Guns N' Roses Achieve New Milestone with Most Stage Invasion Attempts
Guns N' Roses Pay Tribute to Heavy Metal Legend Ozzy Osbourne at Wacken Open Air
The Wacken Open Air (W:O:A), one of the world's most renowned heavy metal festivals, played host to a memorable evening on Thursday when Guns N' Roses paid tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne.
Located in the small village of Wacken, northern Germany, the festival has been a staple of the metal scene since its inception in 1990, attracting an international audience and legendary acts every year. Previous performers include Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and, notably, Ozzy Osbourne himself, who passed away on July 22 at the age of 74.
Guns N' Roses, who were the headliners of the event, started their performance around 8:35 PM. As a tribute to the Black Sabbath frontman, they performed two of his band's iconic songs, "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" and "Never Say Die!". Axl Rose dedicated the performance to Ozzy, stating, "We're all here because of you."
The set by Guns N' Roses was historic, as they set a new record for the longest show in the festival's history, lasting over three hours. The performance marked the end of their Europe and Middle East tour.
The Wacken Open Air is also known for its Metal Battle competition, which showcases emerging metal bands from around the world. In 2025, the Swiss band Expellow won the international final despite facing challenging weather conditions during their live performance.
Upcoming performers at the Wacken Open Air include the French band Gojira and the US rockers Papa Roach. The festival continues to celebrate the legacy of heavy metal, providing a platform for both established acts and rising stars.
In conclusion, the Wacken Open Air's history reflects the evolution from a small provincial event into a global metal mecca, celebrated for its legendary lineups, vibrant community atmosphere, and opportunities for rising metal artists. The tribute to Ozzy Osbourne by Guns N' Roses served as a poignant reminder of the festival's roots and its enduring influence on the heavy metal scene.
[1] The Guardian: Ozzy Osbourne dies aged 74 [2] Wacken.com: About W:O:A [3] Rolling Stone: The Evolution of the Wacken Open Air Festival [4] Metal Hammer: Swiss Band Expellow Win Wacken Metal Battle
Acknowledging the influence of Ozzy Osbourne on the heavy metal music genre, Guns N' Roses paid tribute to him by performing two Black Sabbath songs during their historic set at the Wacken Open Air festival.
As unsung champions of new entertainment, the Wacken Open Air festival also hosts the Metal Battle competition, which offers a platform for emerging metal bands to showcase their talent.
