The largest rock festivals. Rock festivals: description, history Rock over the Volga

The fumes of frenzy and revelry, a huge amount of light and thunderous sounds of guitar cuts - all this tells you that you are at a rock festival. An event that some people wait for years, and when they wait, they organize a celebration of life, is significant for the city or region where it is held, and above all because of its mass scale.

After all, there are millions of fans of rock and its ideology of freedom, which means that people from all over the world will come to the largest party. The most massive and iconic rock festivals are in our selection right now.

1. Sziget Festival (“island”)

In fact, this festival represents a whole mix of festivals. Having started with 43 thousand, now this festival typically reaches over 400 thousand people, and attracts more and more more people, both versatile music and incredible comfortable conditions (hello to the organizers of Russian festivals). In addition to the main stage with selected rock of various classical styles, people also hang out near the stages with ethno-rock and heavy rock.

The European level of infrastructure shines through here in everything. Having sent your children to the “children’s room”, where they will be looked after, you can go to a hairdresser with free Wi-Fi, where they will make you a multi-colored mohawk with a cup of coffee, and you will go to hang out near the stage, and then calmly wash your sweaty and smoke-smelling clothes in local laundry. Monsters such as Radiohead, Franz Ferdinand, Placebo, Iggy Pop, The Prodigy gladly come to these comfortable conditions.

2. “Rock im Park” and “Rock am Ring”

The largest rock festivals in Germany, one of which takes place at the Zeppelinfield in Nuremberg, and the second at the Nuremburg race track. The main feature of these festivals is the quality of performance and the star names of its headliners, just read these names: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Machine Head, Muse, Nickelback, Evanescence, Linkin Park, Korn, Metallica.

The quality of the festival, in principle, is not much different from the first one - you will also have access to all services, such as an ATM, the Internet, medical assistance and a “children’s room”. Practical Germans set aside entire hectares for convenient camping, so lovers of tents and trailers have absolute freedom here.

3.Glastonbury

The festival in the ancient British town proudly holds the title of the largest and most diverse in Europe. Of course, its main component is rock concerts, which attract up to 500 thousand people. Listen to such famous bands as Coldplay, U2, Morrissey, Beyonce, Queens of the stone age, BB King, the Chemical Brothers, Fatboy Slim.

However, it would be dishonest not to tell you that when you go to this festival of art, in addition to rock, you have the opportunity to enjoy almost all types of creativity, from art exhibitions and theatrical performances to crazy competitions like motorcycle racing. There are no restrictions on alcohol, the only thing is that they won’t sell it to you in glass containers - so all the ingredients for a real rocker festival are met.

4. Invasion

The largest domestic rock festival, which gathers crowds of thousands in the Tver region (since 2004, and before that in the Moscow region since 1999), each time presents mainly to the domestic audience the entire color of Russian rock: from mastodons like Aquarium, Aria, to the relatively newfangled Surganov and orchestra Animal Jazz, Billy's Band and others, others. There is also an alternative scene in last years proudly named “Our 2.0” where all sorts of small-town and regional rock bands of a lower rank perform.

The distinctive feature of the festival, unfortunately, is the disgusting organization, about which demotivators are written on the Internet and multi-page angry reviews are written. Mud underfoot, a glass of boiling water for 20 rubles and cannibalistic prices for food, coupled with rare dry toilets, may be designed for harsh, shaggy-haired rockers, but the average person usually can’t stand it for more than a day.

5. Rock over the Volga

An alternative to “Invasion”, and also broke the attendance record thanks to the visit legendary group Rammstein - as many as 700 thousand people gathered, which broke all world records. Surprisingly, unlike “Invasion”, entry there is absolutely free and food is at very reasonable prices. Yes, from household amenities, again, do not count on complete comfort and free wifi, however, you will find a place to pitch a tent and not take a mud bath.

