Germany’s Wacken Open Air Postponed Again

“Our hearts are bleedings,” the festival’s co-founders Thomas Jensen and Holger Hübner wrote in a joint statement.

“All visitors, musicians and the entire crew have put all their hopes on being able to celebrate together again in Wacken already this year in July, but we have no other choice but to wait a little longer. Health and safety have priority, there are no two opinions,” Jensen explained the decision to cancel the festival, which usually attracts some some 90,000 people (75,000 hard tickets, plus media and enormous guest list) to the little town of Wacken each year.

Many of them come from more than 80 countries across the world, which was another major factor when deciding to cancel the event. “Even if we were able to hold the festival, many people would still not be able to arrive as planned due to travel restrictions,” said Hübner, adding, “A Wacken Open Air, that’s a festival for the whole world and for that we need open borders without quarantines plus we need safety for all people involved – especially for the people living in the Wacken region.”

Organizers expressed their gratitude “to the patient fans as well as to the authorities, politicians and other people involved who have worked hard to make the festival possible at the end of July. 

“The phased plan [of the German government] is an important step in the right direction and will allow many in our long-suffering industry to finally bring culture back to the stages this summer. Unfortunately, the openings come too late for our festival, but we are nevertheless very happy about the productive exchange in the districts and throughout the state.Everyone involved has pulled together.” Hübner continued.

Tickets can be moved to 2022 following. Sabrina Schmidt of Wacken’s ticketing team explained, “As before, we will offer our visitors a choice: They can exchange to 2022 or request a payout. Last year, well over 90% of fans opted to exchange to the following year and we are confident that we can continue to rely on the loyalty and trust of our fans. Those who want to support us additionally can also get some new fan gear during the process, which is only available as part of this exchange.”

Wacken Open Air’s organizers are currently exploring ideas for a live music format in autumn, but are asking for patience while developing the concept. 

Said Jensen, “We are currently looking into what is feasible and hope that the positive development of the situation will continue. If everything goes according to plan, maybe we can host a new event in Wacken this September to help restart live music. But we know for certain that metalheads will return to Wacken in summer 2022!” 

Promoters are confident that the 31st Wacken Open Air will take place Aug. 4-6, 2022.