08 Jun
NEWS-ARCHIVE
RISK IT!-INTERVIEW
Summer is picking up speed, which means for us we're heading towards the festival with "Seven Mile" flip flops. But today Gregor from RISK IT! the word:
1) Gregor, you come from Dresden, not far from Glaubitz. I'm sure you've been our guest before... Well, RISK IT! are now a small institution when it comes to hardcore in Germany. How would you make BACK TO FUTURE appealing to a typical hardcore fan? In fact, BTF left a formative impression. In 1998, back then under the name "Unity Is A Weapon", it was the first festival I was able to experience. The line up speaks for itself and I basically hope that even HC-inclined listeners already have the BTF on their radar.
What makes BTF special for me (like Endless Summer RIP before) is the atmosphere. Not an event-Otto festival, but a relaxed get-together to have a good time. The whole thing is organized by people who come from the subculture themselves and put their heart and soul into it. The bottom line is exactly the things that make the difference and you can feel that as a visitor. There is also an outdoor swimming pool right next door. What more could you want?
2) We've rarely had flawless hardcore bands in the past, apart from acts like NEGATIVE APPROACH or HAMMERHEAD. How do you get the punk rock place up and running if, contrary to expectations, things don't go smoothly for you right away? The flyer from '98 already features bands like Full Speed Ahead and Right Direction. Adolescents have also been there several times. So there have always been a few acts from the genre and I have to admit that I don't really think about that stuff. We're looking forward to the show and if you can convey something as a band, you usually get something in return.
3) Your drummer is Straight Edge and always has to drive you. That's good for us, so we save on accommodation costs. But how does he keep it up? What do you think is going on in his head when he's allowed to drive you home? Haha, it's best you ask him yourself. Since there are usually six of us on the road and half of them are Edge anyway, I think that puts it into perspective quite well. So it's not like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde whip through the night alone. The bigger problem is usually agreeing on the point of departure after the show, as I like to chat away.
4) The obligatory final question: Are there any bands in the line-up that you (or you) are particularly looking forward to? 7 Seconds, The Briefs, Red London, The Pissed Ones and Hard Skin
06 Jun
Net find
Internet ey... Last night I was looking for this legendary new "millennial punk" documentary on YouTube, accidentally entered the word "pink" instead of "punk", learned that this is apparently a drink, watched carefully how it was mixed , for some algorithmic reason (probably because of the "drink mixing") Lemmy Klimister appears in the suggestions ("Favorite Drinking Spot of Lemmy" or something) and somehow we ended up with the TOY DOLLS. One click further; Video blog from a young TOY DOLLS fan named Bela - at BACK TO FUTURE 2023! Is something like that called a “net find” these days? In any case, a very pleasant look back at the last year that we don't want to withhold from you!
Thank you Bela (and Elvis), we hope to see you again this year!
»BTF FESTIVAL- VLOG & REVIEW
31 May
Sad news
Yesterday DOUG KANE, known to many as the singer of the bands THE GENERATORS, SCHLEPROCK and DOUG & THE SLUGZ, died after a short and serious illness. We had the pleasure of working with Doug several times and now sadly remember fantastic shows here at Back To Future or at the Rosswein youth center.
The world is not only losing a likeable person with an extraordinary voice and charisma, but also a really cool guy who was a fixture in the international punk rock world! Rest in Peace Douggie!
24 May
The daily linups are here!
In the "New Normal" a post like this would now appear loud and clear: drum roll, excitement, in the background the flyer and above it a teasing neon sign flashing nervously "80% OF THE TICKETS SOLD - STOP!!!" ...as fuckin' whether an outdoor punk rock festival like this would ever really have been sold out in advance... We'll save you this fuss and instead come with a few facts today to make your planning easier: The daily breakdown is here! Answers to questions like: Who is playing on which day? Can I make it to Mom's coffee and cake on Sunday? Dog sitter? Take a vacation? ...and all that nonsense. The exact running order will follow sometime at the beginning of July.
In addition to our wonderful festival hard tickets, you can also purchase online day tickets for Friday and Saturday from today. As every year, we only offer box office tickets for Warm Up Thursday. Follow the general link to the presale, there you will find the day tickets below! Have a great weekend!
