Rock am Ring was originally conceived as a one-time event to celebrate the inauguration of a new Grand Prix track in Nürburgring, a large motorsports complex in Nürburg, Germany. It took place in 1985 and attracted about 75,000 attendees. Inspired by its commercial success, the organizers decided to make the festival an annual event.
Rock am Ring went on a two-year hiatus after its 1988 edition due to a dip in attendance. The festival was relaunched in 1991 with a new concept. For the first time ever its line-up featured both well-known artists and up-and-coming musicians and bands. Among the musicians who performed on the main stage were Dave Stewart, Eros Ramazotti, INXS, and Sting.
The 2014 edition of Rock am Ring was the last one to be held at Nürburgring because the new operator of the race track terminated the contract. The festival then moved to Mendig Air Base but retained its old name.
Since 1993, a sister festival named Rock im Park (Rock in the Park) has been held every year concurrently with Rock am Ring. Its first edition took place in Vienna, the next two festivals were held in Munich, but since 1995 Nuremberg has been the host city of Rock in Park. Combined, Rock am Ring and Rock im Park are the largest music festivals in Germany. Both festivals have a mostly identical line-up featuring the same artists with very few exceptions.
Rock am Ring is a spectacular three-day show featuring renowned musicians from all over the world. Its past headliners include Joe Cocker, The Cure, David Bowie, Sting, Elton John, Leonard Cohen, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Kiss, Bob Dylan, Metallica, Oasis, Linkin Park, Lenny Kravitz, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Iron Maiden, Guns N’ Roses, Korn, Papa Roach, Rage Against the Machine, Marilyn Manson, Rammstein. Coldplay, Die Toten Hosen, Green Day, Kings of Leon, Foo Fighters, and many more.
Photo: Marc Knight, Germany
