egendary Swedish band Europe is slated to perform at Pandanarang Stadium, Boyolali, Central Java, on May 12. This will be the band’s second performance in Indonesia following its 1990 concert in Ancol, Jakarta.
The concert, titled “Volcano Rock Festival 2018”, will be Europe’s only performance in Asia within the band’s Asian tour itinerary. Indonesian rock band God Bless will accompany the Swedish band in the concert.
Boyolali Regent Seno Samodro said the Volcano Rock Festival would also feature local arts and culture with the tagline “Gemah Ripah Rock Jinawi”
“There will be a collaboration between rock music and local culture. I won’t say what it is now, let it be a surprise,” he said.
Sponsored by Bank Jateng and promoted by the Boyolali Satu and Jojarockarta Festival, the concert has sold 10,000 tickets. Those interested in attending can purchase tickets online or make a purchase on the spot on Saturday starting at 12 p.m. Ticket prices start from Rp. 150,000.- for festival class (US$10.78) to Rp. 250,000 for VIP class.
Read also: Europe to headline Boyolali’s Volcano Rock Festival
God Bless will open the concert with its hit songs “Rumah Kita”, “Semut Hitam”, “Menjilat Matahari”, “Huma di Atas Bukit” and “Sejuta Wajah”. The main act, Europe, will perform its massive hits such as “Final Countdown”, “Carrie”, “Rock the Night” and “Prisoners in Paradise”.
Prior to Europe’s performance, 20 local rock bands will be performing in the rock festival taking place at the North Alun-alun as well as Kebun Raya Indrakila on Saturday afternoon.
Anas S Alimi, Jogjarockarta CEO, said the process of booking Europe was smooth, as the deal had been finalized in February in London, England.
“They were very welcoming, very nice to talk to and have not demanded a lot of things. After showing that we’ve held world-class concerts in Indonesia, they finally agreed to come to Boyolali,” he said. “The band is very cooperative and there was no trouble at all bringing them here,” he added.
After Boyolali, Europe will fly to Australia to hold another concert in celebration of its 30th anniversary.
In the last couple of years, Boyolali has been actively holding arts and culture festivals to enliven the creative climate in the area.
Previously, Boyolali held the Boyolali Jazz Festival, which featured local and international jazz bands and musicians. (asw)