Rockpalast (Rock Palace) is a German music television show that broadcasts live on German television station Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR). Rockpalast started on January 22, 1976 and continues to this day. Hundreds of rock, heavy metal and jazz bands have performed on Rockpalast. Some acts were recorded for broadcast and for retail sale. All-night marathon shows called “Rock Night” (Rocknacht) were produced once or twice a year from 1977 through 1986 and simulcast throughout Europe via the Eurovision network of TV broadcasters,^[1] thereby reaching around 25 million listeners on average.^[2] Rockpalast is involved in several German pop, rock and underground music festivals, once sponsoring the Bizarre-Festival [de].

The founder and long-time producer of Rockpalast was Peter Rüchel^[3] together with Christian Wagner [de]. Soon, Alan Bangs and Albrecht Metzger joined as hosts of the Rockpalast Nacht [de] events.

The J. Geils Band's song "Believe in Me" became the official Rockpalast intro tune ever since their first broadcast in 1976.

Not all of these acts were recorded and broadcast. A list of the recorded gigs is readable on the Rockpalast homepage.^[4]

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