Päde Hofstetter, founder of Rock The Ring, explains why you can wear high heels at Rock The Ring.
Series: Festival Summer 2017 | Episode 7: Rock the Ring
Founder of Rock The Ring: Päde Hofstetter.
What is special about your festival this year?
What's special about this year's Rock the Ring is that we've broadened the genre: It's no longer strictly rock, but also pop and hip-hop. There are various reasons for this: On the one hand, it allowed us to open up the target group, and on the other hand, we didn't find any artists in the heavy metal sector who are on tour at the end of June. We have also scheduled all the Sunday bands during the day, so that people can go back to work fit and well on Monday. We have also expanded the attractions: the focus is no longer just on the music, but also on everything that goes with it.
Which acts are you particularly proud of?
We are particularly proud of Deep Purple. They had their first concert in the Wetzikon ice rink in 1971 and now their "last" concert of the Farewell Tour is taking place here in Hinwil. They have made history in the Zurich Oberland. I'm also very proud of Die Fantastischen Vier, because they accompanied us in our youth and evoke nostalgic feelings. But Bonnie Tyler is also a guaranteed hit, because I used to sing her hits up and down on the way to the ski vacations when I was 17. This year she's on stage with John Fogerty, who rounds off the program perfectly with his CCR hits.
What criteria did you use to put together the line-up?
Firstly, the availability of the artists. Secondly, according to budget. Thirdly, the attractiveness of the overall music concept.
The crowds love to come to Rock the Ring.
What else is on offer besides the music? Culinary, for example? Other attractions?
In addition to the breathtaking music, there is also a wide range of culinary food and drink on offer as well as various other entertainment attractions. For example, air jump, bull riding, helicopter tours or the FA18 show. In the past, we have also had a Ferris wheel and a gopher off-road racing park. We come up with something new every year.
Festivals don't have a dress code. But is there anything that people should bear in mind when it comes to clothing and outfits?
You can also come to us in high heels. The festival grounds are 90% asphalted and slightly sloping. So you can also see the stage from the back. No need for rain protection this year: the great weather has been ordered.
What moment are you personally looking forward to the most?
The changeover between Gotthard and Deep Purple: the atmosphere will be buzzing. When the guitar sounds of Deep Purple come on at dusk and the FA18 disappears into the sunset at the same time, the atmosphere is sure to be amazing. Of course, I will also be able to toast to this moment with all the members of the Ring Rocker Club.
Spectacle in the air too: the air show at Rock the Ring.
What was the most memorable/best experience you've had with the festival?
My coolest moment was when I had an OC meeting after the festival closed, which was delayed and Billy Idol was waiting for me. He sat in the checkroom for a whole 20 minutes just so we could have a quick chat.
How would you describe your festival in a short and concise tweet (max. 140 characters)?
Great line-up with international stars - wide range of culinary delights - unique site, slightly sloping and 90% asphalted.
Fact box Founding year: 2014
Number of visitors: 20,000 per festival
Biggest acts: Iggy Pop, ZZ Top, Deep Purple, Gotthard, Bonnie Tyler, Limp Bizkit
Number of stages: 1
Arrival: Cooperation with SBB and Bubikon station. Shuttle service directly to the festival site Website: rockthering.ch