20 May
PUNKROIBER-INTERVIEW
The Thuringian punk rock institution PUNKROIBER will unfortunately be giving us one of their last performances ever. Reason enough to ask singer and Back To Future veteran Lars two more questions:
1) Lars, are you actually a real BACK TO FUTURE veteran? With the band and also as a guest - you were and are always welcome. How many times have you actually been here this summer and what was your "first time"? Veteran sounds... old. I can't really say when the first time was, the 90's were so exciting and I was out every weekend with or without a band for years. I can remember bands like Oxymoron, Rejected Youth or Feine Sahne's first steps at the BTF, I know that I didn't take part in the move to Dessau and that I've been at the riding arena for 12 years in a row. In 2014 and 2019 also with the Punkroibers.
2) Since you've probably already seen everyone and every band in the punk rock universe - is there still a band in this year's line up that you're excited about and you're curious? Sure. Although I have to say that I would come to the BTF even without a big line up, just to meet old friends, drink non-alcoholic shandy, chat, meet new people and reminisce. I'm looking forward to The Selecter, The Undertones (for example, I haven't seen them yet and hope they're not boring live), Lower Class Brats, Red London or Hard Skin. But I always like to be surprised by new or unknown bands. The Runnings for example. And hey Daniel, I'd like to wait another 12 years to see Sham 69 (with Jimmy Pursey) and New Model Army in Glaubitz. I will continue to come to Glaubitz in July. Up to now it was always the case that I had 2-3 bands on my list after the festival and bought their records because they were so good live or surprised me.
3) Have you ever actually been to a forest bath? I only ever know you with a denim vest... Of course! I've been there a few times with the kids and of course I also went to the forest pool. Without denim vest. On Fridays and Saturdays the water is always 1-2 degrees warmer, even if the sun isn't shining. But you're right, I don't really like showing off my body in swimming trunks. But lying around in the shade or taking a shower in a friendly atmosphere is something I like to do in the forest pool.
4) Old hands can do anything, time for praise and constructive criticism: Is there something about the festival that appeals to you these days I particularly like it and - conversely - is there anything you liked better 10 or 20 years ago? Basically, I always find the friendly, family atmosphere at the BTF particularly special. Admittedly, the frame has now become a bit too big for me and the area is sometimes too crowded. This is how I experienced stress for the first time in the last 2-3 years, because as the number of people increases, so does the number of unpleasant festival visitors. But it was usually always resolved quickly. Kind regards to the order group!
The new layout of the area is really good, it was necessary and it relaxes the festival again. Otherwise, I'm always happy about the mix of bands that reflects the mix of the audience. The BTF always manages to have something for every taste. Old, established cult bands and contemporary, young bands on one stage. It should stay that way, neither the “old” nor the “new” audience should feel excluded by the band selection. Although, as I said, I think the older ones in particular always like to come, no matter who is playing, just to have a good time.
What bothers me a little in the last few years is the internet discussions the festival, where people come from all sides who have never set foot on the riding arena or people who can never please with anything. I always feel very sorry for the many helpers at the BTF.
5) The sparrows are whistling from the roof: The PUNKROIBER are playing their last concerts. When can we ask about reunions again? Will you at least stay with us as a guest? Logo, we will see each other more often as guests. But it's too early to speculate about a reunion - even though we haven't broken up yet. Since we never made any money with the band, we can't be lured with a high fee. And anyway, will anyone still want to see us in 10 years or will anyone even know us then? But I don't rule out the possibility that we'll get our asses up again at a 77th birthday or a wedding. You know, something special.
14 May
MDR-REPORT
"The people are all really nice. They don't look like it... but they're really nice inside!" Have we already found the intro for a potential 2024 aftermovie? “Our village has a weekend” - an MDR program - recently portrayed Glaubitz. At around min. 18 the Back To Future is also introduced, "Mom, I'm on TV!" - »JUST LOOK IN!
29 Apr
GUM BLEED (CHN)
“You have shit on your feet, you have shit on your feet!” - Such a Larifari introduction to a serious matter: In the last few days we've received two band cancellations that, as far as we can tell, don't sound good at all. Unfortunately, both THE GENERATORS and THE FREEZE have to cancel their planned summer tours for health reasons. There's even been a for Cliff Hanger by The Freeze »GoFundMe Fundraising campaign set up. From our side All the best and hopefully a speedy recovery!
At the same time, the request from GUM BLEED from China fluttered onto our desk, and - here we go - Punx Save The Human Race! Old school Nietenkaiser punk from the so-called Middle Kingdom, a perfect Tinder match between our regular audience and the band! So: GENERATORS & FREEZE are unfortunately out (shit), GUM BLEED are new (cool!)!
