights where everyone does the famous loop dance. Meanwhile, everyone seems to be on the grounds, and the feet are off the floor. The only bit of sunshine of the day is on this stage.

Everyone rushes to the center stage for probably the best act of this festival. The Prodigy is back on stage, thousands of people stand before them, expecting a loud concert. The first bass kicks in, and the whole crowd jumps around. ‘Omen,’ ‘Breathe,’ and ‘Firestarter’ are all brought with full aggression. During ‘Smack My Bitch Up,’ Keith Flint passes the first section and stands among the first 2 lines messing with everyone. Maxim indicates that the hardest song is coming, and ‘Take Me To The Hospital’ blasts across the grounds. When the band temporarily leaves the stage, the press tribune is traditionally serenaded with the words: “Scheisse Buhne!”. In one word: WOW

Right after this on the Alternastage, the German band Jan Delay & Disco No. 1 takes the stage. A German party band led by singer Jan Delay, consisting of various brass players and 3 background singers. All dressed in old-fashioned tuxedos and evening gowns. The field is truly packed, and the hits mainly consist of covers of MC Hammer and Backstreet Boys. The background singers regularly give a danceable solo performance, and the many German-language songs are a hit at the international Rock Am Ring.

At night, at 2 am, Dredg gets to close the day in the Coca Cola tent. Many people are slowly walking through the cold to their tents or to the party tent just outside the grounds. However, the group of fans that go inside is treated to a fantastic piece of music. Fans stand at the front, eyes closed, lightly headbanging. The dreamy, progressive rock of these gentlemen from America drains everyone and floats through the tent. New song ‘Information’ and old gems ‘Catch Without Arms’ and ‘Bug Eyes’ provide a few highlights in the middle of the night. An ideal closer for the day so that everyone who is lucky enough to be here can lie dreamily in their tent to continue enjoying.

Report: Day 3

Sunday might be the least interesting day on paper. It doesn’t start well as everyone steps out of their tents and sees thick dark clouds once again. Here and there, a few drops still fall from the sky, and everyone puts on their soggy shoes again.

On Alternastage, Middle Class Rut performs this afternoon. Two guys from California who give everything they have. Singer and guitarist Zack Lopez shouts, screams, sings, and bounces around the stage while he abuses his guitar with the post-punk sound of the band. Drummer Sean Stockham is not much calmer. For a small group that is already awake, he almost breaks through his drum set while he breathes heavily into the microphone. It hangs half in his mouth because he often has to sing a piece. He does this really well; the vocal skills seem almost better than those of his colleague, but the combination is especially the strength of the band. The lucky audience here witnesses two guys who give themselves completely, a concert not to be forgotten quickly. “For Sale” is tattooed on Stockham’s chest; we are still waiting for a CD.

The Rifles make their entrance. With 4 large green posters with the name hanging in the background, the stage immediately looks interesting. This remains interesting to watch because The Rifles already know how to entertain the audience. Their English indie has been known for years, especially after the album “Great Escape.” They deliver a solid show without too many crazy things. However, it seems that the stage is giving in after two and a half days. The green side with the stage name and some sponsors blows out of its suspension system at the end of the concert. Not much later, the right side also breaks due to the weather.

On Centerstage, everything is still intact, and The Subways get to perform their show. They look like three little people on an immense stage. They genuinely give everything they have. Their alternative English rock echoes across the grounds, and bassist Charlotte Cooper jumps and spins constantly. The audience is moderately enthusiastic; it seems like this band’s sound is far from big enough for this stage. Only when the song ‘Girls & Boys’ (known from the film Rocknrolla) is played at the end does the music really come alive. It’s a shame because if they had been placed on a smaller stage, they would have been worth a headline act.

Guano Apes are back on tour; in 2003, they gave a lousy performance at Lowlands, and today they do it again. Many gray glitters in the background don’t make the act much more exciting. Only with hits like ‘Big in Japan’ and ‘Lord of the Boards,’ does the crowded grounds seem to come to life. For the rest, Sandra Nasic’s wriggling is unpleasant to watch and hear. A boring performance that fortunately comes to an end.

Next on the stage is Billy Talent. What a difference from an hour ago. What power and volume come from this Canadian band. While singer Ben Kowalewicz spits almost the entire stage underneath during each song, thousands of fans warm up the audience; this is not the last thing that plays here today.

Limp Bizkit is back! As if they never left, they start the evening with ‘My Generation.’ Fred Durst and his gang are clearly in the mood. In the background, the five heads of these old heroes. Guitarist Wes Borland in a skeleton suit with scary dreads plays frighteningly well. The entire evening is filled with their best songs. A few moshpit explosions during ‘Breakstuff’ and ‘Nookie,’ and quiet singing along with ‘Behind Blue Eyes.’ When these gentlemen briefly leave the stage to Michael Jackson’s familiar sample, it takes a long time for them to return. But coming back with, among other things, ‘Take a Look Around,’ will not be quickly forgotten. Fred Durst puts on a black cap, asks everyone in the middle of the song to sit down, and when the music erupts in the form of a large pit, everyone beats each other’s ears off. Limp Bizkit is back and rocks as before!