An electrifying scene at Rock am Ring 2025. A massive crowd, hands raised in excitement, pulses with energy as vibrant spotlights illuminate the dusk sky. On stage, a live band delivers a high-energy performance, captivating fans of all ages. The backdrop showcases towering banners and state-of-the-art screens, amplifying the festival’s dynamic atmosphere. With over 100 international rock and metal acts performing across four stages, this image perfectly captures the spirit of Rock am Ring’s 40th anniversary celebration. ()
Music lovers everywhere can remember their first music festival. I was 15 years old and “Next Big Thing 6” in Tampa, Florida featured some of my favorites like My Chemical Romance, 30 Seconds to Mars, Taking Back Sunday and Three Days Grace. I remember buying overpriced cold water, drinking way too many energy drinks, trying to catch flying guitar picks from the stage and using questionable port-a-potties. It was the best! Music festivals aren’t just an American experience, though. Germany is home to one of the largest festivals in the world: Rock am Ring.
In 1985, U2, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner and Night Ranger, among other bands took the stage for a two-day concert event. It was supposed to be a one-time occasion; however, with the attendance of 75,000 people at the Nürburgring Racetrack, it was quickly made into an annual celebration. Since then, bands such as Aerosmith, Rammstein, Green Day, Ozzy Osbourne, Die Toten Hosen, Maroon 5, Tokio Hotel and Depeche Mode as well as German and other international music superstars have rocked the stages.
An electrifying evening at Rock am Ring festival, showcasing a massive crowd immersed in music under a stunning dusk sky. The illuminated stage hosts a live band captivating the audience, while vibrant spotlights and large screens ensure a memorable experience for fans of all ages. ()
Rock am Ring is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
Because of its popularity, since 1993, a twin festival, Rock im Park, occurs simultaneously four hours away in Nuremberg (The same bands play on different days so they can play both festivals). Today, the festival is primarily international rock and metal bands, but until 2002 bands and performers in other genres took the stage including pop bands, comedians and indie acts.
This year, 2025, over 100 acts will perform across four stages, including Slipknot, A Day to Remember and Bring Me the Horizon over the course of three days from June 6 - 8. More than 50,000 people have already bought their tickets, but fear not, you can still secure yours. Just decide where you want to stay! If your hotel is in a nearby city, you can take one of the shuttles. To stay on-site, you can choose one of the camping options at either site, these include tent, caravan and glamping selections.
No matter where you choose to stay, you have to purchase separate festival, camping and parking tickets. To learn more about your options, get your tickets and watch re-cap videos from previous festivals, go to rock-am-ring.com or rock-im-park.com.
An energetic scene at Rock am Ring with a guitarist performing passionately on stage as a massive crowd cheers under a bright, sunny sky. The audience, packed in front of a backdrop of banners and structures, creates an electric atmosphere with raised hands and excitement. ()
Here are some interesting tidbits about Rock am Ring and Rock im Park.
In 2003, Placebo replaced Linkin Park because their lead singer, Chester Bennington, had an abdominal parasite.
In 1987, David Bowie refused to perform on the same stage as other performers and a special “Glass Spider” stage was built for him.
In 2016 and 2017, 70 people were injured from lightning strikes. Several bands also had to cancel performances due to storms.
Before settling in Nuremberg, Rock im Park was held in Vienna and Munich.
Die Toten Hosen holds the record for most appearances at Rock am Ring, participating 9 times since 1996.
There are over 500 loudspeakers in use. It takes 83 power generators to run the event and 35 of those are just to ensure attendees have food and drinks.
In 2007, a science experiment was conducted to test the effects of large amounts of people jumping at the same time: Nothing significant was concluded.
