In news that’s not surprising but is disappointing regardless, Wacken Open Air, the premier festival event on the metal calendar, has been cancelled for 2020.
The news comes as host country Germany increases its bans on mass gatherings until August 31st as a result of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the world.
“We are facing an unprecedented situation in our 30 years: It is with heavy hearts that we have to announce that there will be no Wacken Open Air this year,” said the festival in an official statement posted to their Facebook.
“Our whole team has been working intensively on the festival these last months and the more all of us are bitterly disappointed that we are not allowed to celebrate a Wacken Open Air with you. This administrative order affects us heavily and we will need some time to process the bad news.
Watch: Parkway Drive slaying it at Wacken last year
“Nevertheless, we support the decision of the German government in this difficult situation for the whole world. Your health and safety have always been and always will be our top priority. We as promoters are therefore bound to take even greater responsibility and have to follow the instructions of the experts.” Read the full statement below.
Wacken 2020 was set to be headlined by Amon Amarth, Slipknot and Judas Priest (who were set to perform a 50th-anniversary set).
However, of most concern is how the news will affect the township of Wacken, which boasts a population of just 2,000 but receives over 80,000 visitors around the time of the festival, making the festival a key source of economic stimulus (it’s not the only town to lose out due to the virus in recent times).
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