"Krone" Festival

A thunderstorm—and then Linz really got going

Rising star Ella Stern kicked off the “Krone” Festival.(Bild: Markus Wenzel)

Even though the sky briefly hit the brakes—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. On Saturday, the next thunderstorm is expected at the Urfahr Market grounds—but hopefully this time without any downpours.

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

“I’d Travel All Around 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 idol—a twelve-hour ride on the overnight train! “I’d travel around the world for him,” said the German woman. She saw her “favorite” live for the 19th time yesterday and can’t stop gushing. “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.

Alexander Eder really got the party going, and the people of Linz were swept up in the festive mood—until a brief forced break.(Bild: Markus Wenzel)

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 put on a musical fireworks display, danced like crazy on stage, and spread some serious good vibes. Earlier, Ella Stern had warmed up the audience with heartbreaking songs, but Caro Fux was the one who really got the crowd going. With Styrian charm and powerful melodies, she brought the fans closer together; a party atmosphere took hold, and arms went high in the air.

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 fond 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 have his next opportunity today: Kristall will take the stage a second time.

Rising star Ella Stern kicked off the “Krone” festival.(Bild: Markus Wenzel)

Caro Fux performed on the main stage.(Bild: Markus Wenzel)

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

Folkshile took the stage again after the weather break.(Bild: Markus Wenzel)

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—and Folkshile 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, the motto is: Now more than ever! The “Krone” Festival is making a loud comeback—and, of course, still has plenty in store.