Here are the major festivals impacted by Germany’s event ban extension

Three of Germany’s most prolific festivals have been canceled due to coronavirus. The festivals affected are the metal-heavy Wacken Open Air, and the twin fests Rock am Ring and Rock im Park

The news follows German media reporting a major events ban until at least Aug. 31.

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Coronavirus has essentially halted the world’s events. Everything from festivals to sporting events has been canceled by this terrible pandemic. As of April 15, 22 million Americans are unemployed, with 5.2 million of those coming just last week. 

The economy doesn’t look like it’ll be recovering soon either. Just yesterday, the governor of California said that large gatherings likely wouldn’t be happening until a coronavirus vaccine is developed. That could be as far out as 2021, or even later. 

On April 15, Germany reported a ban of large gatherings until Aug. 31 at the earliest. 

This caused the cancellation of three of the most prominent music festivals that the country holds. 

Wacken Open Air is a rock and metal festival that was set to host Judas Priest, Slipknot, As I Lay Dying, FEVER 333, Sick Of It All and more. Wacken was set to take place from July 30-Aug 1. Read their statement below. 

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Dear Metalheads,

yesterday, the German government decided that due to the Coronavirus pandemic, no mass gatherings will be allowed until August, 31st 2020. We are facing an unprecented 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.

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.

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 an even greater responsibility and have to follow the instructions of the experts.

Concerning Wacken Open Air 2021 and options for your already bought tickets we will reach out to you asap but ask for a little bit of patience whilst we work through this. We thank you for your trust during times which are unparalleled for all of us.

Stay healthy – In Metal We Trust!

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The joint festivals of Rock am Ring and Rock im Park were also forced to cancel. They would have occurred June 5-7. The festivals were set to showcase the talents of Green Day, Disturbed, System Of A Down, Korn, the Menzingers, Boston Manor, Creeper, YUNGBLUD, BABYMETAL, the Pretty Reckless, Poppy and many more. You can read their full statement below. 

 

In their eventful and eventful history, Germany’s most popular open-air festivals Rock am Ring and Rock im Park have faced unexpected and difficult situations more than once. Now the ban on all major events due to the corona pandemic until August 31 forced the cancellation of the anniversary events at the Nürburgring and in Nuremberg.

For the organizers and their teams, the artists and 175,000 fans who wanted to celebrate 35 years of Rock am Ring and 25 years of Rock im Park on the first weekend in June , this alternative decision is of course disappointing. Nevertheless, the producers have an unreserved understanding of this inevitable measure in the interests of the safety and health of everyone involved, however sad the cancellation of the sold-out twin festivals is. At the same time, they expressly thank the fans for their sustained support.

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Together with the live music industry, all hopes are now focused on the time after the state of emergency ends. The renewal of the Rock am Ring and Rock im Park anniversary festivals is now scheduled for the second weekend in June 2021.

Due to the details about the further processing, all ticket buyers are asked for a little patience. The organizers and their teams are working on concrete information about the exact procedure, which will be announced in the next step. Until then, fans are asked for understanding.

Rock am Ring – Rock in the park

June 11-13, 2021

Save the date!

One of the worst parts of the coronavirus pandemic is that no one is sure about anything. Exactly how long we should wait until we slowly lift regulations is unknown.  Some say 2021, but others, like Cinemark, are hoping to open their theaters back up by July. We won’t know until we know. 

Stay safe. 

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