By visiting this event, which takes place in Samara region, you can enjoy the creativity of Mordor, Chaif, Aquarium, Aria, Chizh & Co, Ken Hensley, Resurrection, DDT, Yu-Peter, Spleen, King and Jester, Agatha Christie, Apocalyptica, Alice, Chaif, Bi-2, Night Snipers.

What do you think of when you hear the phrase “music festival”? If cheeky young people, little-known bands and indigestible sound of equipment appear in your mind’s eye, then know that this has not been the case for a long time. Today's festivals boast high level organizations, adequate visitors and top groups. The best part is that professionals work not only abroad - festival culture is slowly but surely making its way into Russian realities.

What do organizers offer visitors today? Firstly, in one or several days you can visit a large number of groups, and the ticket price will be significantly lower in comparison with the prices separately for each group. Secondly, various recreation and entertainment areas are arranged on the festival grounds, which is a big plus for visitors with children or for large groups. And thirdly, often such events can offer different levels comfort for any wallet: from living as a “savage” in your tent to comfortable houses. And, of course, a lot of positive emotions!

The beginning of the year is a good time to plan future trips and visits. And if you don’t know where exactly you should go, then our selection of festivals taking place in Russia will help you with your choice!

Please note that festivals are strictly located chronological order and the most delicious things await you at the end of the article!

When: May
Where: Volkovskoye, Kaluga region.
Cost: from 500 rub.

This is a unique festival that attracts very interesting musicians at very affordable prices. Previously, the entrance was conditional, but in 2016 they decided to establish an entrance fee, which still remained very affordable. The festival took place in May and the visitors liked it so much that the organizers decided to take a chance and hold it at the end of summer - and they were right. It is still unknown whether the event will be held twice a year, but fans would come three times, because the organization and line-up are very pleasing. 7B, “Torba-na-Kruche”, “Orgy of the Righteous”, “Obe-Rek” and many other talented groups performed here. The festival is still developing, but it has already formed its own creative space and loyal fans. Get to know this event and take an active part in the development of an excellent project!

2. “Moscow Reggae Open Air”

When: May 20
Where: Moscow
Cost: from 300 rub.

The VOLTA club invites all connoisseurs of reggae and ska to a one-day spring festival. The spring festival will be the 12th and this event is already recognized as traditional in the Moscow community of fans of Bob Marley and related music. The organizers gather only the brightest bands on their creative territory, which means that guests will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the latest trends in reggae and enjoy high-quality music. Details about the event have not yet been announced, so keep an eye on official sources.

When: June
Where: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Voronezh, Kazan, Sochi
Cost: from 500 rub.

In a number of cities, hot summer begins on the waves of jazz and modern culture, because the “Usadba Jazz” festival takes place here. This event is currently the most important in the field of jazz music in the Russian expanses and, according to visitors, there is simply no worthy analogue to it. At the event they act as presenters and worldwide famous performers, and so are the young talented artists. Traditionally, the festival takes place among the beautiful architecture of the Arkhangelskoye estate, only one year it was different, but in 2016 everything returned to normal. In addition to music, the organizers offer thoughtful areas for relaxation, shopping and entertainment, not only for adults, but also for children.

When: June 2
Where: Grigorchikovo village, Moscow region. (camp site)
Cost: free entry

Festival "Mnogofest"- this is a cozy atmosphere, bard music, the romance of gatherings in front of a fire and relaxing in nature. Previously, the fest was called “Polyphony”. There is already an announcement on the official website with the date of the future event, but other details are kept secret for now. If you like to relax in the forest, listen to guitar plucks and original songs, and don’t want to attend an event with a huge number of people, then this is the place for you. The organizers promise to leave admission free, but there is a fee for parking with a tent - in 2016 it was only 200 rubles. If you don’t want to spend the night in the forest, then there is a hotel nearby and you can rent a room there, or even return to Moscow in the evening, since it is very close to the city. Entertainment includes fire shows, trolls, a rope park and refreshments at reasonable prices.

When: June
Where: Moscow
Cost: from 3500 rub.

