Tons of Rock becomes Norway’s largest festival

Norwegian festival Tons of Rock has smashed its attendance record, welcoming 150,000 visitors to last week’s instalment.

This marks a 50% increase from the previous record year 2023 and sees the festival become the largest in Norway, according to the organisers.

The 10th edition of Tons of Rock drew visitors from over 80 countries to Ekebergsletta park in Oslo between 26–29 June.

Metallica, Tool, Judas Priest, ZZ Top and Greta Van Fleet headlined the Live Nation Norway-promoted event, while domestic acts on the bill included Seigmen, Abbath, Satyricon and rising stars like Nova Twins & Skynd.

“This was a truly magic moment that summarised the historical weekend in Oslo”

“The feedback from the artists themselves was overwhelming as they loved the unique and beautiful festival site in Oslo,” says Tons of Rock general manager Jarle Kvåle.

“The backstage ambience was special in the sense of unity and passion for music. This was manifested during the brilliant Turnstile performance when James Hetfield and Rob Halford were rocking out on the side stage enjoying the new blood of rock and roll. This was a truly magic moment that summarised the historical weekend in Oslo, underlining the festival slogan.”

Tons of Rock was acquired by Live Nation Norway in 2019 following a longstanding partnership. Since the first edition, they have worked together to secure acts including Slayer, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Ghost and Five Finger Death Punch, among others.

That same year, the rock and metal festival moved from its home of Fredriksten Fortress in Halden to Ekebergsletta in Oslo in order to increase the capacity.

Tons of Rock was the first Norwegian event to cancel its 2021 edition due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It did, however, receive NOK 36.1 million (€3.1m) in compensation from the Norwegian government’s scheme for organisers and subcontractors in the cultural sector.

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