Rock am Ring
Germany's largest simultaneous rock festivals, united in music.
Rock am Ring (German for "Rock at [the] Ring") and Rock im Park ("Rock in [the] Park") are two simultaneous rock music festivals held annually in Germany. Rock am Ring takes place at the Nürburgring race track paddock at the village of Nürburg, while Rock im Park takes place some 200 miles away in Nuremberg, at the Zeppelinfeld. The festivals are usually regarded as one event sharing nearly identical lineups. Combined, they are the largest music festivals held in Germany and one of the largest in the world, with a combined attendance of over 150,000 people in 2007.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Music Festival; Stadium Venue
- Location
- Nürburg, Germany (Real World)
- Tier
- Stadium; Endgame Progression
- Affiliation
- Rock Band Tour Mode
Lore & Background
Rock am Ring was founded by Marek Lieberberg in 1985. It was originally planned as a one-time festival on the Nürburgring motorsports complex, celebrating the inauguration of a newer, shorter version of the race track in 1985, but due to its commercial success (with 75,000 audience members), it was made an annual event. After a dip in attendance for the 1988 event, the festival was put on hiatus for two years. In 1991, the festival returned with a new concept: featuring well-known artists and lesser known up-and-coming bands.
In 1993, Rock im Park took place for the first time in Vienna. For the 1994 event, Rock im Park moved to the disused Munich-Riem airport, and the following year to Munich's Olympiastadion, where it was held for 1995 and 1996. In 1997, Rock im Park moved to Nuremberg's Frankenstadion until the venue was unavailable in 2004 due to renovations for the 2006 Football World Cup. Since 2004, the venue moved to the current Zeppelinfeld, except for the 2006 festival, which was moved to the nearby Luitpoldhain park due to the World Cup.
After 29 editions of Rock am Ring, the new private owner of the Nürburgring decided the contract would not be extended. The festival organizers continued at another location in 2015 and 2016 (Mendig Air Base/Vulkaneifel), returning to the Nürburgring in 2017.
Reader's Guide
The 2008 festival took place on 6–8 June 2008 with 91 acts confirmed. The 2009 headline acts included Limp Bizkit, Slipknot, the Prodigy, Korn, Marilyn Manson, the Killers, Placebo, and Billy Talent. The 2011 headliners were System of a Down and Coldplay. The 2012 edition included acts such as Linkin Park, Metallica, and Soundgarden. The 2013 edition was sold out since the beginning of January and included Thirty Seconds to Mars, Green Day, and the Prodigy. The 2014 edition was spread over 4 days with headliners Iron Maiden, Kings of Leon, Linkin Park, and Metallica. In 2015, the festival moved to Mendig Air Base with headliners Foo Fighters, Die Toten Hosen, Slipknot, and Motionless in White.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines Rock am Ring in the game?
It serves as a thematic benchmark for Stadium-tier venues within the Rock Band franchise's Tour progression systems. This concept represents the ultimate festival stage where bands reach the pinnacle of global tour progression.
Where is this venue situated geographically?
The location corresponds to Nürburg, Germany, which hosts a prominent real-world music festival annually. In-game, this setting anchors the international leg of the virtual tour experience.
What progression tier does Rock am Ring occupy?
This venue belongs to the Stadium tier, marking the endgame phase of the Tour Mode progression. Players encounter it only after completing earlier arena and club stages in their career.
Is Rock am Ring based on a real event?
Yes, it draws direct inspiration from the annual music festival held at Nürburg that influences the design of high-level concert stages. The game adapts its scale and atmosphere for the virtual performance experience.
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