Slam Dunk Festival Switzerland @ Komplex 457

Another day, another concert or even festival. It was time for Slam Dunk Festival Switzerland. Slam Dunk Festival has long been a favorite among pop-punk, punk rock, emo, and alternative fans in the UK. Known for delivering stacked lineups and electric atmospheres, it’s become a go-to event for anyone with a love for mosh pits and catchy choruses.

So having Slam Dunk finally arrive in Switzerland is a big deal – and honestly, it’s about time!

Though this first edition here was on the smaller side, it still managed to pull together a solid lineup. Every band had merch available, there was a buzzing energy throughout the venue! And they even had a tattoo station! Brave souls could hop on a stretcher and get inked on the spot. The only real hiccup? The food lines were painfully long at one point – fingers crossed that everyone eventually managed to grab a bite.

Don’t Skate On My Ramp – Local Heroes Get Things Heated

Kicking things off was Zurich-based band Don’t Skate On My Ramp. This local act was the perfect opener, immediately turning up the heat and getting the early crowd moving.

They brought a high-energy set and clearly had some loyal fans in the room already. Their youthful enthusiasm was contagious, and it genuinely looked like the whole band was having a blast on stage. A solid start that set the tone for the night.

Concert Photos: Don’t Skate on My Ramp

Zebrahead – Crowd Surfers and Non-Stop Fun

Next up: Zebrahead, the veteran punk-rap-rock party starters from California. They are known for their wild shows and genre-blending sound. A friend warned me in advance that things might get crazy – and I was not disappointed.

Within the first couple of songs, crowd surfers were flying in already. Security always made sure the crowdsurfers made it back on their feet. Thanks also for warning us photographers and making sure we don’t get hit in the head by flying by fans.

Zebrahead brought pure fun to the stage for sure. With their signature mix of punk riffs and party vibes, keeping the energy high even as the venue started to feel like a sauna. The pits opened up, people were drenched in sweat, and the room felt like one big, bouncing celebration.

Concert Photos: Zebrahead

Slam Dunk Festival in Switzerland – small but mighty

The crowd wasn’t huge… And I still don’t understand why. It’s a mystery to me because Slam Dunk is basically a dream event for pop-punk and emo fans. But I guess the atmosphere (or should I say buzz) was still fantastic. And let’s be real: quality over quantity. Everyone there seemed to be having the time of their lives. The band also brought up a few fans on stage! They handed them beers, and gave them their moment in the spotlight. What an experience that must have been!

The Ataris – A More Mellow Vibe (But Still Solid)

Following Zebrahead, The Ataris took the stage. Best known for their emo-tinged rock and that unforgettable cover of “The Boys of Summer”, they brought a bit more of a laid-back energy to the evening.

There was less movement on stage – probably because the singer was playing guitar and stayed pretty stationary behind the mic. As a result, the overall vibe calmed down a bit, and some of the audience took the chance to head outside for fresh air and drinks. Fair enough – it was getting hot in there.

Concert Photos: The Ataris

Neck Deep – Girl Pits, Blow-Up Letters, and Beer Showers

Then it was time for Neck Deep, the UK pop-punk heavyweights who never fail to bring the energy. First thing I noticed? A massive backdrop with their band name in inflatable letters – loved it.

They launched into their set with full force – and yes, this was also the set that gave me my first beer shower of the night. The energy in the venue began to rise again, with more movement on stage and a visibly more hyped crowd.

Highlight of the set? Definitely the “girl pit” moment. Before “She’s A God,” the singer called for a mosh pit just for the girls – and it was amazing to watch them absolutely own it (from a safe distance of course).

At one point the singer pointed out the crowd might be a bit too calm – I couldn’t tell if he was genuinely annoyed or just joking – but the comment worked. The crowd amped up, and another wave of crowd surfers launched into action.

Concert Photos: Neck Deep

New Found Glory – Ending With a Bang (and a Surprise Cover!)

New Found Glory, one of the genre’s most iconic names, closed out the night. The band came in swinging, delivering a high-energy set that kept the momentum going despite how cooked we all were by that point.

It was awesome to spot other bands watching from the balcony, showing love and support. One standout moment: the singer from Neck Deep made his way down into the pit and just chilled there, soaking in the vibes like any other fan – very cool.

The surprise of the night? A super fun, unexpected cover of Sixpence None the Richer’s “Kiss Me”. I definitely did not see that one coming, but it somehow totally worked. Despite my jetlagged brain slowly shutting down (I literally just got back from the Philippines), I was still dancing, and smiling all the way through their set.

Final Thoughts on Slam Dunk Festival Switzerland

Small Stage, Huge Vibes and Worth Every Second

Slam Dunk Festival Switzerland may not have drawn the biggest crowd this time around, but it absolutely delivered in terms of bands, atmosphere, and overall fun. It felt intimate, exciting, and community-driven – exactly what you’d want from a scene-focused festival.

I had a blast, and if this was just the beginning, I can’t wait to see how it grows in the coming years. Count me in for the next edition!