Czechia’s premier rock festival, Rock for People, is back this year bigger and better than ever for its 30th anniversary.
As part of its birthday celebration, the festival has added an extra day to its lineup, so it will span a whopping five days. Rock for People will take place from Wednesday, June 11, through Sunday, June 15, at Hradec Kralove’s Park 360, whose capacity has also been expanded to hold 50,000 people.
This year’s lineup features Linkin Park, and the legendary Guns N’ Roses as its headliners, but there are plenty of other artists you won’t want to miss. From homegrown Czech and Slovak artists to big international names, this festival has it all. There are 5 artists, however, that stand out to us as must-sees at this year’s Rock for People festival.
#1: Poppy
Listen: “new way out,” “Suffocate” (with Knocked Loose), “V.A.N.”
Similar artists: Spiritbox, Sleep Token
When she’s playing: Wednesday, June 11
American songstress Poppy has risen to fame over the past decade thanks to her YouTube android persona and blend of musical genres. Poppy seamlessly combines harsh metal vocals and riffs with pop sensibilities and cheeky lyrics to create a more experimental and intense sound that’s all her own. Her newest album, Negative Spaces, was released in November 2024, and recently she’s garnered a lot more attention thanks to her collaboration with “from me to u,” and we can’t wait to see what she has in store for her Rock for People performance.
#2: Dayseeker
Listen: “Dreamstate,” “Medicate Me,” “Sleeptalk”
Similar artists: Rain City Drive, The Plot In You, Wage War
When they’re playing: Thursday, June 12
Post-hardcore band Rain City Drive, “Medicate Me,” and they completed their first Latin American tour earlier this year. Their Rock for People performance will kick off their European tour with Normandie, which will include several festival appearances as well as some regular headlining shows. Their latest single, “Pale Moonlight,” released in April this year, showcases the band’s evolution and is sure to be a hit live.
#3: RØRY
Listen: “SORRY I’M LATE,” “BLOSSOM,” “UNCOMPLICATED”
Similar artists: senses, As December Falls, MVSSIE
When she’s playing: Saturday, June 14
RØRY is a British dance music producer who rose to fame after the huge success of her debut EP GOOD DIE YOUNG in 2022. Last year was a big year for the alt musician as she not only turned 40, but she also won the title of “Best UK Breatkthrough Artist” at the Heavy Music Awards in September. Through her music, she strives to empower those who have been told that they’re too old or that it’s too late to chase their dreams. Her debut album RESTORATION was released in January and she’s making several appearances at other festivals across Europe this year.
#4: Imminence
Listen: “Proclaim,” “Temptation,” “Infectious”
Similar artists: Currents, LANDMVRKS, Silent Planet
When they’re playing: Friday, June 13
A metal band with a violinist? We’re listening. Formed in 2010, Imminence is a Swedish alternative metalcore band composed of Eddie Berg (vocals, violin), Harald Barrett (guitar), Alex Arnoldsson (guitar), Peter Hanström (drums), and Christian Höijer (bass).The quintet is known for taking classical string arrangements and combining them with their own brand of Scandinavian metal, breathing new life into the genre and positioning themselves as one of today’s most exciting up-and-coming acts. Their newest album, The Return of The Black, is an extended edition of their 2024 album The Black and was released in March this year. They’re slated for upwards of 5 festival appearances across Europe this summer before heading to South America for a headlining tour.
#5: The Haunt
Listen: “Cigarettes & Feelings,” “Bad Omen”
Similar artists: Vana, South Arcade, LYELL
When they’re playing: Wednesday, June 11
The Haunt is an American rock band founded and led by a pair of siblings: Anastasia Grace Haunt and Maxamillion Haunt. The brother and sister duo gained a loyal following after the release of their debut EP in 2018 and have since been on tour with acts like Palaye Royale. The Haunt has yet to release a full-length album, and the loyal following they’ve grown just based on a string of singles and EPs is impressive to say the least. The combination of Anastasia’s smoky, versatile vocals with the guitar and production prowess of Maxamillion makes for an extraordinarily cinematic musical style that expertly incorporates electronic elements, gothic influences, and a heavy rock sound.
If you’re heading to this year’s Rock for People festival, you’re in for a treat. Don’t miss these 5 bands and many more at the biggest RfP festival yet.
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