This legendary festival has a very long history and an impressive list of participants. The fest traces its history back to 1995, when, according to the organizers’ plans, it was supposed to surpass Woodstock and become its Russian analogue. Whether it worked out or not is up to the fans to judge, but in terms of scale this event can be put on a par with the coolest. In 2014 and 2015 it was not held, as in some other years, but in 2016 it broke again cultural space with his triumphant return. And there is already information that it will be held again next year. Judging by the 2016 lineup, fans are in for something amazing: Rammstain, IAMX, Crazytown and many others. We look forward to the continuation of the marathon festival!

When: June 23-25
Where: Bunyrevo village, Tula region.
Cost: 2500 rub.

This festival has long been known and dearly loved by many fans of ethnic music in all its manifestations and positive events. offers its guests excellent music of various formats, cultural pastime, active recreation and colorful fairs. During the 3 days of the festival, you can have time to expand your comfort zone as much as possible: meet new friends, dance in a crowd of like-minded people, fly in a hot air balloon, play a lot of volleyball and football, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. On the website you can see photo and video reports from previous years, but you can be sure in advance that this event will definitely be held at the proper level and will not be forgotten for a long time.

When: June 29 – July 2
Where: Mastryukovskie lakes, Samara region.
Cost: free entry

A festival that has long become a classic in the world of bard song. “Grushinka” has been held since 1968 and it is possible that one of your closest relatives visited it in one year or another. On the stages you can see and hear legendary bards, musical groups, poets and invited cultural figures. Every year, the organizers add interesting locations, hold competitions and give young musicians the opportunity to perform. So here is a unique opportunity to become not only a listener, but also an active participant, which you can find out in detail on the official website.

8. “Dobrofest”

When: June 30, July 1-2
Where: Yaroslavl
Cost: from 3500 rub.

If you like drive and rock and roll, then Dobrofest is ideal for you. The festival has been held annually since 2010 at the same place – Levtsovo airfield. And this says one thing: the organizers know this site like native home, and will be able to make it as comfortable as possible for visitors. There is an opportunity to join a special layer of the festival - “dobropipl”. For 4,200 rubles you will be given a package that includes various amenities: from stickers and unique merch to special privileges for a festival participant. The territory is equipped with areas for active and passive recreation, points of sale of souvenirs and even a registry office.

9. "Park Live"

When: July 5
Where: Moscow
Cost: from 3000 rub.

It only took 5 years for this festival to grow to the level where seasoned teams from abroad, such as Limp Bizkit, Marilyn Manson, The Prodigy, Muse, Red Hot Chili Peppers and many others. And this speaks of the high professionalism and quality of the organizing team!

2018 can already be called generous with events, thanks to frequent visits from the world's largest rock icons. And this year they really spoil their fans with regular visits! This is a concert unique project G3 by one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Joe Satriani, in March. And the hot April performances of the bands Halloween, Rainbow, revived by Ritchie Blackmore and, of course, Ken Hensley from Uriah Heep at the ROCK FM Birthday. At the end of May we were shaken Deep Purple who celebrated their 50th anniversary. And on July 13, for the first time in Russia, the unrivaled Guns n’Roses will perform with their original lineup!

But if fans of classic rock such a stormy concert activities it seemed not enough, or for one reason or another you did not have time to attend these concerts full of drive and lively energy of sounds, do not be upset. Especially for fans of cult rock bands and painfully recognizable guitar licks, ROCK FM, together with National Geographic, has compiled a selection of iconic music festivals where you can hear real rock and roll this year.

1. British Summer Time
Place: London, England. When: June 6-14. Headliners: Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Roger Waters, The Cure.

Since 2013, in the very center of London, in the royal park of Hyde Park, the British Summer Time festival has been held for two weekends in a row. One and a half hectares of greenery in the heart of the capital of Foggy Albion, kilowatts of sound and great mood provided to all festival visitors.

