By: Milou & Antonie
Get your party canons ready cause it’s time ”For The Final Countdown, tududu, tudududu,” (Sorry not sorry for putting this song in your head for the rest of the day)
Less than 70 days and no one else than Swedish power metal legends Sabaton will transform the Holy Ground in the biggest backyard party of Europe.
You would guess after 35 years of organizing Wacken Open Air we would have seen every band you can think of. But guess again. We have some very special first timers this time as well. Def Leppard will bring their melodic hard rock to the Harder stage and close Thursday with a classic 80’s rock show.
Ska and metal not a good mix? Well if we let Dubioza Kolektiv decide and take the stage. Ska and metal is a perfect mix and they are very excited to take over the Wackinger stage and turn the village upside down.
The good thing with Wacken is that it brings a variety of music to the holy ground. From this year we can add soundtrack music as well to that list. Bear McCreary has the honor to take the Headbangers stage this year for the first time ever.
As I was already saying in the beginning of this article. ”It’s The Final Countdown”. Europe will be joining us this year and we all know at least one song they will be playing.
Blood, Fire and Death will play a German exclusive show at Wacken Open Air. The must see for every metal fan as it will be the perfect homage to Bathory.
Last year the Bad Loverz, the side project from our dear friends Saltatio Mortis took over the Holy Ground and let everyone swing and dance. This year we have another side project. Electric Bassboy, the baby brother from Electric Callboy will play a ”polite DJ set” this year.
For the 10th time but the first time with new leading lady Lauren Hart, Arch Enemy will blow up the speakers once more. After 10 years Blood Red Throne will return with a special Altered Genesis set
Wacken is not the only one turning 35 years old this year. Crematory will be joining the party with their 35th anniversary show. Rose Tattoo even celebrates its 50th anniversary with a performance as part of their Farewell Tour. Uli Jon Roth will also celebrate 50 years of ”Virgin Killer” and he promises us some special guests joining the stage with him.
Sadly there always comes a time to say goodbye to good memories and musicians. Sepultura will play their Last German Festival after attending Wacken for the fifth time this year. There’s so many special shows and first-timers this year but also a few sad ones.
Running Wild will play their last show ever and leave us one last time under the jolly roger.
For the first timers we have a lot of great surprises. Castle Rat brings their mix between nightmarish cursed opera and metal to the unholy ground but will we see the great slaying of the rat lord?
Misþyrming & Nergal will play a special Sventevith set to relive the glory days of Behemoth’s first release.
With more than 150 bands playing this year the party edition of Wacken Open Air will take place from the 26st of July till the 1st of August and lucky you this year is not sold out yet. So grab your party poppers and join us for this year. See you in Wacken with hopefully more shine this year than rain.
Tickets are available at : the ticketshop
