The first edition of Rock im Revier drew to an end with the pyro-laden performance of US rock legends KISS on Sunday, May 31st. The persons in charge contentedly drew conclusions and announced a follow-up festival at Schalke for 2016.
From May 29th to 31st, a total of 43.500 visitors experienced 62 national and international high-class acts at VELTINS Arena. Impressive stage shows of the three headliners Metallica, Muse and KISS caused magnificent festival moments. For three days and in high spirits, 4.000 rock fans camped at the harness racing track GelsenTrabPark and the surrounding camping grounds. About 90.000 liters of beer were sold during the three days. More than 2.000 auxiliaries and another 2.500 security contractors ensured a trouble-free procedure. The festival audience celebrated itself and the bands boisterously. The idea of a three-day festival at VELTINS Arena proved to be successful, the concept worked out completely.
Fred Handwerker, manager of handwerker promotion e. gmb: "I'm more than contented. Despite a preparation time of only eight weeks, we were able to ensure an absolutely trouble-free procedure across-the-board. That's just sensational! Our thanks go to everyone involved, the artists, the city, Schalke and most of all the visitors. We'll see you again next year!"
Oliver Hoppe, managing director of Wizard Promotions Konzertagentur GmbH: "An all round successful weekend drew to an end. The atmosphere among the visitors during the last three days makes me happy, the organization makes me proud. All artists felt comfortable in Gelsenkirchen. Thanks to the city of Gelsenkirchen and VELTINS Arena. Let's get on with Rock im Revier 2016."
Moritz Beckers-Schwarz, chairman of the executive board of football club FC Schalke 04: "I can only pay my respect to all the persons involved who had the courage to mount such a big festival in the VELTINS Arena within only eight weeks. I would like to thank DEAG, Wizard, Handwerker Promotion and my team for the good and trustful collaboration. We learned from the points of criticism of events in the past and were able to increase the level of comfort for the visitors – especially in regard to the acoustics of the arena and the catering facilities inside the arena we were able to achieve positive effects. VELTINS Arena is ready for more Rock im Revier."
Friday started off straightforward with a highlight at the Bang Stage at Emscher-Lippe Hall. Already at noon, the band Any Given Day from Gelsenkirchen fired up the indoor stage. Friday night was entirely dedicated to the founders of crossover, Faith No More, who frenetically celebrated their comeback to German stages after six years, and to the breathtaking performance of metal gods Metallica. While the rain was going down on the Arena, the fans celebrated underneath the closed roof that kept them dry.
On Saturday, the weather was in the fans' favor and even gave them a few sunny moments. US rockers Limp Bizkit delivered a furious performance on the outdoor Boom Stage at the crowded area of parking lot P7. The arena's roof was opened only for the performance of Muse, who impressively underlined their reputation as one of the most spectacular live bands of today.
It was on Sunday at the latest, that Rock im Revier played its trump card and showed the advantage of a stage concept that is independent to all weather conditions. Despite the dull weather over the whole city, only the spectators at the Boom Stage on parking lot P7 got their feet wet temporarily. With VELTINS Arena's roof closed, all fans at the Big Stage were able to see their favorite bands dry-shod. The same applied to all fans enjoying the bands playing on the Bang Stage at Emscher-Lippe Hall. More to come in 2016!
