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"They draw a crowd size which would have once been reserved for Iron Maiden or Metallica." Burning keyboardists, flying tanks and free suncream - inside Wacken Open Air 2026
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This is Powerwolf, the supernaturally-inclined German power metallers that have become one of Europe's most surprising success stories, playing their biggest ever show at Wacken Open Air, their country's premier metal event.
There are also the Wackinger and Wasteland stages, plus the W:E:T and Headbanger stages I strolled past earlier, making it seven decent-sized, outdoor stages in total.
(Image credit: Wacken Open Air)This year, Wacken is marking its 35th anniversary and the celebratory vibes last all weekend, not least from the stacked lineup.
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There's no doubt about it: Wacken Open Air is the home of metal, and this was a special weekend.