Hurricane Festival - History

History

In 1973, the first festival was held in Scheeßel, the place where today's Hurricane takes place. It was called "Es rockt in der Heide" at that time (literally translated: It's rocking the heath) and was attended by 52,000 people.

At the "First Rider Open Air" in 1977, fans caused damage of more than a million marks when riots broke out, because only five of the announced 23 bands could perform—a huge scandal was uncovered few days later, forcing the organizing management to discontinue their festivals in Scheeßel.

In 1997 rock returned to Scheeßel in the form of the Hurricane Festival, with numerous bands performing in front of 20,000 guests. It has taken place on the Eichenring, a motorcycle sand racetrack, ever since. Audience size peaked in 2008 with about 75,000 guests; from 2002 to 2006 between 40,000 and 60,000 people came. In 2003, the festival was extended from two to three days. In 2007 60,000 and in 2008 70.000 tickets were sold.

In 2004 David Bowie left the stage early because of pain. He was flown by helicopter to the AK Altona and was diagnosed with a heart attack. This was his last worldwide full concert so far.

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