In 2002, young people with a particular interest in Germanics, early European History and northern mythology, met to deal with these topics in a professional way. The idea came up in one of the meetings, to enrich the cultural landscape by building an authentic (museum) village. To support this aim, an association of public welfare was founded, called Semnonenbund (Semnons=Germanic tribe which used to live in Berlin-Brandenburg). Unfortunately the ambitious project could not be solely financed by receiving membership rates and occasional donations. However, since some founders of the Semnonenbund e.V. are heavy metal fans, it was self-evident to develop a second source of income by organising a non-profit metal (and initially rock music) festival. Therefore the first Rock for Roots took place in 2003. Beginning with the second year, location Freilichtbühne Nauen (open air stage Nauen), a nice amphitheatre-like location, was chosen. The increasing popularity of the festival attracted more and more visitors and bands. In 2010 even bands, listed in German albums charts, will play at the Rock for Roots stage.

In 2007, RFR kick-started the Arkona hype by presenting their first (western) European gig. Nowadays this Russian band plays big European tours. In 2009, RFR invited the Norwegian heathenish spiritual band Wardruna to have their first non-Norwegian concert, which became a real highlight. Everyone who wants to support the project Historical Village Gannahall or just wants to listen to nice (Pagan/Black etc.) metal in high-class and familial atmosphere at low-cost, should not hesitate to visit the open air stage Nauen (close to Berlin) at the 3rd and 4th of September!