Gun's N' Roses surpass previous marks with the largest number of walkouts in a concert
The Wacken Open Air (W:O:A), one of the largest heavy metal festivals worldwide, played host to a record-breaking performance by none other than Guns N' Roses on Thursday evening. The show, which started around 8:35 PM and ended just before midnight, marked the end of their Europe and Middle East tour.
Guns N' Roses delivered a show that will be remembered in the festival's long history. Axl Rose, the singer of Guns N' Roses, addressed the crowd, saying "We’re all here because of you." The band paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, by playing the songs "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" and "Never Say Die!" during their set.
Since its inception in 1990, Wacken Open Air has been a stage for countless legendary metal performances spanning various subgenres. Acts like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne have previously performed at the festival. Other notable acts that have appeared include In Flames, Powerwolf, and Savatage.
In 2025, Ozzy Osbourne was honoured with a special drone show tribute at Wacken, underscoring the festival’s connection to metal history and its legends. The festival also features a vibrant mix of established and emerging acts through events such as the Metal Battle competition, where new bands like Switzerland’s Expellow have gained recognition.
The festival’s rich archive, including historic performances, is accessible through WackenTV, which curates live performance clips, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes content spanning the entire festival history.
With its vibrant history and commitment to showcasing both established and emerging acts, Wacken Open Air solidifies its reputation as a cornerstone of the global metal community.
Guns N' Roses' electric performance, filled with iconic hits and tributes to Ozzy Osbourne, added another memorable moment to the long history of entertainment at Wacken Open Air. The music played by Axl Rose and his bandmates resonated throughout the festival, echoing the connection between legendary acts and the metal community.