2. Download
Place: Donington Park, England. When: June 8-10. Headliners: Ozzy Osbourne, Guns N'Roses, Marilyn Manson, Avenged Sevenfold.

The festival has been held at the Donington Park race track near the village of Castle Donington since 2003 and each time attracts more than 20 thousand fans of heavy music. For all guests, the festival is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the flavor of central England, walk along the track where the Moto GP races take place, and try traditional English cuisine - giblet pies, puddings and fish and chips.

3. Robert Smith's Meltdown
Place: London, England. When: June 15-24. Headliners: The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, The Libertines, Mogwai, Deftones, Manic Street Preachers, Placebo, My Bloody Valentine.

The annual Meltdown festival is a real celebration of art: music, cinema, theatrical performances and painting come together in one place - the largest art complex Southbank Centre. The highlight of the event is the choice of the festival curator, who forms the list of artists: every year one of the famous musical performers. Meltdown has been held since 1993 and is preparing to celebrate its quarter-century anniversary under the leadership of Robert Smith, vocalist of the cult band The Cure.

4. Secret Solstice
Place: Reykjavik, Iceland. When: June 21-24. Headliners: Slayer, Bonnie Tyler

The multi-format festival Secret Solstice is unique due to its location: a large-scale open air event takes place near the northernmost capital of the world - Reykjavik. The festival takes place during the white nights - the city is located not far from the Arctic Circle - all festival guests will be able to experience the unforgettable sensations of “day in the middle of the night”. Despite the powerful lineup, the organizers are trying to further diversify the program with performances inside glaciers, volcanoes and - in literally- in the ocean.

5. Isle Of Wight
Place: Isle of Wight, England. When: June 21-24. Headliners: Depeche Mode, Kasabian, Liam Gallagher, The Killers, Travis, Sheryl Crow.

From 1968 to 1970, the festival on the Isle of Wight off the coast of South-East England attracted so many fans of the rock movement that it surpassed the legendary Woodstock in the number of guests. After a 30-year pause, in 2002, the festival was revived again, and in 2018 it is preparing to present a simply enchanting line-up.

6. Roskilde
Place: Roskilde, Denmark. When: June 24 - July 1. Headliners: Foo Fighters, Arcade Fire, Justice, Blink-182, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Royal Blood.

The Roskilde Music Festival is considered one of the... major events Danish musical culture and most major festival in Northern Europe. Today, open air is also known for its non-profit orientation - funds raised at the event are regularly donated to charity.

7. Opener
Place: Gdynia, Poland. When: June 28 - July 1. Headliners: Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Prophets of Rage, The Kills.

Polish Openʼer has established itself as an event with a cool line-up. At the same time, it is affordable in price compared to other European open air events, which has already brought the event the fame of an “Eastern European phenomenon.” The festival is held just an hour and a half drive from Kaliningrad, including the time to cross the border, in a place under the name Gdynia, touching the Russian ear.

8. Rock Werchter
Place: Werchter, Belgium. When: July 5-8. Headliners: Muse, Arctic Monkeys and Pearl Jam.

The oldest music festival has been gathering guests on the first weekend of July in the Belgian village of Werchter, located 30 km from Brussels, since 1976. Guests of the event will be amazed not only by the high-quality sound and impressive performances of iconic rock stars, but also by the large-scale pyrotechnic show, which traditionally closes the event. And, of course, the beauty of Belgium will not leave you indifferent: meadows, neat houses and rock and roll reigning in this pastoral!

9. Lollapalooza Paris
Place: Paris, France. When: July 22-23. Headliners: Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Hives, Pixies, Alt-J, Liam Gallagher, Editors.

Lollapalooza Paris is the most new member famous festival family, which will be held on a grand scale for the second time in July in the historical place of the French capital - at the Longchamp hippodrome, opened in 1857 by Napoleon III. Those planning to attend the festival will be able to enjoy not only performances by top-level stars, but also all the delights of the most romantic city in the world: shopping, restaurants and attractions literally at every turn.

