Rockbjörnen (Swedish: the Rock Bear) is a music prize in Sweden, divided into several categories, which is awarded annually by the newspaper Aftonbladet. The prize was first awarded in 1979, and is mostly centered on pop and rock.
In 2010, Rockbjörnen was redone and focused more on live performances. This initiative was hailed by artists and industry. The period for selecting the winners of Rockbjörnen was extended from one month to three months (all summer).
The artist will play at least three occasions in Sweden, at least three songs and the performance should be open to regular audience (fans) in front of the stage (not only on TV). The concerts must take place in Sweden.
Formerly known as the prize The year’s Newcomer. The artist must have played in Sweden for public at least three occasions. Must not be their own concerts. Can be, for example, Rix FM Festival.
The performance will be the artist's own concert (not concerts like Rix FM Festival) in Sweden. It's enough with just one occasion.
The artist can be both from Sweden or another country, and must be current with a tour during the period.
For all categories for the period: From the day after Rockbjörnen gala until the voting form closes. For example, for the year 2012: September 1, 2011 to August 2, 2012
'Livelöpet is an interactive digital scene on aftonbladet.se. where artists perform live concerts. At the concert, the audience can interact with both the artist and their Facebook friends through a variety of touch as to clap, shout, like songs, take pictures and post on Facebook, swaying with lighters and even making out with someone else in the audience. The artist takes part of all interactions.
Livelöpet was launched August 17, 2010 by Rockbjörnen Live, Aftonbladet's music prize since 1979, which that year went through a change and became a prize with focus on live performances. The investment was a strategic move to reposition Rockbjörnen from a traditional music prize to one that rewards the live scene in Sweden. The repositioning had its roots in the changing music industry underwent a technological paradigm shift (from about 1998 onwards) where music is increasingly consumed through digital media and the live scene grew stronger.
The first year seven Livelöpet concerts was performed, by Mando Diao, The Ark, Robyn, Salem Al Fakir, Ola, Anna Bergendahl och Eric Saade.