Starting up as a local agency in Germany’s Ruhr area in 1993, Contra Promotion has grown to become an established brand in the country’s events industry. Founder and managing director Björn Gralla leads a dedicated team. From their headquarters in Bochum, they organise around 500 concerts and shows throughout Europe every year.

In 1997, Contra Promotion began arranging tours for Göttingen rock band Guano Apes. The band played a major role in the agency’s success. After splitting up several years ago, the Apes are now doing a comeback tour – and they’re back on Contra’s books. The agency has also made a name for itself with other acts from Germany and abroad. They include HIM, Sunrise Avenue, Nightwish, H-Blockx, Kevin Costner and Oomph!. Contra Promotion works with a wide range of genres, covering everything from metal and pop to jazz and soul – and even comedy acts.