Live report MATCH BÖRNER OPEN AIR, Day 2, Norderstedt – June 11th, 2026

Day two of March Börner Open Air gets underway, and the temperatures are even higher than on the opening day. The festival kicks off with a trio of bands—Edelgift!, Der Butterwegge, and Elfmorgen—before German punk veterans Rantanplan take the stage.

With Rantanplan, ska punk returns to MBOA. The band delivers a tight 40-minute set and is welcomed by a loyal crowd gathered in front of the stage. Even as the afternoon heat reaches its peak, they have little trouble getting the audience moving.

Introduced by the band as their “most commercial” song, “Staub” gets the crowd in motion with its infectious groove. Its reggae-infused rhythm is a perfect match for the summer weather. “Unbekanntes Pferd” proves to be a playful highlight, fitting perfectly with the recent hobby-horsing craze on the site, while “Kiel,” one of the band’s signature songs, is met with an enthusiastic sing-along. A powerful rendition of “An/Aus” brings the set to a fitting close.

Rantanplan deliver 40 minutes of thoroughly entertaining ska punk, making it easy for the crowd to join the party. At the same time, their set carries substance, with thoughtful lyrics and pointed remarks that underline the band’s social and political attitude.

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Adam Angst are up next, and for me personally they’re one of the highlights of this year’s MBOA. I hadn’t seen the band live before, so I was especially curious to see what they would bring to the stage.

They kick things off with “Wir sind zusammen,” and it’s immediately clear that we’re in for a high-energy punk rock set. Guitarist David Frings, who also plays in Fjord, is in constant motion, charging across the stage as if there were no tomorrow. Given the sweltering temperatures, his energy is even more impressive.

Frontman Felix Schönfuss, meanwhile, captivates the crowd with his expressive facial expressions and animated stage presence. Speaking of the crowd, the fans celebrate every single song. It doesn’t matter that “Kruppstahl, Baby” is performed without Das Lumpenpack this time—the piano-driven intro quickly gives way to a rebellious punk rock anthem that hits hard. The slow-motion wall of death is another highlight and certainly not something you see every day.

Combined with the band’s razor-sharp lyrics, the song is one of the standout moments of a 60-minute set that comes to a triumphant close with “Professoren.”

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As we move closer to the climax of this year’s MBOA, it’s time for Schmutzki. The trio made the trip from southern Germany – or, as frontman Beat Schmutz jokingly puts it, “South Friesland” – to Norderstedt. Considering the heat, he’s easily forgiven for momentarily forgetting that nearby Norderstedt is actually part of Schleswig-Holstein.

Schmutzki burst onto the scene with the explosive debut album BÄM, and, to be honest, I lost track of them a little after that. Seeing them live, however, is a completely different experience. Despite being just a three-piece, they generate an incredible amount of energy. Bassist Danny Horowitz is a spectacle in his own right. His wild facial expressions are mesmerizing – Jack Nicholson’s iconic look in The Shining almost seems restrained by comparison.

But Schmutzki aren’t the kind of band that simply walk onstage and play their songs. Before the show even begins, the crowd is encouraged to form a circle pit, and the fans respond immediately. It’s an early reminder of just how devoted and enthusiastic the band’s following is who keeps the circle pit alive even during a hot summer evening. When Beat Schmutz jumps into the middle of the crowd to perform “1000 Feuer,” it perfectly illustrates the close bond between the band and their supporters. Naturally, the “Schmutzki Mob” gets its moment in the spotlight during “Wir sind der Schmutzki Mob.”

The trio tears through its setlist at full speed, almost as if they’re racing against the clock—and honestly, that works in their favor. It leaves plenty of room for entertaining stories about their days as a five-piece, working on a new album, and simply having a great time together with some ‘stuff’.

Over the course of a 75-minute set featuring crowd favorites like “Zeltplatz Baby” and “Rodeo,” Schmutzki prove exactly why they’re such a beloved live act. These three guys are 100% authentic and genuinely love what they do. There isn’t the slightest hint of fatigue onstage, and the connection between the band and the audience is infectious. By the end of the set, everyone feels at least ten years younger.

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The honor of closing out MBOA 2026 goes to Royal Republic. At first glance, the Swedish quartet may seem like an unusual choice for a festival dominated by punk rock. But what they have in common with every other band on the bill is an irresistible live energy that makes them a perfect fit to bring the weekend to an end.

Royal Republic couldn’t have picked a better opener than “My House.” Their infectious blend of rock, metal, and pop, driven by pounding rhythms, creates an instant party atmosphere. Adam Grahn’s illuminated guitar adds another eye-catching element to the already spectacular production. While it initially seemed as though some festivalgoers had called it a day after Schmutzki’s set, the area in front of the stage quickly fills up as Royal Republic hit their stride.

Following such a powerful opening, “Getting Along” takes the party to yet another level. After a long day packed with outstanding performances, the headliner manages to squeeze every last bit of energy out of the crowd. Fans who have already spent hours singing, dancing, and moshing somehow find another gear.

The pounding “Baby” and the band’s energetic cover of “Venus” are among the evening’s biggest highlights. Another unforgettable moment comes with “Boomerang,” as all four musicians gather at the front of the stage for a surprisingly beautiful acoustic rendition. Even more entertaining than the performance itself is Adam Grahn’s hilarious introduction, which has the entire audience smiling before the first note is played.

Metal fans get their moment as well with a surprisingly convincing cover of Metallica’s “Battery,” while Karl Dall’s party classic “Ich schütt mich heute zu” provides another delightfully unexpected and unforgettable highlight.

Royal Republic deliver everything you could ask for from a festival headliner. Their glitter-infused rock show, packed with influences ranging from hard rock and metal to pop and disco, may not completely match the punk spirit that defines much of MBOA 2026. Yet that hardly matters. Their performance provides a colorful, thunderous finale overflowing with positivity, making it the perfect conclusion to two outstanding days of live music in Norderstedt.

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Over the years, MBOA has evolved musically, refining its identity and establishing a clear artistic direction. What has never changed, however, is the festival’s original spirit: bringing people together. That sense of community remains its greatest strength and is reflected in the “Börner” name that has become synonymous with the event.

This year’s edition once again embodied that vision. Whether on stage or in the crowd, people with rebellious hearts came together to celebrate freedom, solidarity, and individuality. MBOA 2026 marked another major step forward for this still relatively young festival, firmly establishing it as one of the standout open-air events in the greater Hamburg area.

Location: Stadtpark Norderstedt, Nordestedt, Germany

Date: June 11th, 2026