For a second year running, ROSTR has teamed up with IQ Magazine to analyze the lineups of 50 top European festivals.

These are 5 of the most interesting trends from this year’s data…

1. The beginning of the end for Rock/Indie headliner dominance?

"There aren't a lot of new rock acts to choose from if I'm honest."

That's what Glastonbury Festival’s Emily Eavis said about the lack of rock acts headlining the festival in 2024. But it wasn't just Emily, and it wasn't just Glastonbury…

Across the 50 festivals we analyzed, the share of headliners we classify as Rock/Indie dropped from 43% last year to 30% this year. A 30% year-on-year decline.

What filled the gap? A mix: Hip Hop’s share doubled year-on-year to 14%. Metal, R&B/soul, Country, K-Pop also grew. Pop was pretty much flat (down 1%) .

But, the big story here is the continuing trend towards decks over guitars. This year there were almost as many Dance/EDM headliners (26%) as Rock/Indie headliners (30%).

Could 2025 be the year that dance flips rock? And if so, what does that mean for how festivals might need to change?

Want to find out our 4 other top trends? Read up on our full analysis in our New Industry Friday Special Edition.