As Time Warp returns to Maimarkt Mannheim on October 25 and 26, 2024, the festival celebrates the very best in contemporary techno as well as another remarkable milestone: Sven Väth’s 60th birthday.
The “compact” edition of Time Warp, which debuted in 2021, has evolved into a beloved annual tradition and this year, the festival’s Two Days Two Stages format will be transformed into Two Days Two Celebrations, marking both 30 years of Time Warp and Väth’s landmark birthday.
With an impressive lineup including Nina Kraviz, Miss Monique, Vintage Culture, Charlotte de Witte b2b Enrico Sangiuliano, Adam Beyer and many more, fans are in for a spectacular celebration.
Reflecting on Väth’s storied history with Time Warp, here are five standout sets from the techno icon that have left an indelible mark on the festival:
Time Warp 2004
Väth’s set 20 years ago when he was a mere 40 years old was a masterclass in techno. His performance at the main stage brought a raw energy that defined the festival’s sound for years. The relentless beats and mesmerising rhythms cemented his status as a techno pioneer in the new Millenium.
Time Warp 2010
This edition saw Väth delivering a famously hypnotic set that showcased his ability to blend deep techno with uplifting melodies. His seamless transitions and captivating track selection created a special atmosphere that resonated with festival-goers and won him plenty of new fans, while also appealing to the older heads.
Time Warp 2014
Celebrating Time Warp’s 20th anniversary and playing the closing set, Väth was there once again to serve up a nostalgic journey through the evolution of techno; his own sound and that of the iconic German festival and as such he combined classic tracks with modern beats for a fine retrospective that highlighted many different niches.
Time Warp 2018
Väth’s set in ’18 was a powerful demonstration of his evolution as an artist at a time when his legendary nights in Ibiza had taken techno to all new heights on the island. Away from those sunny curveball sounds he kept it dark and heady here with an eclectic mix of techno sub-genres reflecting his adaptability and innovation.
Time Warp 2022
The 2022 edition, held in the wake of the pandemic, was a triumphant return for Väth. His set was a celebration of resilience and creativity that brought the best out of the crowd and showed the man to very much have the skills to keep his crowd on their toes.
