08 Aug Sunshine and new investors – that’s Wacken 2024
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Update March 2026: This article has been editorially reviewed and supplemented with current information.
Last updated: March 2026
Unlike usual, the Wacken fans from all over the world did not get soaked in mud at the end of July 2024. However, many were much more concerned about the new investors, fearing the sell-out of the world’s largest heavy metal festival.
The beginnings were small and modest. The small village near Itzehoe in Schleswig-Holstein was only known from occasional headlines when anti-nuclear protesters gathered there to march against the nuclear power plant in nearby Brokdorf.
At the end of the 80s, when protesters had almost completely disappeared, Thomas Jensen and Holger Hübner came up with the idea of hosting an open-air heavy metal festival in their 2,000-inhabitant village during a restaurant visit. And so, the first Wacken Open Air – short W:O:A – started in 1990. Over the years, it has developed into the largest cult venue for the rough sounds of music.
Great success after extreme weather last year
This year’s motto was “Witches & Warlocks”, witches and warlocks or literally traitors and devils. The top acts this year included the Scorpions on Thursday and, to crown the event on Saturday, Raven, celebrating 50 years on stage, and Mayhem’s 40th anniversary.
The weather was much more favorable to fans and acts than in 2023. Last year, the festival struggled with persistent bad weather, rain, and mud on the first days. Many fans did not even reach the W.O:A grounds and got stuck. Thousands of tickets were refunded or converted into tickets for 2024.
Investors Raise Fears of a Sell-Off
The challenges from the previous year may have played a role in the founders’ decision to bring in investors for their festival nearly 25 years after its inception. In June, US investment firm KKR took over Superstruct Entertainment, the British organizer of W:O:A, as the new owner. As Manager Magazin reports, the investor comes with clear expectations for returns. Given the struggling festival industry—facing rising artist fees and event costs, inflation, and extreme weather—this outlook doesn’t bode well for fans.
So far, Wacken Open Air has managed to withstand all adversities and weathered numerous negative headlines about violence, injuries, and local residents’ protests over growing piles of waste. Even if the music genre isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, one can only wish this flagship of Germany’s festival scene continued success in the years ahead.
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Q&A After the Show
Why Was the Weather at Wacken Open Air 2024 Beneficial for Visitors?
In 2023, persistent bad weather and heavy rain caused massive mud problems on the grounds. Many festival-goers got stuck and exchanged their tickets. In 2024, the weather was much more favorable for visitors and artists.
How Did the Original Idea for Wacken Open Air Come About?
Founders Thomas Jensen and Holger Hübner developed the idea in the late 1980s during a restaurant visit. They wanted to host an open-air heavy metal festival in their small village. The first event took place in 1990.
Which Artists Were the Musical Highlights in 2024?
The top acts included the Scorpions, who performed on Thursday. The crowning finale on Saturday featured Raven on the occasion of their 50th stage anniversary. Additionally, the band Mayhem celebrated its 40th anniversary.
Why Did the Festival Founders Bring in Investors After Almost 25 Years?
The massive problems and weather extremes from the previous year likely played a significant role in this decision. Furthermore, the festival industry currently faces rising costs, inflation, and extreme weather. The founders therefore brought in financial partners.
What Concerns Do Fans Have Regarding the New Ownership Structure?
The US investment company KKR acquired the British organizer Superstruct Entertainment. Since the investor has clear return expectations, many fans fear a commercial sellout. This concern is exacerbated by the already tense economic situation in the industry.
Source of title image: Editorial Team