24 Apr
THE MEFFS (UK)
Auf THE MEFFS freuen wir uns ganz besonders! Die machen gerade richtig Furore und sind aktuell mit BUSTER SHUFFLE unterwegs. Im Sommer geht es dann auf wesentlich grössere Bühnen. Kurz vor Tourstart haben wir Sängerin Lily für unseren kleinen Fragenblock erwischt:
1) Eure Tour- und Festivalplanung sieht absolut krank aus: Ihr spielt auf den NOFX-Abschiedsshows, seid auf dem REBELLION in Blackpool, im Vorprogramm bei ALICE COOPER und als Kirsche auf der Torte auf unserem BACK TO FUTURE! Was soll denn danach noch kommen? Die Rentenpläne sind geschmiedet: Villa in Spanien und dort natürlich jeden Tag volles Brett englisches Frühstück! Im Ernst: Wir sind so gespannt auf die ganzen Sachen die du aufgezählt hast. Es war ein harter Weg und eine Menge Spass um hierhin zu kommen. Schon 2023 so etwas wie das DOWNLOAD Festival zu spielen war komplett irre - und jetzt gehts plötzlich Schritt für Schritt so weiter! Leben auf Tour!
2) Apropos Tour: Was ist der wichtigste Punkt auf eurem Rider und womit kann man euch unterwegs eine Freude machen? Supermodels und Zuckerwatte!
3) Wenn ihr einen Blick auf den aktuellen Festivalflyer werft, gibts da paar Bands auf die ihr euch freut? Ich habe noch nie THE SELECTER gesehen, die sind ganz oben auf meiner Liste. BOOZE & GLORY! "THIS IS NOT A FASHION IT'S A WAY OF LIFE".
CHUBBY AND THE GANG (The Chisel are great) und BAD NERVES (die kommen aus unserer Gegend). Das Line Up ist Spitze!
17 Apr
BLITZKID (US)
Horrorpunk time on the Back To Future! Horror, fake blood, skulls: No current band - apart from the gods of the genre MISFITS and THE DAMNED - manages the balancing act of mummery and pure punk rock as well as BLITZKID from West Virginia. A word with singer and bassist Argyle Goolsby:
1) It finally works with BLITZKID at Back To Future! We are happy! And you? Is there actually a band from the rest of the line up that you are looking forward to? We are very pleased that you have brought us out of the crypt for your party! We're excited to see a few bands and will definitely check out as many as we can - if there's enough time left for our make-up! #horrorpunkproblems
2) Argyle, let me ask you a little pointed question: What is the most accurate and which is the least applicable “horror” cliché to you? Hm... What's this... I own more coffins than furniture. I have a black cat. And, oh! – I'm the vice president of a really great horror wax museum called Witch's Dungeon. What doesn't apply at all? I like dub reggae and Motown. Also, I don't have a single Misfits tattoo. Not one!
3) We will of course make every effort to give you a slot long after the sun has set. But what if not? How do you conjure up a perfect horror punk show on stage when the sun is shining and it's daylight? SPF 666! Watch your necks, Back to Future. We are hungry!
06 Apr
THE RUNNINGS (GER)
Did you get through the short week well? Has everyone put out their summer dresses and trained their beer garden arm? Yes? Only 3 full months and a few crushed days until we put the stage on the field - Let's start the weekend with a few questions for Laura from the Leipzig new discovery THE RUNNINGS!
1) Laura, That happened quickly: the very first concert ever took place in January and now in no time at all on the “big festival stages of the world”! Is our "outdoor pool stage" put together what you imagined it to be? I was actually pretty excited when the inquiry about whether we wanted to play at the BTF this year suddenly came in in January: that was it absolutely not to be expected! And hello?! The outdoor pool stage is legendary! So go there!
2) Keyword: outdoor pool. How do you save the performance if the very unlikely event occurs and it rains during your performance?Totally freak out, cancel the show, sue the BTF and go home. Haha just kidding. I spontaneously think of this hit from the wild 70s: "Barefoot in the rain we dance as a couple and we dance and dance and dance."
3) Oh come on, it's not happening anyway! Of course the weather will be bomb! What makes a festival visit perfect from your point of view? A relaxed, good mood and respectful togetherness in front of and behind the stage. And yes, of course, good weather without rain and not too hot would also be perfect .
4) Our obligatory final question: Which bands are you most looking forward to when you look at the finished festival flyer? Huiii, actually each of us is different These include Bad Nerves, Chubby and the Gang, Berlin Blackouts, The Pissed Ones, Turbostaat, The Briefs and many more!