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Live Nation acquires Norway’s Tons of Rock fest

Live Nation has expanded its European portfolio after acquiring a majority stake in Norway’s biggest heavy metal festival, Tons of Rock.

Tons of Rock was founded in 2013 and attracted Slayer in its inaugural year. Since then it has become a national institution having secured appearances by major acts such as Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne and Alice Cooper, and in 2017 was named ‘best festival of the year’ by the Norske Konserarrangører live events group.

Live Nation has acquired Tons of Rock ahead of its switch from Halden to a new location in Ekeberg in Oslo. Live Nation said the timing of the deal was influenced by the move.

“We have worked with Tons of Rock from the very beginning and are excited about our future with the festival,” said Martin Nielsen, head promotor of Live Nation Norway. “The Tons of Rock team have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the festival and to audience experience.”

Organisers said ticket sales have been strong ahead of the 2019 event over three days in June, which will be headlined by KISS, Volbeat and Def Leppard.

“We are ready to take the next step in the festival’s journey and the line-up for the 2019 festival speaks for itself,” said Jarle Kvåle, Festival Manager and one of the founders of Tons of Rock

“After five successful years in Halden we saw potential for further growth. We found the perfect venue at Ekebergsletta in Oslo and wanted a strong strategic partner who would help us continue to grow. The answer was obvious, and close at hand, Live Nation Norway.”

Image: Tons of Rock (Facebook)