Wacken Open Air 2020, alongside both Rock Am Ring and Rock Im Park, have been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The German government has banned all large-scale events through at least the end of August, which is the time frame during which all three festivals were scheduled to take place.
"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!"
As far as touring in general goes, who knows when that'll kick back up. Booking agent Daniel DeFonce thinks touring won't happen until at least 2021, while California governor Gavin Newsom thinks any large-scale gatherings are out of the question until a vaccine becomes available.
