The main scene of the Belgian festival, which caught fire a few days before its opening, was able to be replaced in extremis thanks to Metallica.
Photo: Tim Saccenti
Tomorrowland: A Festival on the Brink
Scheduled to take place from July 18 to 27, Tomorrowland, one of the largest electronic music festivals in the world, faced an unprecedented crisis just days before its opening. A fire broke out and ravaged the main stage, threatening the festival’s ability to proceed as planned. However, in a remarkable twist of fate, the legendary rock band Metallica stepped in to save the day.
The Scale of Tomorrowland
Every year, Tomorrowland attracts around 400,000 attendees to the small Belgian town of Antwerp, making it one of the most anticipated events on the global festival circuit, rivaled only by festivals like Hellfest. This year, over 850 artists were set to perform across 14 stages during two consecutive four-day weekends. The festival grounds span an impressive 34 hectares for the concert area and 78 hectares for camping, accommodating up to 38,000 festival-goers.
Metallica to the Rescue
With the main stage—responsible for hosting nearly half of the festival-goers during the day—destroyed, Tomorrowland’s future looked bleak. Enter Metallica, who, while on tour in Europe, offered to lend their own stage setup, including a massive video wall. This generous gesture allowed the festival to continue without cancellation.
Quick Action and Teamwork
In a race against time, a dedicated team of 200 technicians worked tirelessly through the night to assemble the new stage setup. The result was a 70-meter-long and 8-meter-high stage that transformed the festival grounds, maintaining the event’s vibrant spirit. As a result, Tomorrowland opened on schedule, and no concerts were canceled, showcasing resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Community Spirit and Excitement
Fans took to social media to express their joy and gratitude. One user remarked, “A story of resilience, determination, and how a person can save another one.” DJ Martin Garrix shared his excitement on Instagram, expressing his gratitude to Metallica and the Tomorrowland team for their incredible efforts, stating, “I am very excited to close the main stage this evening. And it will be by far the most unique Tomorrowland of all time.”
Conclusion
The quick-thinking actions of Metallica and the unwavering dedication of the Tomorrowland team turned a potential disaster into a triumphant celebration of music and community. Despite the challenges, the festival was able to proceed as planned, proving that even in the face of adversity, the spirit of music can prevail.
FAQs
What caused the fire at Tomorrowland?
The fire that damaged the main stage was caused by an unknown source just two days before the festival’s opening.
How did Metallica contribute to Tomorrowland?
Metallica offered to lend their stage and equipment to replace the destroyed main stage, allowing the festival to proceed without cancellations.
How many people attend Tomorrowland each year?
Tomorrowland attracts approximately 400,000 attendees annually.
What is the capacity of the Tomorrowland campsite?
The festival’s campsite can accommodate up to 38,000 festival-goers.
Who were some of the artists performing at Tomorrowland this year?
This year, over 850 artists were scheduled to perform, including renowned DJs and electronic music acts.
