Backstage at the Festival

Quirky Rituals, a Flag, and a Bitter Mishap

John Newman put on a fantastic show(Bild: Oliver Gaisbauer)

Exactly when the artists eat before their performance, what games they play to pass the time until then, and who had the most eventful journey. On the second day, the “Krone” also checked in backstage with the stars in Linz.

“I’ll tell you! Fire department call-out, people on the tracks, and who knows what else,” Älice panted as the famous frontwoman of Moop Mama arrived late at the “Krone” festival after train chaos in Germany—but just in time for her performance and totally down-to-earth: straight from the train station on the tram! “And it definitely won’t affect the show—we’re a big group, so we can handle any mood swings,” laughed the members of the brass band, who then absolutely “rocked” the Sparkasse OÖ main stage!

Moop Mama left their mark on the “Krone” Wall of Fame.(Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch)

The a cappella artists of the Flying Pickets mustn’t eat too early, but also not too late before their performance.(Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch)

They eat two hours before the performance
On which the a cappella group The Flying Pickets had previously dazzled with their vocals—a feat that requires meticulous preparation, even when it comes to meals! “We can’t sing on an empty stomach, but we can’t sing on a full one either.” That’s why the British group ate two hours before the gig—and were glad it had rained the day before: “That way the air isn’t too dry—perfect!”

Met his girlfriend at the first festival
Things went perfectly for the Bryan Adams Tribute Band’s lead singer, Claus Hassing—he won their special game of skill, “Ladder Golf,” before taking the big stage. They celebrated their 2:tages:bart premiere there! “It’s great that so many people are already here in the afternoon,” said Pascal Kitzmüller, and Buddy Karl Löwenherz recalled: “At the first ‘Krone’ festival in 2001, I met my girlfriend at the time as a guest.”

John Newman: “I like it here in Austria”
While the duo kicked off Saturday, British singer and DJ John Newman wrapped it up. “I just got back from the U.S., I’m already jet-lagged, but that’s okay—I’m really looking forward to the gig,” the Brit said during the “Krone” talk. 

After the gig, John Newman signed autographs and took selfies with fans.(Bild: Oliver Gaisbauer)

Starting at 9:20 p.m., Newman got the crowd going with hits like “Love Me Again” and “Blame It.” At the end of the show, he waved a red-white-red flag on stage. “I just want to show my solidarity; I’m really enjoying my time here with you in Austria,” said Newman, who also kindly fulfilled autograph and selfie requests after the gig. What a party!