Something huge is rolling towards Munich: “Rolling Loud”, the biggest hip-hop festival series in the world, is stopping in Germany for the first time. The organizer Live Nation expects 60,000 visitors at the premiere on the special open area east of the Riem fair – and they have to adhere to strict rules. Many specifications for process and safety are now common at large open-air festivals, but some things have to be observed here at “RL Germany”.
For example the concert sequence. Many guests wonder which of their stars is playing at what time. This can only be read in the festival app, not on the homepage (germany.rollingloud.com). Under the heading “Timetable” it says, for example, that train numbers such as Bonez MC & RAF Camora (5.35 p.m.), Kodak Black (7.45 p.m.) and Wizkid (9.30 p.m.) are playing on Friday; on Saturday Luciano (5.30pm), Lil Uzi Vert (7.30pm) and Kendrick Lamar (9.30pm); on Sunday Gucci Mane (4.50 p.m.), Ken Carson (7.45 p.m.) and for the festival finale Travis Scott (8.30 p.m.).
Many artists only go on stage for a short time, some 25 minutes, the headliners in the evening at least 75 to 90 minutes. There are two stages on the open-air site, some of which are used simultaneously. The organizer says that the sound will not interfere with each other due to the “high-quality sound reinforcement systems”.
Day ticket holders who find out that their favorite act has canceled or is performing on a different day than expected (which can always happen with such a stately march), according to Instagram, as a “gesture of good will”, the organizer grants them the opportunity swapping his card for another day (via ticketmaster.de). Tickets can also be transferred to other people until Friday, 11.30 a.m. Tickets can also be purchased online at any time.
The pricing has sparked debate on the internet. It says, for example, why as a standard 3-day ticket owner (249 euros including fees) you are treated like a third-class person without any amenities. For 50 euros more, you can enter the site half an hour earlier (at 12:00 p.m.) and walk past the queue for admission in a “fast lane”. For 539 euros there is VIP area access and you can go to “shady areas with seating”. For the price of a Mediterranean cruise (639 euros) also a “Munchies merch package” and “guaranteed access to the 1st/2nd breakwater”.
Only collapsible half-litre containers are allowed
What can you bring? Pretty much nothing at all, says the app. Of course no axes, fireworks, chairs and drugs, but also no umbrellas, no food and no drinks. Only collapsible half-litre containers that can be filled at the water dispensers on the premises are permitted. Of course you can buy plenty at the gastro stands. Payment can only be made using a cashless system: money must first be loaded onto chips on the admission belt via a “cashless” account.
How to do this is in the app and on the homepage. The various travel options are also explained there. From the “Kiss & Ride” delivery loop on Paul-Henri-Spaak-Straße to parking for VIPs and normal people (additional fee) in the exhibition car parks. It is not allowed to stay overnight in the car (generally no camping). The organizer advises to be there 90 to 120 minutes before the planned first concert.
The underground line 2 (MVV is included in all tickets) runs every five minutes during the main arrival times from late morning. After the last shows, it’s back at three lanes per ten minutes, but there is still a “supply system with waiting areas” from the festival exits to the platform.
Anyone who feels threatened, in a panic or simply disoriented can contact one of four “awareness teams”. They wear purple waistcoats and are out and about on the site, and you can also get help at the information point and at selected bars.