In May 1985, the Südschleife of the Nürburgring racetrack witnessed the birth of what would become Germany's mother of all music festivals – Rock am Ring. The inaugural edition, featuring rock legends like U2, Foreigner, and Joe Cocker, attracted around 75,000 music enthusiasts. Little did they know that this one-time event would evolve into an iconic festival that, over the course of 35 years, would see its share of highs, lows, and unexpected turns.
Initially planned as a one-off event, the success of the 1985 edition propelled Rock am Ring into an annual extravaganza. The modernization of the Nürburgring, coupled with the organizers' quest for lucrative events beyond motorsport, set the stage for what would become a cultural phenomenon. Over the years, the festival's popularity soared, reaching a record attendance of 92,500 in 2016.
The evolution of Rock am Ring was not confined to its growing audience alone. From 17 bands on one stage in its debut year to a staggering 98 bands across three stages in 2007, the festival's lineup and scale expanded significantly. The initial blueprint was surpassed, creating a diverse musical landscape that catered to a broad spectrum of tastes.
However, the journey was not without its challenges. In 1988, Rock am Ring faced a setback as the number of visitors dwindled, resulting in a two-year suspension. The festival's resilience shone through as it embraced a strategy of introducing fresh talent, revitalizing its appeal. Yet, hurdles persisted – from a lightning strike disrupting Chris Rea's performance in 1997 to disputes over money leading to a temporary relocation to Mendig in 2015.
The years 2016 and 2017 brought about a new set of challenges. Severe storms interrupted and eventually canceled the festival in 2016, with over 70 people injured by lightning strikes. The following year, a terror warning led to a police evacuation during Rammstein's performance. Despite these disruptions, the festival persisted, with the police eventually giving the all-clear for the program to continue.
For many, Rock am Ring has become a myth, a five-day extravaganza that allows "50,000 crazy people" to escape reality, as described by festival-goer Tom Mellmann. The tales of chaos, resilience, and unforgettable performances have woven a narrative that resonates with fans. Yet, this pleasure comes at a cost, with some fans leaving up to 500 euros at the ring for tickets, T-shirts, and beer.
As Rock am Ring celebrates its 35th year, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of music and the festival's ability to weather storms, both literal and metaphorical. Its journey from a one-time event to a cultural institution is a saga of music, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of those who have made the pilgrimage to the Nürburgring year after year.