Tons Of Rock delivers two fantastic announcements today! With heroic tributes, backyard boogie, and symphonic metal, this year’s festival dream is coming together at Ekeberg!
Even though the Norwegian legends in Backstreet Girls and Within Temptation belong to two completely different musical worlds — raw, boogie-based hard rock versus symphonic metal — they share some common traits that have made them iconic bands. Both are highly sought after and proudly featured on this year’s Tons of Rock lineup.
Today, Tons of Rock presents an international headliner with Within Temptation and a tribute to the legendary and forever Tons of Rock icon, Bjørn Müller. An artist with both international and local significance, Müller left us far too soon.
Legendary Backstreet Girls
Backstreet Girls have been going strong since 1984. With their raw, energetic, and uncompromising boogie rock, they have often been described as Norway’s answer to AC/DC. Known for their intense live performances, catchy riffs, and an unbreakable “rock ’n’ roll until death” attitude, they have become a true staple of the Norwegian rock scene.
When the news of Bjørn Müller’s passing broke, tributes poured in from all over Norway. The charismatic frontman of Backstreet Girls left an unforgettable mark on Norwegian rock history, and colleagues, fans, and cultural figures expressed their sorrow and gratitude.
Artists and bands from various genres shared memories of Müller’s raw energy, unique voice, and unwavering dedication to rock ’n’ roll. “One of the last true rock stars,” wrote a music journalist, while many hailed him as a legend in Norwegian music.
Bjørn Müller’s attitude is the very DNA of what we do—dedication to the fans, a strong identity, and a burning desire to always deliver beyond expectations. We at Tons of Rock have worked with Backstreet Girls in various ways over the years and have had the pleasure of hosting them at the festival multiple times. A tribute concert for Bjørn at Tons of Rock with Backstreet Girls feels absolutely right. Jarle Kvåle
A Symphonic Return
It also feels right to invite back the Dutch symphonic metal band Within Temptation. The band has built a massive and dedicated fanbase worldwide. Led by the charismatic vocalist Sharon den Adel, they combine heavy guitars with epic orchestral arrangements and captivating melodies.
Through hard work, innovation, and continuous evolution of their sound, Within Temptation has established itself as one of the biggest names in the genre. Albums like “Mother Earth”, “The Silent Force”, and “The Unforgiving” have cemented their position, while their spectacular live shows have earned them a loyal following. This year, they will be headlining major festivals such as Wacken, Hellfest, and Sweden Rock, among others.
The common thread in today’s announcement is the bands’ unwavering belief in their music and their ability to thrive in an ever-changing industry. Whether it’s Backstreet Girls’ relentless touring and rock ’n’ roll attitude or Within Temptation’s theatrical performances and symphonic power, both bands have carved out their own place in rock history—each in their own way. Jarle Kvåle
Wednesday 25th of June
MUSE
DREAM THEATER
ELECTRIC CALLBOY
POWERWOLF
LORNA SHORE
BLACK DEBBATH – ALESTORM – OLD MAN’S CHILD – CANDLEMASS – WHITECHAPEL – LANDVMRKS – FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY – FIXATION
Thursday 26th of June
GREEN DAY
SEX PISTOLS
WEEZER
TURBONEGRO
ORBIT CULTURE
THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE ZUGLY – MYLES KENNEDY – CARCASS – BELPHEGOR – BLEED FROM WITHIN – BAD NERVES – BASTARDANE – DEAD POET SOCIETY – SLOMOSA – ETERNAL EVIL – DRAKÅNIS
Friday 27th of June
KAIZERS ORCHESTRA
DIMMU BORGIR
WITHIN TEMPTATION
MESHUGGAH
STEEL PANTHER
HURRA TORPEDO – POPPY – DJERV – EXODUS – UGLY KID JOE – DEAFHEAVEN – KAT VON D – FINNTROLL – SLEGGEFETT – STARGAZER – THE CLUMPS
Saturday 28th of June
AVENGED SEVENFOLD
MEGADETH
MACHINE HEAD
EMPEROR
JERRY CANTRELL
BACKSTREET GIRLS – JINJER – TARJA – THE DAMNED – THE SWORD – DARK ANGEL – KIM DRACULA – MOILLROCK – THE CUREL INTENTIONS – THE COCKTAIL SLIPPERS – ARACHNO