Grief and cheers: Nova Rock starts with commemoration and grain concert!

Grief and cheers: Nova Rock starts with commemoration and grain concert!

Nickelsdorf, Österreich - The Nova Rock Festival began on June 12, 2025 in Nickelsdorf with a moving silent manual to commemorate the victims of a tragic amoplae at a school in Graz. Festival boss Ewald Tatar emphasized that the pain was seated deeply, and so the kick -off of the festival was accompanied by a thoughtful mood.

Despite the painful occasion, the joy of enjoying music was noticeable. The legendary band Korn appeared as a headliner on Wednesday evening and ended the concert crowd with a best-of set that included classics such as "blind" and "clown" as well as newer songs like "Cold". The audience showed both reluctance and enthusiasm for the performances.

a versatile line-up and special appearances

The festival offered numerous exciting appearances, including the groups Dead Poet Society, The Warning and Seven Hours after violet. Particularly noteworthy is the appearance of Spiritbox, which shone with an impressive staging. The band was awarded two Grammys in the Best Metal Performance category, which underlines their status in the genre.

Knocked Loose delivered an intensive set full of powerful songs, while the Red Bull Stage became a central attraction of the festival. Amira Elefkey performed in Austria for the first time, which further enriched the variety of the event. The Fleur and The Vandans also performed on this stage, and Boston Manor ensured an energetic end of the evening.

a painful context

In a remarkable contrast to this festive occasion, the tragic incident is located, which shook the Nova Musikfestival in Israel on October 7, 2023. Around 260 people were killed in an attack by the terrorist organization Hamas, while many others were kidnapped. The attackers opened the fire to the festival goers who were celebrating the fire during the Jewish holiday. Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes when people panicked people to get to safety while they were under fire.

This frightening incident throws a shadow on the sense of community that music festivals can cause. The pictures of people who fight for their lives and the sad number of victims leave a lasting impression in the scene.

Nevertheless, the Nova Rock Festival was a meeting point for music lovers and offered also activities such as a scooter disco and a horror labyrinth to offer visitors a wide range of entertainment.

With all the emotions that the event accompanied, the festival goers can look forward to the next musical performance, while they are also in thoughts in the victims of the tragedies.