Fun Facts

For example, did you know that the festival has been filmed and broadcast in 140+ countries, so there's a non-zero chance someone in Uzbekistan has seen your awkward dance moves. 

Fun Fact #1: Speaking of our concerts being broadcast worldwide: meet Gerhard, our ultimate superfan. You’ll spot this legend front and center at almost every show, vibing hard no matter who’s on stage. Think you can play «Where’s Waldo?» Give it a go while streaming our concerts; Gerhard’s appeared in over 150 of them! Keep your eyes peeled!

Did you know that B.B. King performed in the very first year of the festival in 1986? The King of the Blues helped set the tone for what would become 40 years of legendary live music at Baloise Session. So it’s no surprise that your favorite artist has probably already played the Baloise Session. Over the years, the stage has welcomed legends like Elton John, Alicia Keys, P!nk, John Legend, Miles Davis, Iggy Pop, Ellie Goulding, Deep Purple, Eric Clapton, James Brown, Rod Stewart, Nina Simone and Chaka Khan, just to name a few.

Fun Fact #2: Things don't always go according to plan. ‘No shoes, no show’ was the motto when James Brown's suitcase containing his shoes went missing. After searching the airport, the hotel, the limousine and the cloakrooms, we luckily found the suitcase and shoes at the venue where James had left them earlier that day.
And that wasn't the only thing that got lost. In 2024, Mika’s suitcase went on its own little adventure. It went missing right after Mika’s arrival - until the Baloise Session crew heroically tracked it down in Munich and delivered it backstage just minutes before showtime. Talk about cutting it close! But no worries – Mika hit the stage right on time, unleashing a whirlwind of magic, chaos, colors, and pure joy that no lost luggage could ever stop

Did you know that the Baloise Session is proudly led by a female CEO - a rarity in the music festival world. Beatrice Stirnimann has been steering the festival with vision and passion for over 30 years, including the last 20 as CEO. Under her leadership, the Baloise Session has evolved into a renowned boutique music festival, known for its intimate setting and impressive lineup of international artists. In 2024, she was honored with the title of «Ehrespalebärglemere 2024» for her contributions to the cultural landscape of Basel. 

Fun Fact #3: Before becoming CEO, Beatrice Stirnimann started her Baloise Session journey way back in 1994 as a volunteer checking tickets. Talk about climbing the festival ladder one backstage pass at a time!

When it comes to our signature «Magic Moments», we have a few surprises up our sleeve beyond the usual star-studded concerts. Ready for some festival history you probably didn’t know? 

Fun Fact #4: Back in 1994, when the festival was still called «Rheinknie Session», it hosted a live performance of the musical «Grease». Not only was this the first and only musical ever staged at the Baloise Session, but also the very first time Grease was performed in Switzerland. And speaking of curveballs, a year earlier in 1993, the Basler Ballet took to the stage, proving the festival has always loved mixing things up.

Fun Fact #5: At the Baloise Session, artists don’t just bring their A-game, they often stay to enjoy the music themselves. Over the years, headliners have been spotted blending into the crowd after their sets, just vibing like regular fans. You might end up dancing next to a Grammy winner without even realizing it.

Fun Fact #6: At the Baloise Session, our catering squad is basically a genie granting every artist’s food wish. Artists celebrating their birthday with us even get to enjoy a Sprüngli chocolate cake. However, when spontaneity and cravings strike, things get deliciously chaotic. We’re talking surprise late-night pizza parties (Kevin Costner for one invited the whole team out for pizza) and, believe it or not, a full-on backstage fondue party with Dave Stewart and Joss Stone dunking cheese like the absolute legends they are.