Le 5 en 1 Rock Festival

Five bands, one evening: the spirit of 5 en 1 Rock

The 5 en 1 Rock Festival was a rock, punk, and metal music festival created in 2004 in Saint-Quentin (Aisne) by the association Les Hurleurs. Its original concept was in its name: to bring together five bands in a single evening to offer the public an intense and varied program of the French alternative rock scene. The festival had six editions between 2004 and 2009 before ending, followed by the dissolution of the organizing association in 2012.

An association serving Saint-Quentin's rock scene

The association Les Hurleurs, founded on July 26, 1983, and based at 21 rue du Colonel-Fabien in Saint-Quentin, aimed to develop rock'n'roll in Saint-Quentin and its region. Beyond the festival, it offered music leisure activities, music lessons, and organized concerts and shows to create links between musicians and the public. The association was officially dissolved on February 10, 2012.

Iconic venues in Saint-Quentin

Throughout its six editions, the 5 en 1 Rock Festival took place in several venues in Saint-Quentin. The first edition in 2004 was held at the Salle de quartier Vermand-Fayet. The 2005 and 2006 editions took place at Le Splendid, the city's historic performance hall. The sixth and final edition, in 2009, was held at the Salle de Verdun, at 3 boulevard de Verdun. The 2007 edition, the most ambitious, spanned four days from October 24 to 27 with concerts at Le Splendid and other venues.

Headliners from the French alternative scene

Despite its modest format and DIY spirit, 5 en 1 Rock managed to attract major names from the French rock and punk scene. Among the artists who graced the festival stages were Les Wampas (punk rock, 2006), Mass Hysteria (alternative metal, 2007), Punish Yourself (industrial metal, 2009), Les Fatals Picards (humorous rock, 2005), Oldelaf & Monsieur D (2005), Les Blaireaux (2005), Mononc' Serge et le Sarge Jazz Band (Quebec punk, 2007), Masala (ska-punk, 2004 and 2009), The Real Nelly Olson (2009), A Poil (2009), and many local bands like Troupâganda, The Dividers, Aker, and Bazarsonik.

A legacy in the Axonaise rock scene

Although the 5 en 1 Rock Festival has not existed since 2009, it remains an important milestone in the history of contemporary music in Saint-Quentin and the Aisne region. It contributed to structuring the local rock scene, offering a showcase for emerging regional bands, and bringing national headliners to a city that now has La Manufacture as its contemporary music venue. The associative and militant spirit of Les Hurleurs has inspired other cultural initiatives in the department.