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  Wacken Open Air

Wacken Open Air (W:O:A) is one of the leading summer open air heavy metal music festivals. It takes place annually in the small town of Wacken in Schleswig-Holstein, northern Germany. With 80,000 festival visitors, and including personnel a total of roughly 82,500 attendees in 2010[2], it attracts all kinds of metal music fans, such as fans of black metal, death metal, power metal, thrash metal, gothic metal, folk metal, and even metalcore and hard rock from around the world.

The festival was first held in 1990 as a small event for local German bands. By 1998 the event had become the major festival on the European metal calendar and has included over 70 bands from all over Europe, North America and Australia. W:O:A is usually held at the beginning of August and lasts three days, during which the festival-goers camp on several large camping grounds surrounding the actual festival area.
The 70 or more bands perform across four separate stages over the course of the event.

The 2009 edition set a sales record; it sold out on 30 December 2008.
All 70,000 tickets were sold over 200 days before the opening of the festival.

http://www.wacken.com/


Covered festivals:

    Wacken Open Air 2004

    Wacken Open Air 2005

    Wacken Open Air 2006

    Wacken Open Air 2007

    Wacken Open Air 2008

    Wacken Open Air 2009

    Wacken Open Air 2010

    Wacken Open Air 2011

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Festival News Festival News Written 2012-05-14 22:21:23
Hello metalheads,

This week we want to give you the status quo about the W:O:A Metal Masters 2012. The finalists are certain and the second voting period already had started. Find out more about the Metal Masters by reading on!

Moreover there are news about the brandnew Thrash Of The Titans Field, the new shuttle bus schedule for Wacken 2012 as well as News from the Full:Metal:Army - the official W:O:A Supporters Club.

Check out all information in details by reading on!


Also have a look at www.wacken.com!


See you in Wacken – rain or shine!

W:O:A Metal Masters – second voting period had started


The first stage of the W:O:A Metal Masters is over now. Overall more than 90 bands uploaded their videos to get the chance to play live at the W:O:A 2012. After the end of the first voting we can now announce the three finalists. And here they are:

GOD - Legea Pamantului
Winterstorm - Fortunes Blood
Mythika - Desert Lions

On the 1st of Mai 2012 the final voting had started. The three finalists which you elected can use the remaining time to mobilize their fans once again or to win new supporters. The final voting will end on the 21th of Mai 2012 and then we will elect the winner of this year, which will play on the Wacken Open Air in this summer!

Thrash Of The Titans Field – Experience The End of Time


For all those who can´t get enough of heat on the festival we have something special:
The THRASH OF THE TITANS FIELD

Fitting to the year 2012 you will experience the end of time. From fire- or tesla shows to titanic robots to futuristic end time warriors here you´ll get them all! As a pendant to the Wackinger village the visitor will be thrown directly into a MAD MAX inspired future ambient to experience how mankind defies the physical forces.

A whole army of specialist, sci-fi artists and metal construction artists will bring the THRASH OF THE TITANS FIELD to life in 2012.

Full:Metal:Army - Founding of the association


Dear members of Full:Metal:Army

..it is done.
The association Full:Metal:Army was founded in April 2012. Actually we are waiting for the official entry in the register of associations. The managing board consists of your known contact person Ralph Klenk and Fine Wolff.
During the next weeks we will send the application of membership and all important information to you. Moreover we will give you a short preview about the upcoming F:M:A activities.

Until then we wish you all the best,
Ralph & Fine

W:O:A 2012 - Shuttle bus schedule is online


The new shuttle bus schedule which is providing you with the complete arrival and departure times from Itzehoe to Wacken and back is now online.

You can download them either as coloured or black/white version in PDF format.
Festival News Festival News Written 2012-04-26 21:08:55
Hallo Metalheads,

welcome to the next edition of the W:O:A newsletter - top issue of today is the new festival alphabet 2012. Here you´ll find answers to almost all questions about the festival.

Further we have news regarding new bands, soccer cup, camping for handicapped persons as well as a big raffle.

Want to find out more than just read further...

Detailed information, alls bands and news can be found as always on www.wacken.com

yours
W:O:A team

W:O:A festival alphabet is online!


The festival Alphabet 2012 is online now. There you´ll find answer to most of your questions about Wacken Open Air sorted alphabetically.

Please note that our Festival ABC is constantly being updated and extended. Therefore, regularly check up on it!!!

