Wacken 2025: lots of mud, strong solidarity – and a call for change

It was clear from day one: this is going to be tough. Instead of a festival atmosphere, there were rain showers, muddy deserts, and ankle-deep mud—continuous, incessant, relentless. The paths between the stages became an ordeal, every step an exhausting act.

Of course, no one can do anything about the weather. But after so many muddy years at Wacken, one wonders why at least the main paths aren't permanently paved. After four days, the “Rain or Shine” motto sounds like pure mockery when you have to struggle through the mud for hours on end – only to be soaked like a sponge by heavy rain again and again. On social media, many visitors gave free rein to their anger this year. Even the few “metal influencers” who traveled there for two days and put on a brave face on Instagram couldn't help.

The result? Many Wacken fans left early, and on Saturday the site seemed a third emptier – which was a shame, because the last day had the strongest line-up. At least the journey there was surprisingly smooth, unlike in the horror year of 2023, when many fans couldn't even make it to the festival. The extra day for travel proved its worth.

Sure, Wacken thrives on big names. But at some point, the question arises: Do you always have to rely on the tried and true? The headliner for 2025—Guns N' Roses—certainly raised more questions than it did excitement.

Axl Rose hasn't been shining with his voice for a long time – but at Wacken, the band's tour finale, the US rock star probably had the worst day vocally in the band's recent history. The audience reacted accordingly. Many left the grounds after a few songs – a headliner that was ticked off as a must-see. And that is representative of a general problem: in 2025, the main stages were once again (almost) exclusively dominated by old men. And then there was BAP. At a metal festival. Even with the best will in the world, it's hard to understand.

And looking ahead to 2026, there is little reason to hope for change in terms of the line-up: Def Leppard, Europe, Savatage, Running Wild, Powerwolf – all legends, no question. But where is the urgently needed rejuvenation? More diversity? New names? Wacken seems (still) to be deliberately sticking with the over-50s generation. A comment under the lineup on Instagram makes the challenge clear: “I'll be celebrating at Wacken 2026 in my 60s. It's going to be great.” We are happy for the young-at-heart gentleman, no question. But the future viability of Wacken can at least be critically questioned if the line-up primarily appeals to the target group “men, 50+.” Wacken is thus giving itself a biological expiration date. And that doesn't have to be the case.

Nevertheless, there were also some real highlights – especially among the female musicians. Floor Jansen shone with her voice, charisma, and a naturalness that touched the audience deeply. No big show, no exaggerated spectacle – just music that resonates.

Within Temptation showed once again why they still belong on the big stage even after 30 years. Despite heavy rain, the crowd stuck it out, celebrating every song – and was rewarded by the band with a great show.

Beyond the Black also delivered a strong performance, as always. Jennifer Haben's band is now part of the Wacken inventory – and rightly so. Tarja, Enemy Inside, and Setyoursails also gave us goosebumps – strong voices, strong stage presence.

But the overall impression remains: the line-up needs a rejuvenation.

Die-hard Wacken fans braved the adverse conditions. In 2025, the atmosphere was still relaxed and welcoming, but there was a certain gloominess in the air. The persistent rain made itself felt, and even top acts could only partially compensate for this.

A recurring theme that should finally receive more attention: local food supply. Anyone who didn't want burgers, pizza, or fries for a whole week had a hard time. Vegetables? Not available. Salad? Utopian.

Of course, a festival is not a gourmet gathering, but this is not what culinary variety looks like. Vegan and vegetarian alternatives in particular were scarce. On top of that, some items were quite expensive: 12 euros for a burger, 5.80 euros for a beer – that hurts.

Wacken remains one of the largest and most important festivals on the scene. The people are great, the atmosphere is usually incomparable – but critical voices are growing louder. More and more visitors are wondering whether the festival is still relevant today.

Wacken needs to improve. More diversity, more courage in the bands – and yes, more zeitgeist. This will sound like mockery to many old Wacken fans, as Wacken was, for good reasons, a contrast to the trendy zeitgeist. And that doesn't mean throwing traditions overboard or chasing every trend in the future. But it does mean recognizing that the metal scene is also changing. The festival has the size and significance to set standards here. But that requires a desire to change things – and not just revel in the past.

Because if Wacken wants to have a future, it needs more than romanticization. It needs new ideas. And new legends.

Wacken Open Air 2026 will take place from July 29 to August 1, 2026. Bands already confirmed include Def Leppard, Powerwolf, In Flames, Savatage, Sepultura, and Running Wild, to name a few. Dark Divas is shining the spotlight on The Gathering, Thundermother, and Future Palace in the lineup.

Tickets are available for €351 here.