On June 8, 2022, I was back for the Sweden Rock Festival after a 2-year hiatus. I first went to the festival in 2016 and found myself going four consecutive years before the world turned upside down.
There were a good number of bands I was excited to see for the first time and of course others who I was happy to see again. Sure, the live music is why I started going, but one of the best things about the festival is seeing friends from around the world who go each year. It was nice to catch up and of course eat the amazing food at the festival, especially Casey’s Fish & Chips.
There were many highlights of the festival, but I wanted to share my top five shows of the four-day event.
VICTORY
Likely the most anticipated show for me was to finally see a band I have loved since the 80’s when I first heard them. From Germany and on my bucket list is, Victory. Even with a new singer in the band, they sounded amazing as they played some tracks from their latest album (which made my Top 10).
FREEDOM CALL
Another band from Germany which I only got into their music the last four or five years is Freedom Call. They have been around for many years but that is the fun of finding new bands to add to the cd collection. For their show, I got very close to the front and the sun was beating down on us. If there was one song I wanted to hear during these four days it was from Freedom Call, but luck wasn’t on my side as they didn’t play it.
ACCEPT
Continuing with my favourite shows of the festival, we stick to Germany. This is a band I was finally able to see for the first time. Even though they have played in Toronto many times since the 80s I never did see them. Many of you may remember the band Accept. Well maybe they don’t have their original singer, but their current singer is why I got into the band. It was great to hear many of the newer tracks. They played on the festival stage which is the largest of the event and well deserved. Another amazing show for me to enjoy in 2022.
ELEINE
Changing the country origin, we go with Swedish band Eleine. I first saw the band on the tent stage in 2016 at the festival and they blew me away. As amazing as that show was, that was nothing compared to their show this year on a bigger stage. There were so many more fans that were there to enjoy every second of the show. In 2016 we were able to meet up with the band to do an interview and since then we stayed in touch.
To list only 5 shows that really stood out for me is not easy. So many great performances from bands like Nightwish, Within Temptation, Amaranthe, Night Ranger, Nestor, Art Nation and our Canadian band Honeymoon Suite. Loved seeing Honeymoon Suite on a big stage with thousands of fans. It was like we were at Kingswood Music Theatre back in the 80s in Toronto. Also, Lee Aaron was good, but she had so many technical and sound issues.
ECLIPSE
Well, the 5th band I will talk about is also from Sweden and I missed them in 2016 since our plane arrived late. I did get to see them in 2016 at Rock N Skull in the USA but this time on the 2nd biggest stage of the festival. Eclipse was brilliant. Exceptional sound and such a great setlist, but I know all their music so that helped! Likely one of the most listened to bands at my house or in the car even though I have thousands of CDs to pick from.
No need to talk about the shows I didn’t enjoy as we all enjoy different tastes in music and Sweden Rock is all about a variety of rock and metal. I can’t wait to do it all again for 2023 and work with CGCM doing the photography. This year I shared that duty with Brian Ronald, as we both took photos of the festival. You will always see me online promoting Sweden Rock Festival as the best music festival in the world. I can say that since I haven’t been to any others like this, but when it is this perfect, no need to change it up!
SWEDEN ROCK OFFICIAL FESTIVAL WEBSITE / FACEBOOK
For photo galleries from Shawn “Animalize“ Irwin as well as all of the CGCM Sweden Rock 2022 coverage from the entire team, visit this complete coverage page link on our website: Sweden Rock 2022 – The Complete Coverage