Paradise Lost - fan boxes raffle


During the upcoming release of the new Paradise Lost album Tragic Idol we will raffle three strictly limited fan boxes in co-operation with Century Media in the colors white, blue and gold. There are only 200 copies of each color available – so they are an absolute rarity! The features of this box differ from ordinary special editions, so it is a must have for all real Paradise Lost fans!

The fanbox includes the following features:
• Limited 2CD Box Set
• Gatefold LP (Colored Vinyl)
• 7 inch (Colored Vinyl)
• Paradise Lost Army Cap
• A1 Tragic Idol poster
• Tragic Idol Slipmat
• Hand-numbered certificate of authenticity

Tragic Idol will be released on the 20th of April and orientates itself stylistically at Iron and Draconian Times, which are both classified as milestone of gothic metal. The magazines Metal Hammer, Sonic Seducer & Legacy promptly chose the new album as their album of the month. So we have to expect a big thing coming! The band was found in 1988 and begun with grim death and doom metal. Their second album Gothic, which was released in 1991, is considered as the defining influence for the whole gothic metal genre and as the big breakthrough of the band. Paradise Lost continued to experiment and in the late 90s era they intensified added electric elements to their music. At last the album Faith Divides Us – Death Unites Us was released in 2009 and was also orientated at Iron and Draconian Times like Tragic Idol, but is was also filled with experiments as usual.

To participate at the raffle just answer the following question:

What is the name of the first song on the new album “Tragic Idol”?

Just send the answer and your complete adress to verlosung@wacken.com

Deadline is the 25th of April 2012!

There´s no right of appeal!



Final regulation regarding camping for people with handicap


After the discussions of the last weeks and months regarding the issue “camping for people with handicap” we´re now able to announce the final regulations for the campground for handicapped people. We also want to tell you about all the inventions like new wheelchair platforms and the extended range of sanitary facilities for handicapped people, just to name a few.

The whole description can be found in our info corner under the following LINK

We hope that we have served you well with this.

Yours
W:O:A team

W:O:A Soccercup 2012 - registration starts on 1st June


"Also this year the Soccercup will take place at the W:O:A.
The winner team will get the inofficial title of the Soccer-Metalchampion.
As from 1st June 2012 you can register for the cup at the page of the
W:O:A Soccercup.

As every year you can win attractive awards and lots of fun.

You will find here or in the forum all further information like game
mode, play time etc.

W:O:A Soccercupteam & Metal Train"
Festival News Festival News Written 2012-04-18 20:04:25
Hello Metalheads,

todays newsletter top priority issue is regarding the innovations for the campground for handicapped persons.

Additionally there are a lot of new bands in our billing as well as news about our Warm Up Parties. A link to the new Saxon podcast regarding their Wacken live DVD is also included.

Read further for more details...

All further information under www.wacken.com



News and Information regarding person with handicap


Back in October we already gave a statement regarding the situation of the campground for handicapped people.
We want to thank all of you people who supported us with their opinions, ideas and hints In advance!

Basically Wacken Open Air is always interested into the optimization of the service for our audience with the goal to offer the best possible service. So we have worried a lot about how to grant an almost barrier-free festival experience for visitors with handicap. That means as barrier-free as a festival event allows it. Our intention is to grant the highest possible integration and inclusion into the festival. That means no separation for people with handicaps or a special treatment to every other festival visitor – in accordance with the integration idea of the metal community and the Wacken Open Air. This is also in line with tenor of feedback we received from you after W:O:A 2011 and in the course of the last months.

So now we want to inform you about the innovations for W:O:A 2012:
- There will be again a reserved Campground in close distance to the festival area for all people with a B in their handicapped ID - that means the ID that makes clear this person is dependent to an accompanying person. Wacken Open Air makes no difference between various handicaps or classes. But especially this area shall make a barrier-free as possible stay at the festival possible. Above all we speak about people with significant restrictions in their possibilities of moving (f.e. people depending on a wheelchair). Beforehand the only option left to the Wacken Open Air is to check this by reference of the information of the handicapped ID

- A personalized reservation will NOT occur

- If you want to use this service just get in contact with the stewards on the entrance to the camping area. They will accordingly guide your way to the handicapped area.

- It is possible to take a maximum of 4 other persons with you on the campground. Due to organizational reasons your friends have to travel and arrive together with you. A later arrival is definately not possible.

- We also grant a sufficient range of sanitary facilities like toilets and shower cabins at our sanitary camps for handicapped people who do not want to utilize the separated camping ground and wish a complete integration/ inclusion into the festival. The key will be handed out at the pay booth on presenting the handicapped ID to the personal. As a result people are no more dependent on a separated campground.

