- Most of the metal fans are already in the wagons
The arrival of metal fans to the Heavy Metal Festival in the Schleswig-Holstein town of Wacken (W:O:A) is running smoothly, according to police reports. Around 65,000 metal fans had already arrived in the small town by morning. A temporary closure of the A23 motorway due to a fatal accident on Tuesday caused some traffic disruptions.
The Wacken Open Air festival, expected to attract 85,000 visitors, has been sold out for nearly a year. The W:O:A is set to be officially opened in the afternoon. Traditionally, the Wackener fire brigade's band will play beforehand.
Investigations after a fire
Investigations are ongoing after several tents and two cars were burned down on the campsite overnight on Tuesday. A 23-year-old police officer on night duty is credited with waking up three tent occupants and helping them to safety. According to police, a 32-year-old man's festival ended prematurely on Tuesday evening. The heavily intoxicated man got into a fight with festival-goers, tampered with other people's property, insulted a 27-year-old, and injured a security guard. He was eventually taken into police custody with a blood alcohol level of 1.85 and had to surrender his festival wristband.
Another altercation
In another altercation overnight, a 34-year-old from Norderstedt suddenly pulled a Hamburg resident off a beer bench and punched him several times in the face. The victim had to be taken to hospital.
Proceedings are underway against two other visitors for suspected drug-impaired driving.
The W:O:A is considered one of the largest heavy metal festivals worldwide. For several days, thousands of fans turn the town of 2,000 inhabitants into the center of the scene. One of the headliners is Scorpions. Other expected acts include Korn, Blind Guardian, Extrabreit, Suzi Quatro, and Gene Simmons, who was previously the singer and bassist of Kiss and is now touring with his solo band.
The Wackener fire brigade's band, known for their lively performances, will play before the official opening of the W:O:A, which is held in the holy ground of heavy metal fans at Wacken. Many devoted fans, eager to experience the spiritual pilgrimage to the world of heavy metal, make the journey to Mecca, also known as the Wacken Open Air festival.
