It hasn’t rained properly for weeks and that won’t change this weekend either. Quite the opposite: The hurricane of 2022 will take place during the heat wave that hits Germany with temperatures of up to almost 40 degrees. Luckily it’s not scorching hot on the field in Scheeßel, but a bit overcast at a cozy 25 degrees than with The Dead South, Inhaler, Wargasm, Goat Girl and of course the Hurricane Swim Team the weekend is heralded. Nevertheless, there is already a lot of dust on arrival, which will later ensure a very special festival style.
What’s new at Hurricane Festival 2022
The first rounds of exploration, which later became Swedish punk rock from Millencolin and the rocking indie sound of Giant Rooks are filmed also have a few surprises in store for long-time residents. The infield was expanded in 2022. The tent stage, which used to be right behind the green Forest Stage, has now moved over the wall of the Eichenring to the opposite open space – on the now open space there are more food stands for fans of Pommes Pervers, Thai wok and spaetzle . And the main entrance has also moved further towards the campsite. 78,000 visitors can now walk across the Hurricane site every day – a new record.
Voguing vs mosh pit
And a varied program of contrasts awaits them: Charlie XCX together with two dancers delivers a thoroughly choreographed performance including impressive voguing parts – quite possibly a novelty for the Hurricane. The “I Love It” feature interpreter then proves that she’s a real “Nineties Bitch” with an acclaimed cover of the Spice Girls hit “Wannabe”. Right next door, smoke seems to be rising towards the sky. On closer inspection, however, it becomes clear: a crazy moshpit is swirling around While She Sleeps quite a bit of field dust. Occasionally individuals fight their way out of the crowd to get water. They’ll spend the rest of the evening roaming between stages completely mouldered with a black patina of sweat and dirt. But nobody stays completely clean here today anyway.
“Viva la vida”: Mallorca moments and stadium rock
Because even with the “most famous unknown band in the world” people dance and raise dust: SDP fuel the “It wasn’t smart, but awesome” mentality of the spectators, who finally want to let it all out again after a forced two-year break at the Hurricane. But it says here: “Shit doesn’t build itself”. A little Ballermann feeling has never hurt anyone for mood purposes. In addition, a doctor’s cover of “Schrei nach Liebe”, with which the duo from Berlin Spandau also pay homage to what is perhaps the best live chatter on this planet.
The Killers: “We’re alive!”
Professional stadium rock, on the other hand, a few hundred meters further: The Killers waste no time and immediately surprise with “Mr. Bright Side”. The opener of their 75-minute set catches a few fans who just wanted to grab a beer cold. Abort mission, dance – now! If anyone can’t spot Brandon Flowers on stage: He reveals himself with an oversized flower on the lapel of his velvet jacket. “We’re alive!”, the singer cheers in German he has learned by heart and is happy: “This is a superspreader event!” Do you want to hear that while you’re dancing close together? But Flowers quickly puts it into perspective: “We spread Peace, Love and Rock’n’Roll!” Well, we’ll take that with pleasure.
seed ask the audience: Who drove with you today at 12.30 p.m. through the North German lowland regional train? Seems to have been a fun ride. Did we miss something there? With “Augenbling” her set really picks up speed. The band, who were announced as the first headliners in 2019, have kept their promise and, despite a two-year delay, are now rocking the Forest Stage with dancehall and reggae. “Wonderful Life”, that’s actually it, on this mild summer evening, with Ibiza vibes and a lot of fuss and pyro from Martin Garrix ends. The Hurricane is back – bigger and better than ever.