- For the first time there will be a tribune for guests with handicap on the festival forecourt. This tribune grants a perfect sight on all of the 3 main stages of the infield. It will be also is equipped with monitors which broadcast the whole concerts.

- Additionally we will install disablity-friendly toilets between the main entrance and the party stage entrance on the festival infield.

- Also there will be an additional handicapped podest within the Bullhead City Circus.

We hope that we can reach a highest possible barrier-free event characterized by integration and inclusion to all people visiting the festival.
We are looking forward to welcome you again in August when it´s said again:

Faster:Harder:Louder

See you in Wacken Metalheads – rain or shine
Festival News Festival News Written 2012-04-01 15:00:14
W:O:A Newsletter KW 12

Hello metalheads,

Today we reveal the secret about the new location of the W.E.T Stage and the new Headbanger´s Stage and introduce the new Bullhead City Circus. Also the W:O:A 2012 Running Order is online since last week! As in past years the provisional Running Order will be supplemented continuous in the next weeks. Find all information about in the newsletter

Moreover we want to give you a short update of the W:O:A Metal Masters 2012. Find all news in detail and how you can join the Metal Masters in the newsletter!

Check out all information by reading on.


Also have a look at www.wacken.com!


See you in Wacken – rain or shine!

The new W.E.T and Headbanger´s Stage – Something big is coming up!


Something big appears on the horizon!

During the last year we thought a lot about improving the stage situation and took all the positive critics and ideas which have been forwarded to us by you.

Certainly you have noticed about the Headbanger´s Stage by sighting the provisional running order. We´ll we think now it´s time to release this secret for you

From this year on there will be a new, much bigger Bullhead City Tent – BULLHEAD CITY CIRCUS!

We talk about an 8 pylon pagoda tent - with an area of roundabout 6350m², one of the biggest mobile tents worldwide.
With a size of 110 meters length and 60 meters width this titan of a tent will from now on be from the new home of the newly established Headbanger´s Stage as well as our well known W.E.T. Stage. Both stages are standing side by side – only separated by the wrestling ring in the center – and will be played alternate. So there will be no intersections between these 2 stages.

Now we can give the artists playing on these stages an area for presentation that we aspired for a long time and which they deserve.
Sound intersections with the main stages also shouldn´t be expected anymore.

Now sadly to say we have to take leave from our good old Headbanger´s Ballroom Tent which is going into its well deserved retirement. With this action we answer the calls of the people who wanted more space in front of the W.E.T. Stage.
Further advantages are: More space in front of the stage, no more mud/dust landscape, no more crowding and lines of people waiting at the entrance, which sadly caused a lot of problems especially on Wednesday and Thursday in the past and last but not least the better acclimation caused by the height of the new tent – that means no stuffy air anymore.

Oil catching and Miss Wet T-Shirt contest belong to the past. Besides specials like Spoken Word, Air Guitar Contest and our good old Wrestling show now the music inside the Bullhead City Circus get´s the major priority.

The position has also changed: The Bullhead City Circus is no more on the Wacken Plaza but on a newly acquired area at campground C.
An additional result of the missing of the old Headbanger´s Tent will be that all concentration on the Infield goes to Black-, True - and Party Stage as well as there will be more space for the audience in front of the stages. The path´s between Bullhead City Circus and Infield will remain short.

For all those who can´t imagine such a big tent, maybe this presentation video could do a little help:

BULLHEAD CITY CIRCUS

Also a bit of the new inner life of the Bullhead City Circus shall be revealed to you now – THE ALCHEMY BAR:

THE ALCHEMY BAR

We hope that we have served you well with this and are looking forward to your reactions and critics after the festival!

Your
W:O:A-Team

Provisional Running Order is online


The provisional Running Order is now online. Get an overview of the time schedule and make sure don´t missing one of your favorite bands.

Missing bands will be announced soon!
Festival News Festival News Written 2012-03-13 21:54:12
Hello metalheads,

Last week we had announced the start of W:O:A Metal Masters 2012! The online video voting provides the chance for young bands to win a live slot at W:O:A 2012. Find the eligibility requirements and further information about the 3rd round of Metal Masters in the newsletter!

Moreover there are news about the “W:O:A Warm Up Party”. Here we had announced 3 more dates. Find also the new W:O:A Wallpaper in the newsletter!

Check out all information by reading on.


Also have a look at www.wacken.com!

Here we go again – the W:O:A Metal Masters starts into the 3rd round!

