Germany has a rich music scene with bands playing concerts across the country on any given night. Some of the most popular bands hail from Germany itself, while international acts also frequently visit to perform. Here is a look at some of the top bands playing gigs in Germany this year.
German Bands on Tour
Some of the most acclaimed bands out of Germany include:
- Rammstein – The industrial metal band formed in Berlin in 1994. Rammstein is embarking on a stadium tour of Germany in 2023.
- Tokio Hotel – The rock band from Magdeburg that broke out internationally in the mid-2000s. Tokio Hotel is playing arenas in Germany on their 2023 tour.
- Scorpions – The classic rock band behind hits like “Rock You Like a Hurricane.” Scorpions, formed in 1965 in Hanover, are still actively touring Germany.
- Die Ärzte – A Berlin punk rock band popular since the 1980s. Die Ärzte are playing festivals and headlining shows in 2023.
Other popular German bands booking concerts include industrial group KMFDM, synthpop band Wir Sind Helden, and punk rockers Die Toten Hosen.
International Bands Touring Germany
Beyond the strong local music scene, Germany draws major tours from the world’s biggest international acts each year. Some global bands and artists playing Germany in 2023 are:
- Depeche Mode – The legendary electronic/pop group from England embarks on a world tour following the release of their 15th studio album Memento Mori, with several Germany dates lined up.
- The Rolling Stones – The iconic British rock band never seems to stop touring. The Rolling Stones have a handful of Germany gigs scheduled as part of their 2023 European tour.
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – The funk rock hitmakers from California are coming to Germany as part of their global stadium tour behind their 2022 album Return of the Dream Canteen.
- Harry Styles – This English pop superstar rose to fame in One Direction and has gone massively solo. Styles is touring Europe in support of Harry’s House, playing shows across Germany.
Other big international acts coming to play concerts in Germany in 2023 include Lady Gaga, Robbie Williams, Iron Maiden, Christina Aguilera, and many more.
Music Festivals
Germany hosts some of the biggest music festivals in Europe each summer, drawing top bands from Germany and around the world. Major music festivals in Germany in 2023 include:
- Rock am Ring – This massive rock festival takes place the first weekend of June at the Nürburgring racing complex. Headliners in 2023 include Green Day, Muse, and The Killers.
- Hurricane Festival – Running parallel to Rock am Ring, this indie/alternative festival in Scheeßel features The Killers, Martin Garrix, and Lewis Capaldi headlining in 2023.
- Southside Festival – Another Rock am Ring sister festival focused on alternative acts like Mumford & Sons, Bilderbuch, and Liam Gallagher.
- Deichbrand Festival – A mid-July open-air festival in Cuxhaven headlined by Kraftklub, Steve Aoki, and Nightwish in 2023.
Many other festivals bringing top bands to cities across Germany each summer include Rock im Park, Wacken Open Air, Parookaville, Highfield Festival, and more.
Best Music Cities in Germany
While bands play shows across Germany, certain cities stand out as particularly vibrant hubs for live music. Here are some of the top music cities in Germany:
- Berlin – As Germany’s capital and largest city, Berlin has it all when it comes to live music. Homegrown bands like Rammstein cut their teeth in Berlin’s underground, while today huge international acts play stadium shows alongside indie bands in small clubs.
- Hamburg – This northern German port city has an acclaimed music scene spanning rock, indie, punk, jazz, hip hop and other genres. The Reeperbahn area is the bustling heart of Hamburg’s live music.
- Munich – Munich has a little bit of everything music-wise, from classical to techno to metal. The city’s clubs, concert halls, and arenas play host to all kinds of German and international bands.
- Cologne – As a university city, Cologne has ayoung, vibrant music scene mixing genres like rock, electronic, and rap. It hosts concerts of all sizes, from small clubs to Cologne Arena.
Other notable German music cities include Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Hannover, Leipzig, and more.
Major Concert Venues
Germany boasts many state-of-the-art indoor arenas and outdoor stadiums to host the biggest concerts and music festivals. Some of the premier large-scale venues across Germany include:
- ESPN Arena (Berlin) – Multi-use indoor arena holding up to 18,000 for concerts.
- Lanxess Arena (Cologne) – Indoor arena with seating for 20,000 guests.
- Mercedes-Benz Arena (Berlin) – Stadium accommodating over 18,000 spectators for concerts and festivals.
- Rock Am Ring Festival Site (Nürburgring) – Huge outdoor concert space that hosts the Rock Am Ring festival.
- Olympiastadion (Berlin) – Historic outdoor stadium and concert venue with capacity of over 70,000.
- Waldbühne (Berlin) – Popular open-air amphitheater that fits 22,000 concertgoers.
- Festwiese am Messegelände (Frankfurt) – Frankfurt’s exhibition grounds transformed into festival space for over 60,000 fans.
- Olympiahalle (Munich) – Indoor concert arena in Munich seating 12,500.
- Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle (Stuttgart) – Modern indoor arena with seating for 15,500 located in Stuttgart.
From intimate clubs to huge stadiums, these venues and many more around Germany provide amazing atmospheres for live concerts of all genres and sizes.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets to see bands playing in Germany can be purchased in advance online through sites like Eventim and Ticketmaster. Free online ticket exchanges like Fansale also allow fans to resell and swap tickets.
Major ticket sellers have websites and box offices in both English and German languages. Local box offices around Germany also often sell tickets directly onsite to various events and concerts.
Festicket specializes in ticket packages to top music festivals like Rock am Ring and Hurricane, bundling together festival passes, accommodation and transport.
Music fans can check venue and festival websites, band pages, and local listings like Tip Berlin for upcoming shows in cities across Germany. Staying tuned to bands’ social media can provide advance notice for tour dates and ticket sales.
Booking tickets early ensures the best deals and guarantees entry to the most in-demand shows that may sell out quickly. Prices vary greatly depending on the band, venue, and city, from discount early bird festival passes to expensive VIP concert tickets.
Finding Local Gigs
Beyond the arena tours and summer festivals, local bands play regular gigs at smaller venues across Germany. Here are some tips for finding out about local shows:
- Follow venues like clubs, bars, and independent music halls on social media for gig announcements.
- Check city-specific event listing websites regularly.
- Look out for flyers and posters advertising smaller concerts when around town.
- See if local record stores, cafes, or guitar shops display upcoming gig posters.
- Follow local bands and music bloggers on social media.
- Tune into college or independent radio stations that promote local shows.
Attending smaller local concerts lets music fans discover fresh new German bands early and experience the country’s underground scenes. Club gigs have a different vibe and energy than big arena shows.
Conclusion
Germany has a legendary music culture that continues to thrive today through its diversity of talented local bands, concerts by international superstars, and iconic music festivals attracting hundreds of thousands of fans each summer. Music-lovers visiting Germany can choose from the best live shows in intimate clubs or massive stadium spectacles.
Tracking concert announcements and purchasing tickets early ensures visitors can see their favorite bands. Beyond the major tours, discovering local German acts promises special experiences of new music. With its combination of modern venues and musical heritage, Germany will continue jamming with live concert energy for years to come.