Sweden Rock Tests Capacity

Having pulled an average of 33,200 fans per day, Sweden Rock Festival is considering upping its capacity to 35,000.

Although the event has grown steadily since it started in 1992 in the southern coastal town of Olofström and moved to Karlshamn for five years and then to Solvesborg in 1998, it’s enjoyed a sudden surge of popularity over the last two years.

It’s grown from two to four days, although from 2000 to 2006 it occasionally experimented with a three-day event, and it’s regularly pulling 5,000 per day more than it did a couple of years ago.

The Solvesborg site can probably cope with a few more, particularly since the organisers have steadily improved the facilities.

"A lot will depend on the feedback," says event organiser Ingolf Persson, stressing the importance of "listening to the audience."

He says he’s always reluctant to take too much account of one year’s trends, especially as the 2008 gathering had exclusive European shows with Canadian heavy metal act Triumph – reunited after 20 years – and veteran U.S. glam rockers Poison.

The acts helping the festival deliver its usual mix of all that’s loud and rocking June 4-7 included Judas Priest, Def Leppard, Apocalyptica, Blue Oyster Cult, Coheed & Cambria, Joe Satriani, Ministry, Saxon and Whitesnake.