Rock for People 2026 Kicks Off: Vypsaná Fixa Opens the Festival, Electric Callboy Fire Confetti Cannons, and Gorillaz Deliver a Stunning Visual Spectacle
It's finally here we've been waiting for this! Rock for People 2026 in Hradec Králové is officially underway. Just one day before the gates opened, a "secret" piece of information leaked out: this year's festival would be kicked off by none other than Vypsaná Fixa. And honestly, how could it be otherwise? Rock for People without Fixa would feel wrong. After all these years - having seemingly missed hardly a single edition of the festival - it would be like serving a Christmas schnitzel without the potato salad. The festival gates opened in the morning, but most visitors arrived shortly before eleven, heading straight for Vypsaná Fixa's opening set in the Evropa 2 Tent. The venue filled up quickly as the first festivalgoers enjoyed tracks like Komik Lobotomik, Detaily s Jirkou Hrdinou, and 1982, alongside several songs from the band's freshly released album. It wasn't even noon yet, and the first mosh pits were already erupting under the tent - some fans even broke out into rowing pits.
Meanwhile, on the neighboring Petra Svoboda Stage, Šumperk-based outfit Byt číslo 4 were getting ready for their set. One of Rock for People's greatest strengths is its dedication to emerging and lesser-known artists. The festival gives valuable space not only to international newcomers but also to promising acts from the Czech scene. Judging by the crowd gathered in front of the stage, plenty of fans had arrived early specifically to catch them.
The ČT Art Stage debuted a completely new look this year. The hall is larger, sturdier, and built around a brand-new structure, officially christened by the Czech six-member circus family Circus Brothers.
By noon, large crowds had already gathered in front of the Rock for People Stage, where American metalcore veterans We Came As Romans from Michigan became the first international act to officially perform at this year's festival. Their set fired up the audience so intensely it almost seemed to stop the rain clouds overhead.
The action then shifted to the main stage - now renamed after the festival's title partner as the Mastercard Stage, though many still affectionately call it the Fat Lady. There, American alternative rock outfit Magnolia Park from Orlando, Florida, brought their energetic blend of modern rock to the growing crowd.
Back on the Rock for People Stage, Indian metal sensation Bloodywood were preparing to unleash their unique sound. Fans were captivated by the band's use of traditional instruments such as the dhol and bamboo flute, creating an unmistakable energy that stands out from anything else on the scene.
The Mastercard Stage soon fell under the spell of British indie rock as Liverpool's The Wombats took over. Their trademark mix of indie subgenres had fans dancing throughout the field, with their infectious sound carrying across the entire festival grounds.
Meanwhile, inside the ČT Art Tent, British-American pop-punk outfit As It Is were preparing for their long-awaited return to the Czech Republic following their breakup - and eventual comeback - in 2024. Their catchy melodies and energetic punk-rock spirit, reminiscent of bands like Paramore and My Chemical Romance, had the crowd bouncing from the very first note. Mosh pits erupted throughout the set, and the band also revealed that their new album is set for release this July.
Over on the newly positioned EcoFlow Stage, located in the expanded area behind the main entrance, beloved "baby-punk" collective Kašpárek v rohlíku entertained festivalgoers. Having become a fan favorite during previous editions, their return felt almost mandatory.
Our team then made its way back to the Mastercard Stage, where anticipation was building for The Pretty Reckless. Fronted by rock queen Taylor Momsen, the American band delivered a performance fueled by powerful riffs and Momsen's unmistakably raspy voice, sending fans into a frenzy.
Across the site, German metalcore phenomenon Electric Callboy were preparing for one of the day's most anticipated sets. A massive banner bearing the title Tanzned - the name of their upcoming album due this August - hung above the stage. Their performance was pure energy from start to finish, packed with costume changes, outrageous wigs, pyrotechnics, and showers of confetti. The crowd also got a taste of the band's playful side with occasional covers, including Sum 41's Still Waiting.
Later in the evening, we stopped by the Reflex Stage, a multifunctional tent tucked slightly away from the main action. During the day it hosts talks, discussions, and conferences; at night it becomes a platform for smaller and emerging artists. There, Czech-Slovak project MØNØDREAM took the stage - a new venture led by Martin Čupka of the currently dormant John Wolfhooker.
As darkness fell, all eyes turned back to the Mastercard Stage for the night's headline act: Gorillaz. The legendary British virtual band is famous for its animated identity, and their live production reflects that heritage perfectly. Massive LED screens dominated the stage, displaying intricate animated sequences throughout the show. These weren't simply visual backdrops - they told stories, creating an immersive audiovisual experience that elevated the concert far beyond a traditional live performance. Fans left with not only great music but also an unforgettable visual spectacle.
To cap off the night, we squeezed in one final set: American metal heavyweights Trivium in the Evropa 2 Tent. Crushing riffs, relentless energy, and nonstop mosh pits proved to be the perfect ending to an already packed opening day.
Despite persistent rain throughout much of the day, festivalgoers refused to let the weather dampen their spirits. In fact, many barely seemed to notice the downpour that arrived during Gorillaz's headline performance. The festival grounds feature a number of new additions and improvements that we're still discovering, but the ones we've already encountered are definitely worth the hype. We hope everyone enjoyed the opening day as much as we did - and for those who missed it, we're willing to bet you're already regretting it and planning your trip for next year.
Šári