Gerold Haubner… a multifaceted personality.

Gerold Haubner is one of the most distinctive figures in the Austrian rock scene and in the organization of major music events. Born in Austria, he has been active for more than thirty years in the fields of music, communications, and festival production.

He is widely known as the Head of Promotion and Press Officer of the Nova Rock Festival, one of Europe’s largest rock and metal festivals, organized by Barracuda Music. In this role, he manages the festival’s international communications, collaborates with media outlets worldwide, and contributes to the development of Nova Rock’s global profile.

At the same time, Haubner is active in music as a DJ under the stage name Rokko Ramirez, an eccentric persona that combines rock aesthetics, humor, and performance. In this capacity, he has performed in clubs, festivals, and concerts across Europe, and in the past he was also the frontman of the ska-punk band Jesus Christ Smokes Holy Gasoline.

Beyond music and festivals, Haubner is also involved in sports, connected with the women’s football team Wiener Sport-Club Frauen, part of the historic Wiener Sport-Club in Vienna.
Combining experience in the music scene, public relations, and large-scale event management, Gerold Haubner stands out as a distinctive personality bridging the world of artists with that of international music festivals.

INTERVIEW…

( A ) ROKKO RAMIREZ ” Retrogott – The Return: No World Order II ”…

Athenscalling.gr: Your album has recently been released. How do you feel now that it’s in the hands of the fans?

Gerold Haubner (Rokko Ramirez) : It’s been quite a journey, from the initial idea right through to the finished product. But of course I’m very proud of it.

Athenscalling.gr: What was the main idea or concept behind this album as Rokko Ramirez?

Gerold Haubner (Rokko Ramirez) : For me, it was essential to create a follow-up to my last album, World War I/World War II – War Against War.

Athenscalling.gr: How has the audience response been so far?

Gerold Haubner (Rokko Ramirez) : The feedback so far has been fantastic – I’ve also been delighted with the great reviews.

Athenscalling.gr: Is there a particular track on the album that is especially meaningful to you?
Gerold Haubner (Rokko Ramirez) : There again are a few tracks about my family on the album; my personal favourites are “Panzer Marsch”, “Lazarett” and “Blutgericht”, and – with a pinch of salt, of course – “Neuschwabenland”

Athenscalling.gr: If you had to describe the album in three words, what would they be?
Gerold Haubner (Rokko Ramirez) : I hate war.

( B ) NOVA ROCK 2026…

Athenscalling.gr: Nova Rock Festival has become one of Europe’s biggest rock festivals. What makes this year’s edition special?

Gerold Haubner: Every year is a new challenge. I’m really pleased that we’ve managed to put together such a great line-up again. Fantastic bands for all ages are on their way to Burgenland.

Athenscalling.gr: What are the biggest challenges today in organizing a festival of this scale?
Gerold Haubner: It’s always important to appeal to music fans of all genres. OK, reggae and jazz are missing – thank goodness 🙂

Athenscalling.gr:How important is it for Nova Rock to introduce new and emerging bands to the audience?

Gerold Haubner: As I always say, it’s important to me that people of all ages enjoy Nova Rock – young and old alike. Many have been coming since the very beginning, but new fans are always joining in, which is what makes it all so exciting.

Athenscalling.gr: Is there a band you would still love to see performing at Nova Rock in the future?

Gerold Haubner: The most interesting bands still around have already been there.We won’t get to see The Beatles, The Doors, Motörhead or The Who perform live anymore. I’m glad I’ve already seen and met so many great musicians. Funnily enough, I’ve never really cared much for Led Zeppelin and Metallica.

Athenscalling.gr: What would you say to international fans who travel every year to experience Nova Rock?
Gerold Haubner: A warm welcome – I hope you’ve had a pleasant journey. Have a lovely time with us and please come back again.

( C ) WIENER SPORT- CLUB WOMEN …

Athenscalling.gr:How did your connection with Wiener Sport-Club Frauen begin?

Gerold Haubner: I love the Wiener Sport Club, so it’s no wonder that I quickly formed a bond with the women’s team as well. I share a deep friendship with many of the current and former players that extends far beyond Austria’s borders, and I’m very proud of that.

Athenscalling.gr: How do you see the development of women’s football in Europe?

Gerold Haubner: Wherever you look, money is naturally the driving force. If you watch the matches played by Austrian teams in the Champions League, you realise there’s a certain gap in quality, because we still have some catching up to do on the international stage, but the players give their all for their sport, which is truly admirable. Women’s football in Europe is undoubtedly of the highest standard, as we see at the World Cup and European Championships. And let’s be honest: is there a difference between Europe and the rest of the world in other sports? I don’t think so.

Athenscalling.gr: Do you see similarities between the spirit of football fans and rock festival audiences?

Gerold Haubner: There are bad apples everywhere. In football, people are generally much more violent. Rock fans, on the other hand, are more peaceful and laid-back.

Athenscalling.gr: How important is it today to support women’s football teams?

Gerold Haubner: Football is a brilliant sport. Athletes always deserve our support. The women really give it their all; I always enjoy watching women’s matches, whether it’s ice hockey or handball. There’s often much more spirit in those games than in the men’s.

Athenscalling.gr:How would you describe the spirit of Wiener Sport-Club Frauen?
Gerold Haubner: The Wiener Sport Club has always meant something special to me, ever since I was a little boy. The fact that the women have their own teams is simply part of the WSC package. You can meet up with friends, chat about all sorts of things and enjoy a lovely afternoon together. Women’s football brings people together, and without it I wouldn’t have met so many wonderful people.
As Lemmy says about the game: “You win some, lose some – It’s all the same to me“. Eternal love for Wiener Sport-Club Frauen!