Aachen Open Air Pop Festival

The Aachen Open Air Pop Festival was a rock festival held at Hauptstadion in Aachen, Germany, on 10-12 July 1970. The "Soersfestival", as it is commonly called, was the initiative of three local students. As there were many hippies and freaks to be expected from all over Europe, the organisers had to tackle considerable difficulties and hostilities to go ahead with the idea. Some 50,000 visitors attended. The Festival was well-organised, the weather was fine and no real problems occurred in spite of a massive and intimidating cop presence. Coca-Cola was the main investor, along with some local entrepreneurs. Tickets cost DM 15,- , or DM 40,- for three days. Artists who ultimately declined invitations have been known to include Canned Heat, Fat Mattress, John Lennon & the Plastic Ono Band, Rhinoceros, The Rolling Stones and Soft Machine.