The Wacken Open Air (W:O:A) is one of the biggest open-air festivals in Germany and the best known heavy metal festival in the world. To mark its 30th anniversary, festival founders Thomas Jensen and Holger Hübner have an exceptional surprise performance planned for some 85,000 metalheads from over 80 countries globally, to take place on the two main stages of the sold-out Holy Ground.
Under the artistic direction of Kai Swillus, the team of EVENT SERVICE RS develop a seven-minute multidimensional video animation, projected onto eleven video walls from seven different signal sources on the penultimate night of the festival. Playing on historic scenes from the Metropolis worlds, the show focuses on the highlights of the last thirty years and gives a preview of its 31st edition, which will be all about the Mayas and Aztecs. The spectacle is supported by a sophisticated pyro, light and laser show choreographed by lighting designer Jerry Appelt.
The soundtrack specially composed by Sascha Paeth is underlined by matching sound effects from EVENT SERVICE RS. Other highlights of the show comprise the live guitar solo of Trivium guitarist Matt Heafy and scenic performances of the Mexican band Cemican. Embedded in the grand finale Judas Priest, Amon Amarth, Mercyful Fate, At The Gates, Hypocrisy, Venom, Sodom, Death Angel, Sick Of It All, Beast In Black, Nervosa and Cemican are among the first bands announced for 2020.
Ticket sales for 2020 officially start at midnight the day after the festival, when the video cut of the anniversary show is also released. All of 21 hours later, the organisers once more proudly announce: "sold out!".
See you in Wacken – Rain or shine.
