Live Nation Entertainment has acquired a majority stake in Sweden Rock Festival – one of Sweden’s most popular and longest running festivals.
The team behind Sweden Rock Festival will continue to curate, manage and produce the event, with access to Live Nation’s portfolio and resources.
Sweden Rock Festival celebrated its 25-Year Anniversary this past summer.
Every year the festival attracts 33 000 visitors to Sölvesborg in Southern Sweden, where about 80 artists perform on five stages during four days.
With Sweden Rock Festival, Live Nation now runs six festivals in Sweden, also including: The Island Festival, Popaganda, Stockholm Music & Arts, Summerburst, and Way Out West.
Sweden Rock Festival stands out from Live Nation’s other festivals in the country as the only event specifically celebrating rock music.
“From a unique musical culture to a dedicated fan following, Sweden Rock has all of the qualities we look for in a stand out festival,” said John Reid, President Concerts, Live Nation Europe.
“It is a great addition to Live Nation’s global festival platform.”
“From a unique musical culture to a dedicated fan following, Sweden Rock has all of the qualities we look for in a stand out festival,” said John Reid, President Concerts, Live Nation Europe.”
john Reid, Live Nation
“The Sweden Rock team has done a fantastic job creating one of Sweden’s best and most loved festivals, and we are excited to be able to work with them and evolve the festival even further,” said Thomas Johansson, Chairman International Music, Live Nation.
Sweden Rock Festival started back in 1992 in the small town of Norje outside of Sölvesborg in southern Sweden and has since then grown to be one of the biggest festivals in Sweden.
Over the years, it has hosted bands like Black Sabbath, Kiss, Guns N’ Roses, Mötley Crüe, Aerosmith, Volbeat, Ghost as well as many other emerging and classic rock acts.
“We are very pleased with this deal,” explains Mats Natvig, CEO of Sweden Rock Festival.
“For more than 20 years, we have continuously developed the content, service and security at Sweden Rock Festival. Joining forces with Live Nation will give us the very best conditions to further develop our festival for the future.”
Live Nation said the deal would “secure Sweden Rock Festival’s leading position in the Nordic market, while also creating growth opportunities”.
Live Nation’s portfolio now includes more than 80 global festivals, including the landmark Governors Ball, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, Electric Daisy Carnival, T in the Park, Reading, Leeds, Rock Werchter and many more.
Last year Live Nation acquired a majority stake in Swedish festival promoter SPG Live, which specialises in dance events.Music Business Worldwide