Resurgent or resolute? Rock’s generational pull

IQ checks the pulse of Europe's rock and metal scene amid the emergence of a new generation of bona-fide headliners

News By James Hanley | 2 June 2025

Hellfest © Nicko Guihal

The hard rock and metal scene is renowned for engendering fan loyalty, but a fresh wave of headline-level acts are driving the European circuit to its healthiest point in years.

Germany’s Wacken Open Air (WOA) has been sold out since last autumn, while twin festivals Rock am Ring and Rock im Park have shifted all tickets for their 40th and 30th birthday editions, respectively.

In France, meanwhile, the ever-popular Hellfest is also sold out ahead of its 19-22 June…

You've used your free article this month

Continue reading with a free account, or subscribe for unlimited access to all of our news, features and reports.

Subscribe Create a Free Account

Share this

MOST POPULAR

Related Content

Living After Midnight: The business of Metal in the modern era

Sam Law reports on the ever-changing and diversifying genre of hard rock and metal to hear the fringe continue to drive a global phenomenon

Feature 13 November, 2025

Solid as The Rocks: 40 years of Rock am Ring

To mark the German festival's 40th anniversary, IQ tracks the history of the event and talks to organisers about their plans for the future

Feature 25 September, 2025

Wacken Open Air 2018 will feature a world-first esports arena

Numbers of the Beast: Heavy metal in focus

Sam Law sits down with the industry’s monsters of rock to find out how the darkest sounds are driving a brighter tomorrow

Feature 30 July, 2024

Back to top