Psychedelic Rock Festivals You Can’t Miss in Europe This Summer

Looking for some psychedelic rock festivals to check out in Europe this summer? Here are some of the best ones that you won’t want to miss!

Introduction

Psychedelic rock, also referred to as acid rock, is a style of music that emerged in the mid-1960s. It is characterised by its use of feedback, extended guitar solos and experimental structures. The genre was pioneered by bands such as the Beatles, the Beach Boys and the Byrds.

In the intervening years, there have been numerous festivals dedicated to psychedelic rock music held all over Europe. Here are just a few that you might want to check out this summer:

The Netherlands – Forget Me Not Festival
This three-day event, held in Utrecht in late May, bills itself as “the world’s first and only festival for forgotten Psychedelic Rock.” The lineup features a mix of well-known and lesser-known acts from across the spectrum of Psychedelic Rock, includingheadliners the Zombies and poets of rock Syd Barrett’s Pink Floyd.

Spain – Psych Fest Barcelona
Now in its fourth year, Psych Fest Barcelona is one of the most respected gatherings of its kind on the continent. This year’s edition, taking place in early June, will feature performances from some of the biggest names in Psychedelic Rock, including Primal Scream, Spiritualized and Loop.

Germany – Freaksend Future Music Festival
Held annually in Hamburg since 2013, Freaksend has earned a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking festivals around. This year’s edition (June 2nd-4th) will include sets from Tame Impala, Deerhunter and many more exciting acts.

What is Psychedelic Rock?

Psychedelic rock, also referred to as “psychedelia”, is a type of rock music that is inspired or influenced by psychedelic culture. The genre often incorporates elements of Space Rock, Psychedelic Pop, and Acid Rock. The music is intended to replicate and enhance the mind-altering experiences of psychedelic drugs such as LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and mescaline.

Psychedelic rock emerged in the mid-1960s with bands such as The Grateful Dead, The Beatles, and The Byrds experimenting with new ways to incorporate psychedelic sounds and themes into their music. The genre reached its peak in the late 1960s with the release of classic albums such as Pink Floyd’s Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967), The Doors’ Strange Days (1967), and The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s Are You Experienced (1967).

In the 1970s, psychedelia began to decline in popularity with the rise of Punk Rock. However, some bands COUNTY psychedelic influences in their music, such as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath County Deep Purple. Psychedelic rock experienced a brief resurgence in the late 1980s and early 1990s with the rise of “shoegaze” bands like My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive.

Origins of Psychedelic Rock

Psychedelic rock, sometimes referred to as acid rock or trippy rock, is a type of music that was popularized in the 1960s and 1970s. The music is typically characterized by distorted guitars, feedback, and heavy use of delay effects. Psychedelic rock often incorporates elements of other genres, such as folk, electronica, and sitar music.

The term “psychedelic” derives from the Greek words “psyche” (mind) and “delos” (manifest), and was first coined by psychiatrist Humphry Osmond in 1956. Psychedelic experiences are often induced by drugs such as LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, mescaline, and DMT. However, psychedlic experiences can also be induced by sensory deprivation, flotation tanks, sleep deprivation, fasting, isolation tanks, ketamine, ayahuasca ceremonies, and intense meditation.

Psychedelic rock emerged in the early 1960s with bands such as The Beatles and The Beach Boys experimenting with drugs such as LSD. The genre reached its peak in the late 1960s with bands such as The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Cream, and Pink Floyd releasing groundbreaking albums that are still revered today. Psychedelic rock began to decline in popularity in the early 1970s as bands started moving away from drug-induced experimentation and towards more straight-forward pop and rock sounds. However, the genre has experienced a resurgence in recent years with younger generations discovering the music of the 1960s and 1970s.

Psychedelic Rock in Europe

Psychedelic rock, also known as acid rock, is a type of rock music that emerged in the mid-1960s. It is characterized by distorted guitars, lyrics with surreal and psychedelic imagery, and extended instrumentals. The genre developed during the height of the countercultural movement in Europe and North America.

Psychedelic rock festivals are a great way to experience this unique type of music. Here are some of the best festivals to check out this summer:

1. Germany’s Psychedelic Festivals
2. Denmark’s Roskilde Festival
3. Spain’s Primavera Sound
4. Portugal’s Optimus Alive!
5. Italy’s Hellfest

-4.1 United Kingdom

4.1 United Kingdom

B festival – to be announced

The UK’s original boutique music festival, set in the picturesque surroundings of rural Devon, returns for its 12th edition this summer. A roaring mix of psychedelic rock, stoner metal, krautrock and cosmic disco will keep you entertained throughout the weekend, with headline sets from Proto Idiot, THEESatisfaction and The Cosmic Dead.

-4.2 Germany

4.2 is a three-day music festival that takes place in Beyreuth, Germany every year. The festival focuses on psychedelic rock music from all over the world, and has featured performances from bands like Electric Wizard, Sleep, and The Melvins. If you’re a fan of psychedelic rock, 4.2 is definitely a festival you won’t want to miss.

-4.3 Netherlands

The 4.3 Netherlands is a three-day music festival that takes place in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The festival is known for its eclectic lineup, which includes a mix of rock, electronic, and hip-hop artists. past performers have included the likes of The Chemical Brothers, Kasabian, and Fatboy Slim. This year’s lineup includes headliners The Prodigy, Anderson .Paak, and Idles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many different psychedelic rock festivals happening all over Europe this summer. With so many great bands and artists performing, it’s hard to narrow it down to just a few. However, if you’re a fan of psychedelic rock, or just music in general, these are definitely some festivals you don’t want to miss.