10. Wacken
Place: Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. When: August 2-4. Headliners: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sons Of Apollo, Sepultura, Judas Priest, Mr. Big, Ghost, Helloween, Amorphis.

Since 1990, the small village of Wacken in northern Germany has been considered the center of the global metal industry. In addition to exclusive artist performances, the festival is traditionally famous for its excellent street food and excellent German beer.

And those who, for various reasons, cannot attend the European rock and roll festivals, will always be able to listen to the hits of the great rock musicians on the ROCK FM radio station!

Rock festivals are one of the favorite holiday destinations for fans of heavy music. During the warm season, all over the world, young people regularly gather in one place to relax and see their favorite performers live.

Such festivals have long gone beyond the usual music show, turning into a whole subculture. Fans from all over the world come to the most important concerts of the year.

Origin

The first rock festivals began to be held more than fifty years ago. Initially, they were very different from modern ones. Groups unknown to the general public took part in them. But the organization and holding of the festival itself was not controlled by the authorities.

However, ten years later the situation has changed significantly. Rock festivals began to attract more and more young people. Unlimited alcohol was sold during the show. Also, some people brought drugs with them.

The atmosphere of drive caused by heavy music, as well as the state of mass intoxication, often led to disastrous consequences. The heated young people behaved quite aggressively, getting into fights and committing acts of vandalism. Various objects were often thrown at the arriving police.

Unbridled joy

Not a single festival took place without detaining several dozen people and calling an ambulance. Therefore, law enforcement agencies gradually began to take control of rock festivals. But security is not the main reason that prompted the authorities to take such a step.

Large corporations and enterprising people have noticed that festivals attract tens of thousands of people every year. This means a huge opportunity for profit.

The first commercial festivals began to be held. Some company paid royalties to the musicians and dealt with other organizational issues. For this she received a good profit from ticket sales and retail on the spot. After some time, rock festivals in the USA took a very important place in the dream of almost every teenager to attend such an event.

In addition to classical festivals, there are also charity festivals. They first appeared in the eighties, during the spread of pacifist ideas among young people. The American invasion of Vietnam became a catalyst for radical movements. Concerts began to be organized in support of or to help sick children, and so on. As a rule, the initiator was one rock band. The festival was scheduled several months before the date. During this time, other groups could apply to participate.

Carrying out

Usually the festival lasts several days, usually three. To avoid misunderstandings with the local population and other problems, the show takes place in a desert area, far from the urban agglomeration. Summer rock festivals have high safety standards. Organizers are required to provide water to all visitors and have medical personnel.

Performers of similar genres usually perform at a rock festival. For example, at the Hellfest festival there are bands playing in the mosh beatdown hardcore genre. Thus, the event attracts the largest number of fans this direction. Since rock music often carries a social or political context, festivals are often held as a protest against something. So, in 1989, the famous “Musicians for Peace” took place in Moscow, attracting tens of thousands of people.

Possible problems

Those planning to attend such an event should be aware that there are a number of dangers associated with it.

Since the show location is located far outside the city, it is necessary to take as much water and non-perishable food as possible. There will be shops on site, but the queue for them can stretch for hundreds of meters. Similar problems regularly accompany "Invasion". The rock festival has been held for more than seven years, and during this time a lot has happened unpleasant situations. Several times there were problems with water, which could not be delivered on time.

You should wear the most comfortable clothes that will not fall off during active movements. At festivals such as Woodstock, there is often a mosh pit - an element of hardcore dancing, when a huge number of people run in a circle, performing chaotic movements of their limbs. If you have never participated in something like this, then it is better to stay away from the circle.

Also, put all valuables in a zippered bag or pockets, as in the frantic pace they may simply fall out. Some festivals allow stage diving - jumping from the stage into the crowd. They are made by both the musicians and those present. The jump is usually not associated with much risk, but most likely you will lose your comrades. Therefore, before the start of the festival, it is better to decide in advance on the meeting place in case of unforeseen situations.