Battle for the Wacken Mud Festival intensifies - Countdown underway for the Mud Festival in Wacken
Wacken Open Air 2025: A Muddy, Memorable Festival
The Wacken Open Air, Germany's largest heavy metal festival, took place from July 27 to July 30, 2025, in the small town of Wacken, Schleswig-Holstein. Despite the challenging weather conditions, the event was a success, attracting 85,000 fans and creating unforgettable moments.
The festival started on a wet note, with up to 39.3 liters of rain per square meter falling on the first day. The infield, the area in front of the two main stages, turned into mud within hours. To combat this, the organizers brought in 3,500 cubic meters of wood chips, which was 2.4 times the normal requirement, to stabilize the surfaces.
The heavy rain did not dampen the spirits of the metalheads. The Wacken Open Air was officially sold out, and the fans created a great atmosphere in the mud and slush. Event director Daniel Schlatter praised the metal fans for their resilience, stating that the arrival was relaxed, and they can handle mud.
The head of the Itzehoe police directorate, Frank Matthiesen, reported a decrease in recorded offenses from 86 in 2024 to 68 this year. There was a slight increase in around 150 cases of other deployments, including confused people, but the traffic concept worked well. The rescue service reported 10 to 15 percent fewer deployments than in 2024.
The performances of various bands brought the crowd to their feet. Papa Roach, Machine Head, Saltatio Mortis, Apocalyptica, BAP, Michael Schenker, and Doro Pesch were among the acts that graced the stages. Guns N' Roses offered the longest concert in the history of the Wacken Open Air, lasting three hours.
A touching tribute was paid to the late rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, with "Ozzy we love you" projected above the main stages. Doro Pesch also made a guest appearance with Dirkschneider.
Regarding the lineup for Wacken Open Air 2026, the first announcement includes 35 bands such as Def Leppard, In Flames, Powerwolf, Savatage, Nevermore, Lamb of God, Airbourne, Europe, The Gathering, and many more. This celebrates the festival's 35th anniversary, and the event will take place from July 2 to August 1, 2026, in Wacken, Germany.
However, there has been no official announcement or confirmation that Metallica is part of the lineup for 2026. Organizer Thomas Jensen stated that they have time regarding the possibility of Metallica performing in 2026.
For those who missed out on the 2025 event, ticket prices for next year's Wacken Open Air will increase from 333 to 349 euros. However, the first 10,000 tickets bought on site will have the price increase for consumption credited.
The Wacken Open Air 2025 was a testament to the resilience and spirit of metalheads. Despite the challenging weather conditions, the festival was a memorable event, filled with great performances and unforgettable moments.
[1] Blabbermouth (2025). Wacken Open Air 2026 Lineup Announcement. Retrieved from https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/wacken-open-air-2026-lineup-announcement/
[2] Official Wacken Announcements (2025). Wacken Open Air 2026 Lineup. Retrieved from https://www.wacken.com/news/wacken-open-air-2026-lineup/
[3] Wacken (2025). Wacken Open Air 2026 Lineup. Retrieved from https://www.wacken.com/lineup/2026/
[4] Blabbermouth (2025). No Official Confirmation of Metallica's Performance at Wacken Open Air 2026. Retrieved from https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/no-official-confirmation-of-metallicas-performance-at-wacken-open-air-2026/
[5] Wacken (2025). Wacken Open Air 2026 Dates Announced. Retrieved from https://www.wacken.com/news/wacken-open-air-2026-dates-announced/
I'm not going to be able to do this year's Wacken Open Air, but next year, I might find a way to enjoy the entertainment offered, including the music from bands like Def Leppard, In Flames, and Powerwolf. The festival's 2026 lineup is set to celebrate its 35th anniversary, and I would love to be part of the unforgettable moments it promises.
