Pilar: How has the response been from the local and international audience to the festival over these three years? Could you give us specific data on the audience's origin?

Juan Antonio: Surprisingly good from the very beginning. A lot of people from Cartagena, which is fabulous, but also from almost every corner of Spain. Although the most surprising thing is that people come from countries such as Japan, Germany, Sweden, the United States, Norway, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, Finland, Australia, the United Kingdom, Mexico, South Korea, and many others. Those who come, come back and bring their friends and family. It's a matter of time before the festival continues to grow internationally.

Pilar: I'm sure of it because, in just two years, it has already shown its growing popularity. What criteria do you use to select the bands that play at Rock Imperium?

Juan Antonio: Basically, my musical tastes, haha. Actually, it's a combination of my musical tastes, what I think can work in the area, and the availability of artists. It's always difficult for those three factors to converge, but that's the goal. I like Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Progressive Rock, Extreme Metal, etc, and ultimately, that's what is reflected in the line-up. Each year is different, and there are always nuances, but I try and dedicate a lot of effort to ensuring that there is coherence. I’m really satisfied with how the lineups of the three editions have turned out; I don’t think I would change any band for another.

Pilar: What cultural or social aspects do you try to highlight or promote through the festival?

Juan Antonio: There are many social and cultural components that a festival like Rock Imperium can help promote. First of all, if you allow me, Pilar, I’ll tell you that I’m an active animal rights advocate and I try to contribute my bit by helping rescue street cats. So, the festival directly supports this cause.

On the other hand, and as surprising as it may seem, there are still negative stereotypes about Heavy Metal, as if people with “long hair and black shirts” were criminals or something. The mere fact that I have to mention it here seems ridiculous to me, but it’s something that, although almost residual, exists. Fortunately, and after twenty years of organising concerts exclusively of Rock and Heavy Metal, I can say with all pride that it’s the best audience in the world. People who truly love music, live it with passion, and when they go to an event, it’s to enjoy. Families come to Rock Imperium with children, parents, and grandparents to enjoy the music that brings them together. It’s something wonderful. There is no greater honour than being behind the organisation of a Rock and Heavy Metal festival and being able to showcase to the world artists like the ones we’ve had in these two editions. Music that reaches our souls and makes us feel special every day. If thanks to this festival we can capture the attention of people unfamiliar with these genres, make them know and learn that it is a healthy world where respect and education prevail thanks to the guiding thread of that music that touches us so deeply, I will consider the mission as completed.

Pilar: I couldn’t agree more. The atmosphere of respect was undeniable, so I completely share that feeling of pride. Moreover, there’s no doubt that Rock Imperium is generating revenue for the city of Cartagena and for the Region of Murcia in general. What is the economic and touristic impact of the festival on the city of Cartagena and its surroundings?

Juan Antonio: Immense, much larger than I initially thought. We commissioned an economic impact study from the Polytechnic University of Cartagena, and the figures were staggering. The festival generates almost ten million euros of wealth in the area. In proportion to what it receives from public funds, it gives much more.