“It’s our duty to push the boundaries.” How a local gig in the German countryside ended up becoming the biggest metal festival on Earth: the story of Wacken Open Air
Wacken Open Air, held annually in Germany's Schleswig-Holstein region, has become the world's largest festival dedicated to heavy metal. The event draws over 80,000 fans each year and continues to expand, with this year's 35th anniversary edition featuring more than 150 performing bands, including major headliners Def Leppard, Judas Priest, and Sabaton. The festival achieved a complete sell-out, demonstrating sustained enthusiasm from the global metal community.
The event originated in 1990 when co-founder Thomas Jensen organised a casual gathering for friends centred around live music. Shaped by his appreciation for iconic rock and metal performances, Jensen's initial concept of assembling a modest band lineup and fostering social connection among metalheads has evolved into an international institution. Despite its extraordinary growth from dozens to tens of thousands of participants, the festival has preserved the collaborative spirit and musical focus that defined its origins.
- Wacken Open Air in Germany is the world's largest dedicated metal festival, with 35 years of history and 80,000+ annual attendees
- The 35th anniversary edition features over 150 acts including Def Leppard, Judas Priest, and Sabaton; completely sold out
- Grew from a 1990 small-scale gathering of friends into a global phenomenon whilst retaining its core celebration of metal music