In addition to festivals promoting exclusive shows in a single country or even across the entire continent, many bands choose to celebrate anniversaries, reunions, special dates and events by playing classic albums in their entirety

By Gilberto Morais

1) Price: Regardless of the festival's size, from the most underground (smallest) to the most mainstream (largest), the cost-benefit ratio is always very advantageous. Sometimes, just considering the total price of a pass or ticket based on the costs of the headliner , it's already cheaper than buying each headliner's show individually, especially when considering that there are other interesting attractions in the festival program that further dilute and amortize this cost, in addition to indirect expenses such as travel for multiple trips to see the same acts that will obviously not be gathered in a single event. Another mitigating factor: when compared to the exorbitant prices practiced in Brazil, as is the case here, the advantage is even more substantial.

2) Unique Shows: Besides festivals promoting exclusive shows in a single country or even across a continent, many bands decide to celebrate anniversaries, reunions, special dates and events, play classic albums in their entirety, reunite seminal sister bands of the same genre, or even feature former members at these events. Furthermore, there are bands that are no longer active or touring, yet they have the unique opportunity to play for an audience they would never otherwise have, or perhaps never had at the peak of their careers, as it's not advantageous to risk a regular tour due to minimal or nonexistent fees, and these festivals compensate for their participation. Yes, I'm talking about underrated or forgotten bands, but of great quality. And there are many such shows, regardless of the festival's concept and size. Furthermore, being outdoors, some bands also go the extra mile with pyrotechnic effects, explosions, etc. who wouldn't have all this equipment on a regular tour precisely because of budget constraints, thus further enriching their respective shows.

3) Meet and Greet : Another advantage is that many festivals promote autograph sessions with at least some of the bands on the bill , and you don't have to pay for it as is customary at bands' own shows where VIP packages are offered, a very common practice in the northern hemisphere. There is a predetermined time, and it's also much better than going to a hotel/airport looking for your idol, risking frustration, wasting time and money, and them not even showing up or not bothering to be cordial and polite, because the artist who will be there at this session will be willing to sign autographs and take a photo with the audience present, respecting the duration of the event.

4) Climate: As the festival season in Europe runs from the end of April to the end of August, and the seasons are the opposite of Brazil's (i.e., from mid-spring to mid-summer in the Northern Hemisphere), the temperature is generally quite pleasant, especially in Central European countries or further north, except for Scandinavia where nights are expected to be "cold," but nothing too different from what we are used to in Southeast and South Brazil and Southern Europe, where, conversely, scorching days predominate. And the incidence of sunlight, that is, the length of the day, is longer than usual throughout Brazil at the height of summer.

5) Integration/Exchange: What could be cooler and more fun than meeting and interacting with headbangers from all over the world, enjoying some music and having a beer together? At practically every festival, even the smaller ones, there's always a flow and presence of foreigners.

6) Tourism: Besides that, in order to make your money go further, how about combining a trip like this with some sightseeing? Since economy airline tickets are for stays of at least 1 week and the average duration of festivals is around 2 to 3 days, there's enough time to decently visit at least one city or place of interest. Not bad at all!