The origins:

The first Rock Against Cancer festival took place in 2015. In 2009, the Wyatt brothers made a donation to the AECC when they celebrated the 20th anniversary of Monroe's Rock Café in the Eras de la Sal. Years later, Neil welcomed Janet on board to organise a music festival specifically for the cancer cause. In the beginning, there were only three of us running the whole thing: Kjetil Hamre (RIP), Ketil Larsen, Neil Wyatt and Janet Figueroa.

Fortunately we had the support of great volunteers and bartenders who were fully committed and also asked for holidays to help us during the event. The first two editions (2015 and 2017) took place in Apolo Street, in front of Monroe's Music Pub. In the first edition we had the guitarist Santiago Campillo (ex-guitarist of the well-known band M-CLAN), and also Fito Cabrales (Fito & Fitipaldis) donated a Fender acoustic guitar with his autograph that was put up for auction. The response was massive and the public really enjoyed all the activities and food trucks on the street. Then, I said to Neil like Chief Brody in Jaws: 'We're going to need a bigger boat!', so we presented a proposal to the City Council to hold the third edition in the Eras de la Sal and do the next two editions together in the Eras de la Sal (2018 and 2019).

Due to the pandemic we were forced to cancel the 5th edition in 2020. Safety comes first, so we took the initiative to organise small concerts in various venues on the Costa Blanca, with the great support and commitment of Robert Grumheden from VIKING ASSISTANCE and Lars Andersen from DVBLAB. In this way we also support our local businesses and artists with safe culture, holding smaller events in collaboration with local bars/restaurants and always complying with the regulations required by the health authorities during that time.

And then came the fifth edition in 2022 for the first time in the Antonio Soria Park in Torrevieja. It has been the event with more facilities and more square meters dedicated to the festival. For the first time, with a food truck area with the highest quality and variety to date. We also completed the event with a craft market area of the province and surroundings.

In our sixth edition 2023, we once again enjoyed a great show. From Denmark, the Almost AC/DC and Bryan Adams Tribute Band, which were very well received by the audience, as well as excellent bands from Spain and our province, such as Linkoln Park (Madrid), Luis Blacknight Rock Band (Alicante), Finn Lizzy (Alicante), Astrosonic (Alicante), The Hellhates (Murcia), The Liverpool Band (Alicante) and Midnight Riders (Alicante). We are very grateful to Bryan Day, Pipe Major of Torrevieja Pipes and Drums, for his collaboration in playing the mythical song "It's a long way to the Top (If you wanna Rock 'n' Roll)" with Almost AC/DC (video on our Facebook page). The sixth edition of 2023 was very significant because we achieved the highest fundraising in the history of our festival. A total of €20,000 was donated to the NGOs AFECÁNCER and Alicante Para La Lucha Contra El Cáncer - Sede Local de Torrevieja.

For the first time we had the Danish band The Boss - Tribute to Springsteen, who gave us an impeccable musical show with their entire street band. And how about SAD European Metallica Tribute! This Italian band made a big splash in Spain during their debut tour in 2023. Last July they collaborated with Metallica Spain to launch the book 'Metallica: The Black Album' at the Teatro Eslava in Madrid, promoted by EMP Spain, Live Nation ES and Rock FM.

About our seventh edition 2024:

One great news is that we will be back to vibrate with SAD Metallica in Torrevieja. You better recharge your batteries, because they are coming back stronger than ever! Another great news is the line-up for our seventh edition, which will take place on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th September 2024 at Parque Antonio Soria in Torrevieja:

Friday will be opened by RoxXxet from Switzerland. Local bands include Finn Lizzy Band (a tribute to Thin Lizzy), Keeng (a tribute to Queen) and, to close the day on Friday, Quo-incidence (a tribute to Status Quo) from the UK.

On Saturday we kick off with the band from Albacete, Uprising Muse Tribute. From Barcelona, Like a Stone (tribute to Audioslave and Soundgarden). From very close, the best tribute to Rage Against The Machine. They are Rage Rising and they come from Salou, Tarragona, with a lot of power. To top it all off, the SAD European Metallica Tribute. This Italian band has caused a great furore during their debut tour in Spain in 2023. Last July 2024 collaborated with Metallica Spain in the launch of the book "Metallica: The Black Album", held at the Teatro Eslava in Madrid, promoted by EMP Spain, Live Nation ES and Rock FM. As you can see, a good show is guaranteed. All the artists are excited about the event and will give their all on stage. Thank you for being part of this event!

It is incredible the evolution of this festival, in which we strive to provide a show with musical quality and good service. Since our 2018 edition held in Eras de La Sal, we have the great team of Space Support Producciones, in charge of the stage, lights and sound. Each edition becomes a new challenge in which they surprise us more and more. Over the years we have created a strong bond with each member of the team. All together! Learning from our mistakes motivates us to improve year after year, being demanding with ourselves in terms of logistics and and line-up selection. We can't lower the bar! And every year it gets higher and higher! Hehe. Our purpose is to show solidarity through music with the NGOs in our city that work hard for cancer patients and their families.

Last but not least, we would like to express our deep gratitude to all the sponsors and collaborators for believing in our solidarity project. We would like to give special recognition to the volunteers of the Costa Blanca Rawhiders Motorcycle Association for their active and unconditional support and participation. We would also like to thank Moteros España RRSS for their support in spreading the word among their members and other motorcycle clubs. Thanks also to the staff of Monroe's, captained by the Wyatt brothers and the great team of volunteers led by our Chalotte Lange. Many thanks to Gary Dutch and the venues involved, who organise charity markets and activities throughout the year in various towns of the Vega Baja, to promote this charity festival. Your work is essential.

And of course we would like to thank all the rockers who come to the Rock Against Cancer Festival year after year for their support. Many of you come from abroad. It is very much appreciated that you consider this summer event during your holidays. Without you, ROCK AGAINST CANCER would not be possible. We salute you! Keep on rocking! See you soon!