Wacken Open Air release new wave of bands for 2026

Author Benedetta Baldin - 26.11.2025

Wacken Open Air releases a new wave of bands for next year’s edition, including one of the headliners. You can get your tickets now, some of them are sold out already so act quick!

Here are some highlights from the new addition of bands:
Judas Priest – The undisputed Metal Gods. An absolute must!
Saxon – After their health-related cancellation in 2025, the mighty Saxon will return to the Holy Ground in 2026 stronger than ever.
Heavysaurus – The metal dinosaurs are back again to deliver tons of fun and proper early musical education for the young metal generation.
Uli Jon Roth – The guitar wizard celebrates the 50th anniversary of the legendary Scorpions album “Virgin Killer” with an exclusive anniversary show featuring special guests.
Arch Enemy – For the tenth time already, they will unleash razor-sharp riffs across our fields. Who will be at the microphone remains a secret for now.
Yngwie Malmsteen – The neoclassical shred maestro will surely drop many jaws with his virtuosic solos and high-speed arpeggios.
Rose Tattoo – On their Farewell Tour, Rose Tattoo are saying goodbye to the stage, and Wacken will be one of the most emotional stops on this journey. A piece of rock ’n’ roll history you do not want to miss.

Alestorm, Alfahanne, Angelus Apatrida, Arch Enemy, Black Label Society, Bleed from Within, Brunhilde, Castle Rat, Chaosbay, Corrosion of Conformity, Crimson Glory, Danko Jones, Dilvilje Jagode, Dritte Wahl, Dubioza Kolektiv, Eläkeläiset, Electric Bassboy, Employed To Serve, Focus, Guilt Trip, Hackneyed, Hämatom, Hardline, Hatebreed, Heavysaurus, Judas Priest, Katerfahrt, Kim Dracula, Kittie, Lagwagon, Life of Agony, Mr. Hurley und die Pulveraffen, Municipal Waste, Nita Strauss, Nothing More, Our Promise, P.O.D., Paradise Lost, President, Ricky Warwick, Rose Tattoo, Saxon, Skynd, Storm Seeker, The Butcher Sisters, The Haunted, Therapy?, Thy Art is Murder, Turbonegro, Uli Jon Roth, Vanir, Vended, Vogelfrey, Yngwie Malmsteen