Even as the doors open, the stage belongs to a young talent from Salzgitter: 15-year-old Ole will be performing with his voice and guitar from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. Music has long been an integral part of his daily life. His role models include AnnenMayKantereit and Philipp Dittberner. Ole also plays guitar in the third youth band, “Fehlzündung,” where he gains stage experience alongside other young musicians. His performance showcases what “Bock auf Rock” is all about: giving young artists opportunities and supporting them on their musical journey.

Caruba, from Braunschweig, blends blues rock, soul, and pop with Rhodes, Hammond organ, distinctive guitar riffs, and danceable bass lines. Both well-known and lesser-known cover songs take on an unmistakable Caruba flair through the band’s original arrangements, mash-ups, and a warm retro sound.

Also hailing from Braunschweig is Reigned From Below. Founded in 2023, this metalcore and nu-metal band relies on dark riffs, heavy breakdowns, aggressive shouts, and catchy clean vocals. Their songs deal with topics such as psychological pressure, social alienation, and inner conflicts—uncompromising, energetic, and direct.

Mukk’n from Verden (Aller) strikes a quieter, but no less intense, note. Ben, Jan, and Tom make music like an open conversation at the kitchen table: personal, honest, and approachable. Following their debut EP “Two Years Past” from 2025 and performances in Germany and the Netherlands—including as a special guest for Max Mutzke—the band brings their blend of nostalgia and a spirit of new beginnings to Salzgitter-Bad.

Damage Report, from near Wolfsburg, explores heartbreak, everyday life, and new beginnings through English-language pop-punk. Kelvin, Darius, Jan, and Daniel have been performing together since 2022 and demonstrate just how much energy is generated when longtime friends make music together.

Kontour from Braunschweig rounds out the lineup with pop-infused vibes and rock-inspired sounds. The band’s motto—“Music is the contour of life”—fits perfectly with an evening centered on shared experiences.

Two artists from the region have demonstrated particularly impressively that a performance at “Bock auf Rock” can be an important step on their journey. Paul Brunner has already taken the stage at the festival twice—the first time in 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, when he was still largely unknown. Today, he has made a name for himself as a singer-songwriter in the German-language indie-pop scene. His guitar-driven songs tell stories of growing up, friendships, small-town life, and personal crises. Born in Hamburg, he grew up near Braunschweig and now reaches several thousand monthly listeners on Spotify.

SIMAN also performed at “Bock auf Rock” in 2021 and 2023, when the band was just beginning to gain recognition. SIMAN from Braunschweig stands for German pop without heartbreak. Singer Joachim Kenneweg is drawing attention in 2026 with his advancement on “The Voice.” For “Bock auf Rock,” this development is a special cause for celebration: The association gave both acts a stage early on, stayed in touch, and thus played a small part in supporting regional talent on their journey.

“We’re very happy when artists who had their first or early performances with us go on to succeed,” says Bastian Bartsch, the association’s executive director. “We’re really proud of Joachim. Developments like this show us just how much musical potential there is in our region.”

Since 2005, “Bock auf Rock” has been creating performance opportunities and a space for networking in the region. Bands can make connections, share experiences, and learn from one another. At the same time, the festival aims to be open to as many people as possible. Many association members work at Lebenshilfe Salzgitter gemeinnützige GmbH. This led to the creation of the “Lebenshilfe Special”: Tickets are available for students and residents of Lebenshilfe at a deliberately low price of 5 euros. The Family Support Service of Lebenshilfe Salzgitter has already ordered numerous tickets.

Whether it’s heavy guitar riffs, danceable grooves, soulful indie pop, or high-energy pop-punk: the festival promises musical diversity, genuine connections, and the special intimacy that only live music can create. Music fans from Salzgitter and the entire region are invited to bring friends, discover new bands, and enjoy a special festival evening together.