The program is noted for its wide variety of alternative music, spanning styles such as rock, pop, electronic, dance, hip-hop, punk and heavy metal. The event's organizers aim the festival to be a "progressive and contemporary" musical event. Notable acts that have performed at previous editions include Sonic Youth, The Mission, Ramones, Nirvana, The Sisters of Mercy, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Neil Young, The Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Metallica, Green Day, Guns N' Roses, Pixies, Daft Punk, The Prodigy, Nine Inch Nails and Iron Maiden. The term "pukkel" is the Dutch word for "pimple".
The 2011 edition was cancelled on August 19, 2011 after a severe storm the evening prior caused extensive damage to several stages, killing five people and injuring at least 140. Despite the events that transpired over the 2011 edition, the event is set to return in 2012.
The 2011 edition was cancelled on August 19, 2011 after a severe storm the evening prior caused extensive damage to several stages, killing five people and injuring at least 140. Despite the events that transpired over the 2011 edition, the event is set to return in 2012.