Rock pod Kameňom festival saved by late government subsidy and faces major lineup changes

The outdoor Rock pod Kameňom festival in Belej nad Cirochou, eastern Slovakia, was threatened with cancellation after organizers announced financial difficulties and a postponed date. A last‑minute state grant of €80,000, confirmed by Prime Minister Robert Fico, allowed the event to proceed from 25 to 27 June with a simplified format – a single stage and reduced amenities – while the organizers stressed that the festival remains strictly apolitical.

Several headline acts originally scheduled, such as Helloween, Black Eyed Peas, Europe and others, withdrew. The Slovak band Modus cancelled its appearance on the day of the concert, stating it did not want to be linked to the festival’s recent turmoil. The updated Thursday line‑up features six groups, with American metal band Drowning Pool confirmed as a headline. Additional Slovak groups – Mobil Rock, Alter Ego, Piňazi De ? and K&K Band – will perform.

Organisers also clarified logistical changes: the festival will run on a smaller scale, with a single stage and NFC‑enabled wristbands for cashless payments, and they appealed to media to keep the event out of political debates.