Live | Tollrock – Nideggen / Schmidt [Ger]

11 and 12 July 2025

For several years now, Tollrock has been on the calendar well in advance. Where in past years I only went for one day, this year I decided to go there both days to capture all the beauty it has to offer.

INTRODUCTION

To paint the picture, this festival is located in the middle of the beautiful Eifel region overlooking the Rur Lake. Normally this area is mainly for locals and large numbers of tourists. However once a year the town of Nideggen/Schmidt is transformed for this wonderful, cozy festival. Every year there are great acts and also local bands compete to win a spot at the festival, through the annual band contest.

This year the poster of Tollrock graced with acts like Skindred, Donots, April Art, Fiddler’s Green and Finnish rock band Moon Shot, among others. Enough reason to travel again to this now less secret place for us and enjoy yet another beautifully organized festival. And yes, this edition was completely sold out except for 200 tickets on Friday. That means 4000 visitors per day, who could enjoy this varied program.

FRIDAY  JULY 11

During the performance of the winner of the 2024 band contest, Lost Sanity, we entered the beautiful sloping venue, which ensures that you have a view of the stage from almost anywhere on the grounds. As every year, there is plenty of food and drinks on offer. It’s a good place to be at Tollrock.

First act I got to see in full action was German Modern Metal act April Art. And well they made a smashing impression led by singer Lisa Marie Wats. What a cool energy this band has. Despite the time of 3:45 in the afternoon, they managed to win over the audience in a more than convincing way. April Art is definitely a band to keep an eye on, because when you have such a frontwoman and 3 skilled, energetic band members, there can’t be anything else but great things ahead for this band.

EMIL BULLS

Alternative Metal band Emil Bulls has been on the scene for about 30 years and is certainly no newcomer. Singer Christoph von Freydorf flies enthusiastically across the stage and the band gives away a nice energetic show. Yes, also this act knows how to give the audience a cool rock show.

FIDDLER’S GREEN

Further with Irish Speed Folk from Fiddler’s Green. And this band has been faithfully delivering their Irish-influenced music for 35 years. This band is quite popular, even far beyond Germany’s borders, and these seasoned musicians are also celebrated at Tollrock.

SKINDRED

Skindred was the main act on Friday. The Alternative-Reggae-Rap-Metal of this band, whose name I already knew, but a band I had never seen in action before, was quite a surprise. These English gentlemen sure know how to throw a good party. Skindred frontman Benji Webbe is an immediate eye-catcher and the rest of the band really only has to follow how this gentleman knows how to play the crowd. Another impressive live act. Born entertainers and that once again makes the Tollrock audience come to a boiling point.

As an afterband, the program included the ultimation classic rock show by Rock Rising. However, I skipped this cover band, as I wanted to concentrate mainly on the acts with their own work. But what I heard afterwards people also enjoyed this act. Anyway, I could end the first day with a satisfied feeling and secretly I thought April Art was the best and most surprising act of Friday!

SATURDAY JULY 12

On Saturday we were again early to the party. From 12:30 p.m. the band contest already broke loose. Winner and thus the opener for Tollrock 2026 was Black Remains. A rock formation from Niederheim. Furthermore, main act Donots already had their signing session at 12:15 p.m. and that caused quite a queue in front of the signing tent even at this early hour. By the way, almost all bands playing at Tollrock have a moment before or after their shows when they do a signing session. Very nice for the fans.

Due to tight scheduling and flight schedules, as the gentlemen had to head to the airport pretty much immediately after their gig, as on Sunday morning these gentlemen were also at Masters of Rock in the Czech Republic.

MOON SHOT

But first up at Tollrock were the Finnish men of Moon Shot. At 3:15 p.m. these gentlemen, led by frontman Ville Malja, kicked off their show. In no time they managed to capture the audience with their lush and energetic show. And Ville is simply a frontman that many a band dreams of. A gifted singer, but also a born entertainer. However, let’s certainly not discount guitarist Jussi Ylikoski, as this man is more than skilled on his six strings.

Moon Shot, came, saw and won over many hearts at Tollrock thanks to their amazing show and musicianship. This performance could have gone on a little longer. Another one of those bands to keep an eye on, because this is just really a live stunner.

It was up to the Swiss from Saint City Orchestra to follow up this show with their Folk Punk. This band also clearly has Irish influences woven into their music. A delightful live band and they too have all the ingredients to build a party at Tollrock.

KISSIN’ DYNAMITE

At 7 p.m. it is time for Kissin’ Dynamite. These guys have been on the road for 20 years now and are certainly no newcomer to the Hard ‘N Heavy rock genre. Singer Hannes Braun and consorts traveled to Nideggen/Schmidt with their complete live show. That is, with a stage that contains three layers and really does make an impression. The rise of the band is therefore from behind these risers. Except for drummer Sebastian Berg, because he is just already sitting neatly behind his drum kit.

Over the years, this hard-working band has managed to construct a solid stage show and musically, Kissin’ Dynamite just stands like a rock. So the combination of show and good music once again guaranteed a present for the Tollrock audience. Cool show.

DONOTS

Closing out Saturday is German Punk Alternative rock sensation Donots. This band has also been a household name in that genre for over 30 years and are known for knowing how to blow the proverbial roof off during their energetic show. Singer Ingo Knollmann and guitarist Guido Knollmann are the absolute pacesetters in this band. Where the rest of the band just provides a moderately fat base for them. And YES, the proverbial roof went off!!! Including mosh pits and crowd surfing. As the Germans so beautifully know how to say ,,Die haben ordentlich abgeruimt!!!‘’

For dessert, Five Finger Skull Crushers was still up for grabs. But I skipped this tribute as well. My focus was on the bands with their own work.

TOLLROCK – THE CONCLUSION

But damn, what a beautiful and varied program 2025 had to offer.
I think every fan of the harder genre had at least one band that stood out over these past two days. Tollrock has got its act together. Good acts, friendly volunteers, wonderful atmosphere. Just a great festival. Not huge in terms of visitors, but a mega well organized festival that guarantees a party and cool surprising bands every year again.

Tollrock 2026 is already on the calendar, even though I don’t know yet which bands will play at that edition.

All photos by Raymond Helebrand