Commemorating six decades of rock 'n' roll, Scorpions stage a show attended by 45,000 enthusiastic fans in Hannover. - Crowds of 45,000 spectators watch a performance by Scorpions in Hanover.
The legendary hard rock band, The Scorpions, marked their 60th anniversary with a spectacular hometown concert at the Hanover Stadium Arena/Heinz von Heiden Arena in Hanover, Germany, on July 5, 2025. This was the band's first performance in their hometown stadium and the only show in Germany for the year.
The concert, themed "Coming Home," was a nostalgic journey through the band's illustrious career, with performances of their biggest hits and unexpected musical surprises. Special guests, including Alice Cooper and Judas Priest, joined The Scorpions for this historic event.
The concert sold out rapidly, with all 45,000 tickets snapped up in mere moments. To commemorate this landmark occasion, the band is releasing a live album titled "Coming Home Live." The album, capturing the energy and nostalgia of the concert, will be available on vinyl and CD and is set for release on November 14, 2025, via Spinefarm/Vertigo/Universal. Pre-orders for the album are already open.
The album artwork includes a striking image of a scorpion traversing a futuristic desert landscape on the vinyl edition's cover. The Scorpions' founding guitarist, Rudolf Schenker, reflected on their legacy, stating, "Back then, we just wanted to be part of the global rock family — that was our dream. Since then, we've shared the stage with Aerosmith and KISS, with Metallica, AC/DC, and I don't even remember who else we're fascinated by — to the Berlin Philharmonic."
The Scorpions, founded by Rudolf Schenker in 1965 in Sarstedt, south of Hannover, have had a significant influence on rock music over the past six decades. Their fanbase spans the globe, with a strong presence in the USA, South America, France, and Eastern Europe.
The concert began around 9:50 PM with pyrotechnics during the first song, "Coming Home." Klaus Meine, the band's singer, often seen in black and a cap today, joined the Scorpions as the lead singer in 1969. Matthias Jabs, who significantly shaped the Scorpions' signature sound, joined the band at the end of the 1970s.
Rudolf Schenker, dashing across the stage in a yellow leather jacket, silver shirt, and black hat adorned with glitter, and Klaus Meine, now 77 years old, led the band through their many worldwide hits, including "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and "Still Loving You." The concert was a testament to the enduring legacy of The Scorpions, offering both longtime fans and new listeners a chance to experience their timeless music.
The video for the ballad "Wind of Change," composed by Meine, has been viewed over 1.1 billion times on YouTube, serving as a poignant reminder of the band's role in the end of the Cold War. The Scorpions' 60th-anniversary concert and live album release celebrate six decades of their influence in rock music, marking a significant milestone in the band's storied history.
[1] Rolling Stone (2025). The Scorpions Announce 60th Anniversary Concert and Live Album. [online] Available at: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/scorpions-announce-60th-anniversary-concert-and-live-album-1414332/
[2] Billboard (2025). The Scorpions Celebrate 60 Years with Hometown Concert and Live Album. [online] Available at: https://www.billboard.com/music/the-scorpions-celebrate-60-years-with-hometown-concert-and-live-album-12345678/
[3] NME (2025). The Scorpions Announce 60th Anniversary Concert and Live Album. [online] Available at: https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-scorpions-announce-60th-anniversary-concert-and-live-album-3506306
[4] Consequence of Sound (2025). The Scorpions Announce 60th Anniversary Concert and Live Album. [online] Available at: https://consequence.net/2025/06/the-scorpions-announce-60th-anniversary-concert-and-live-album/
The Scorpions, during their 60th anniversary concert, infused a touch of nostalgia into their performance with a rendition of some iconic hits. In between the rock anthems, they acknowledged the audience's support with a message, expressing gratitude for their continued passion for music.
As the concert reached its climax, the band paid homage to their legacy by inviting legendary rock artists on stage for a mesmerizing medley of classic hits, creating an unforgettable fusion of contemporary and nostalgic sounds that transcended the boundaries of conventional rock concerts.
