The Music at Oktoberfest
Tomorrow marks the day when the 2020 Oktoberfest was supposed to kick off. While our staff has begrudgingly accepted this reality for now, we know it’s really going to hit hard when we begin to think of all the beer and chicken we will not have in Munich this year.
In honor of our fallen festival, we wanted to share some of the songs that help create the ambiance surrounding the Oktoberfest celebration.
Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany
We can all admit it – we LOVE cover bands. There is something about hearing an old rock and roll song, or a unique version of some 80s new wave hit that ignites a tsunami of nostalgia in our souls. Hearing these songs again take us right to the Oktoberfest grounds, where you can hear inside each tent as you walk by.
Along with the clothing, Oktoberfest’s music is among the things that are most important to the festival’s image. What would Oktoberfest be without hulking brass bands playing oompah music to the masses as they saunter around the site and take in the amazing atmosphere? The bands play all day, every day – and their set list is compiled of more songs you will know than you won’t. There is a fun blend of German and English classics, and quite frankly, the crowd’s reactions to their favorite German anthems might be most entertaining part! The energy is absolutely contagious, and since everyone is singing along, you can sing as loud as you want without being embarrassed. Through the years we’ve captured videos of all of the following songs performed at the tents, but after listening to them again years later, you’ll spare you the drunken screaming and sloppy videography.
Here are our favorite songs to hear in the Oktoberfest Tents:
Angels by Robbie Williams
There are mixed emotions about this song at Oktoberfest since it’s usually the final song of the night, thus signaling the conclusion of the night. So there’s that, but you probably won’t have a more passionate crowd participation throughout the experience.
Hulapalu by Andreas Gabalier
Good luck getting this Austrian song out of your head after a night in tents.
Favorite version: Schutzen Tent
All the Small Things by Blink 182
The Music at Oktoberfest has seen a recent introduction to rock music from the late 90s and early 00s. This song was obviously a massive hit Stateside the Summer of 1999, but it has become a staple at all of the Oktoberfest tents the past few years.
Favorite Version: Paulaner Tent
Major Tom by Peter Schilling
This song had major crossover success international as there is also an English version, so the odds are you probably recognize the melody. Schilling is originally from Stuttgart, Germany.
Favorite version: Marstall Tent
Atemlos durch die nacht by Helene Fischer
This song is as poppy as it gets, and seems to be quite the guilty pleasure by the Oktoberfest masses. This translates to “Breathless through the Night.”
Favorite Version: Schottenhamel Tent
What’s Up by 4 Non Blondes
These one hit wonders may have had only one song dominate the charts, but their lead singer Linda Wilson has gone on to be one of the top rock producers in the business. This has nothing to do with Oktoberfest, but just a fun fact to share. As for the song, it’s among the loudest screamed in the tents each year.
Favorite version: Lowenbrau Tent
Ohne dich by Münchener Freiheit
This was a huge hit in Germany, but these guys are local legends. Münchener Freiheit is a square in Munich, also a metro stop. This translates to “Without You,” not to be confused with “With or Without You” by U2, which also happens to be an Oktoberfest mainstay.
Don’t Look Back in Anger by Oasis
We’ve only heard this at the Hofbrau Tent, which tents to be heavy on English speaking visitors, but this song absolutely kills each time it’s played.
99 Luftballons by Nena
You knew this had to be in here, right? Much like the aforementioned “Major Tom,” this song had international success with an English version. Every tent plays this at some point, and it’s well received every time.
Honorable Mentions, not named John Denver:
- Johnny Dapp by Lorenz Buffel
- 1000 und 1 Nacht by the Klaus Lage Band
- Amsterdam by Axel Fischer
- Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves (who coincidentally played at the San Fermin in 2013)
- Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus
- Take on Me by A-Ha
- Living Next to Alice by Smokie
