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EU Festival Breakdown 2023
June 7, 2023 11:45
Do you fancy heading across the pond for a festival this year? Check out some of our favourite rock and metal festivals in the EU and the acts we think you’ll love!
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Hellfest - France 15th-18th June
Since 2006, this French festival has been a haven of all things gothic and metal. With over 180 artists set to perform over 4 days, this is the European festival to beat in our eyes!
Headliners:
- KISS
- Mötley Crüe
- Iron Maiden
- Slipknot
It doesn’t get much better than these veterans of rock! This festival is fully sold out so if you want the best spot in the house, be sure to get there early!
Our top picks for this festival are Australian rockers The Amity Affliction who have recently released their 8th studio album as well as 90s punk rock band Sum 41. Sum 41 has just announced their retirement stating that they will be completing one last world tour before hanging up their instruments. So be sure to check out Sum 41 at Hellfest as it may be your last chance!
Graspop - Belgium 15th-18th June
Running on the same weekend in June as Hellfest 2023, it will be hard to choose between Graspop Metal Meeting and Hellfest this year! If you’re not sure which one to choose then check out these headliners which could help you decide.
Headliners:
- Guns ‘N’ Roses
- Machine Head
- Slipknot
- Pantera
This year marks the fourth time Machine Head will play the main stage at this festival and they are sure to put on a show. 2023 is also the first time Pantera will play at the festival and will likely draw some big crowds.
If you’re looking for some other bands to check out that weekend then we recommend emerging stars Sleep Token. After recently releasing their highly anticipated studio album Take Me Back To Eden, this masked quartet are making big moves in the metal scene. We predict their performance will draw lots of attention so head to their set to see what they’re all about!
Rock Werchter - Belgium 29th June - 2nd July
Belgium is the place to be this summer if you’re looking for alternative and rock music. After Graspop comes Rock Werchter! Whilst this festival offers fewer metal bands, you can still find plenty of rock, alternative and indie artists to suit your tastes. Be sure to check out Muse and Queens of the Stone Age to get your fix of heavy riffs!
Headliners:
- Mumford & Sons
- Red Hot Chili Peppers - Liam Gallagher
- Muse
- Arctic Monkeys - Queens of the Stone Age
If you’re looking for some iconic performances to watch then you’ll find Iggy Pop taking to the stage on Thursday night!
Nova Twins are also one to catch on Sunday if you love bands that exude punk attitude. The band has also gained support from Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello.
Rock en Seine - France 23rd-27th August
If you’re after a festival with a broad range of amazing artists then Rock en Seine is the place to be. Check out these huge names headlining this French festival.
Headliners:- Billie Eilish
- Florence & The Machine
- Placebo
- The Strokes
2023 is the 20th anniversary of this festival and is open to 150 thousand spectators. This festival has seen some huge names over the years including System of a Down, The Cure and Green Day and this year is no exception.
Our ones to watch at this festival are definitely Turnstile for their melodic punk vibes. Vocalist Brendan Yates is an energetic and engaging performer so if you’re a fan of circle pits then you’ll want to be in this crowd!
Other EU Festivals:
Check out these EU festivals with some awesome bands!
Pinkpop - Netherlands 16th-18th June
- Machine Gun Kelly
- Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Queens of the Stone Age
- Electric Callboy
Wacken Open Air - Germany 2nd-5th August
- Iron Maiden
- Beartooth
- Trivium
Nova Rock - Austria 7th-6th June
- Slipknot
- Tenacious D
- Parkway Drive
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