"Krone" Festival

A thunderstorm—and then Linz really got going

Folkshile kicked things off again after the weather-induced break.(Bild: Markus Wenzel)

Even though the sky briefly threw a wrench in the works—the festive mood remained! Just as Alexander Eder was getting the crowd fired up, a storm rolled in, forcing a brief interruption of the festival. But Folkshilfe quickly got the crowd going again. Today, Saturday, the next thunderstorm is expected at the Urfahraner Marktgelände—but hopefully this time without any downpour.

“Linz really knows how to get the party started.” Alexander Eder was in top form, whipping the crowd into a frenzy with the words, “Zicke, zacke, hej, hej, hej,” when Dieter Recknagl stepped onto the stage with a heavy heart. At exactly 6:27 p.m., the organizer of the Linz “Krone” Festival announced: “Safety first. Due to a current severe weather warning, the grounds must be evacuated.”

“I’d Travel All Over the World”
It was a bitter blow for the thousands of fans—and especially for Sandra, who had traveled all the way from Delmenhorst in Lower Saxony just to see her biggest idol—a twelve-hour ride on the night train! “I’d travel around the world for him,” said the German woman. She saw her “favorite” perform live for the 19th time yesterday and can’t stop raving about him. “He’s so authentic, not at all aloof, and has a sensational voice.” Along with Sandra, Jasmin and Anna-Maria had also been camping out in front of the Sparkasse OÖ Main Stage since eleven in the morning, waiting for hours until Eder’s performance.

At 6:27 p.m., the grounds had to be cleared; about half an hour later, heavy rain and wind set in.(Bild: FOTOKERSCHI / WERNER KERSCHBAUMMAYR)

For at least half an hour, the 27-year-old from Lower Austria set off a musical fireworks display, danced like a man possessed on stage, and spread some seriously good vibes. Earlier, Ella Stern had warmed up the audience with heart-wrenching songs, but Caro Fux was the real icebreaker. With Styrian charm and powerful melodies, she brought the fans closer together; a party atmosphere took hold, and arms went up.

Stage Comeback After a Serious Illness
There was a very special moment for Tom Payer. The lead singer of the band Kristall performed on the Radio OÖ party stage in front of a live audience for the first time since February. A serious illness had forced the Styrian to take a break lasting several months. This made his return all the more emotional—especially at the very festival with which Payer and his band have associated countless wonderful memories for many years. “I’m so grateful that I still get to do the best job there is,” said Payer, visibly happy about his comeback. Payer will get his next opportunity today: Kristall will take the stage a second time.

Kristall singer Tom Payer celebrated his emotional comeback after a months-long hiatus—taking the stage again for the first time.(Bild: FOTOKERSCHI / WERNER KERSCHBAUMMAYR)

A sea of cell phone lights
Besides, the “break” lasted only just under two and a half hours; at 9 p.m., the festival grounds reopened—folkshilfe was greeted by a sea of cell phone lights. “We started out here on a small stage, and now we’re headlining. It’s unbelievable,” said Florian Ritt, thrilled by the thousands of fans who had returned. And today’s motto is: Now more than ever! The “Krone” Festival is making a loud comeback—and, of course, still has plenty in store.