The video online voting for metal bands (whether with or without a record deal, newcomer or part of the metal scene since years) starts in a few days. Participating bands will get their chance to compete for a slot at Wacken 2012 and also the possibility to show their music to a huge mass of users.

Interested bands can upload their video from the 5th of March to the 29th of April 2012 at www.wackentube.com. The 3 leading bands will compete into the final voting which will begin on the 1st of May and ends on the21st of may 2012.

The winner band will get the unique possibility to present their music to a huge audience at the Wacken Open Air 2012.

Further info about Metal Masters can be found at www.wackentube.com or www.wacken.com.

4 new band confirmations for W:O:A 2012


Djerv - it`s aggressive rock, borderline metal and dangerously catchy! The Norwegian newcomer band Djerv is going to rock the Wacken:Open:Air 2012 for the first time! As foretaste for their show in Wacken you should listen to Djerv´s debut album. It banged in like a bolt!

The power duo BugGirl will invite everyone to party at W:O:A 2012! Amber and Clinno are going to bring their newest album with them to present it live on stage in Wacken. See BugGirl live in summer 2012.

In August 2012 Blaas Of Glory are again going to hit the road for Wacken:Open:Air! With their special sound of music Blaas Of Glory brings back hard rock to its absolute essence.

And last but not least the Austrian Ska-Band Russkaja will play in Wacken again. With their headstrong and atmospheric music Russkaja will enter the stage in summer.

More information at www.wacken.com!

W:O:A Warm Up Parties - 3 new dates announced


We can announce three more dates for W:O:A Warm Up Parties which will takes place in Hamburg, Ochsenfurt and Marburg. Therefore there are all in all 16 dates confirmed.

Here you can find the dates in detail:

Date: 24.03.2012
Location: Marburg
Venue: Till Dawn
Website: till-dawn.com/

Date: 28.04.2012
Location: Hamburg
Venue: Headcrash
Website:www.headcrash-hamburg.com/

Date: 28.07.2012
Location: Ochsenfurt
Venue: Postkeller
Website: http://www.postkeller-ochsenfurt.de
Band: Dust Bolt



4 new band confirmations for W:O:A 2012


Djerv - it`s aggressive rock, borderline metal and dangerously catchy! The Norwegian newcomer band Djerv is going to rock the Wacken:Open:Air 2012 for the first time! As foretaste for their show in Wacken you should listen to Djerv´s debut album. It banged in like a bolt!

The power duo BugGirl will invite everyone to party at W:O:A 2012! Amber and Clinno are going to bring their newest album with them to present it live on stage in Wacken. See BugGirl live in summer 2012.

In August 2012 Blaas Of Glory are again going to hit the road for Wacken:Open:Air! With their special sound of music Blaas Of Glory brings back hard rock to its absolute essence.

And last but not least the Austrian Ska-Band Russkaja will play in Wacken again. With their headstrong and atmospheric music Russkaja will enter the stage in summer.

More information at www.wacken.com!


W:O:A Warm Up Parties - 3 new dates announced


We can announce three more dates for W:O:A Warm Up Parties which will takes place in Hamburg, Ochsenfurt and Marburg. Therefore there are all in all 16 dates confirmed.

Here you can find the dates in detail:

Date: 24.03.2012
Location: Marburg
Venue: Till Dawn
Website: till-dawn.com/

Date: 28.04.2012
Location: Hamburg
Venue: Headcrash
Website:www.headcrash-hamburg.com/

Date: 28.07.2012
Location: Ochsenfurt
Venue: Postkeller
Website: http://www.postkeller-ochsenfurt.de
Band: Dust Bolt

All further information and a summery of all Warm Up-dates you can find here!






Group reservations will not be offered in 2012


After long discussions and due to deliberation with our crew, the group reservation service for groups off 50 people won’t be available anymore. This is, among others, caused by the following reasons:

- In the previous years the staff again and again became insulted, people spit on them and threat them with violence.
- No personal agrees to take care of this area at the moment
- Groups which signed in came with a notable lesser number of persons than they signed up or used more ground than they were entitled.

This abuse of the group reservation service can’t be tolerated anymore, because for example, we had to rent additional camping grounds in last minute. This service was always costless and offered by our good will. Sadly some things went wrong, as mentioned above, so we had to make this step. Please arrange yourselves early enough and plan your arrival, as far as practicable, together, so you can continue to camp together.

Of course we still have an open mind for constructive suggestions and ideas about how we can keep the service alive.
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