Rock fans, mark your calendars! The Rock Hard Festival 2025 is locked in for June 6–8, 2025, and despite some early uncertainty due to construction at the usual venue, the metal tradition lives on. This year’s edition will take place at a new spot on the grounds of the upcoming International Garden Exhibition in Gelsenkirchen, Germany—still right at the iconic Amphitheater.

Presale has officially started, and to celebrate, the organizers have dropped six new additions to the lineup. Let’s take a look at what’s coming your way.

Newly Announced Bands:

• W.A.S.P. – After 13 years, Blackie Lawless and his legendary crew return to Rock Hard Festival with their iconic hits like “I Wanna Be Somebody” and “Wild Child.”
• Death Angel – San Francisco thrash legends bring old-school aggression and cult-favorite albums like The Ultra-Violence and Humanicide.
• Municipal Waste – Get ready for chaos. Their high-energy crossover thrash show guarantees a wild pit.
• Victory – Hard rock veterans from Hanover led by ex-Accept guitarist Herman Frank, heavier than ever.
• The Crypt – With Rock Kommander’s own Pepper Potemkin on vocals, they’ll bring theatrical Swedish doom to the stage.
• Hiraes – A melodic death metal powerhouse formed by ex-members of Dawn Of Disease, fronted by growler Britta Görtz.

Full Lineup So Far:

• W.A.S.P.
• Exodus
• Geoff Tate
• Nile
• Death Angel
• Threshold
• Municipal Waste
• Victory
• Dool
• The Crypt
• Hiraes
• 11 more to be announced!

Ticket Info

Tickets are now available via Rock Hard’s official shop. For the first time, fans can purchase digital tickets through Stagedates—no shipping needed. Classic hard tickets are also available via phone, email, or your favorite old-school method.

• 3-Day Festival Pass: €148.50 (incl. fees)
• 4-Day Camping Pass: €49.50 (incl. fees)

Printed collectible tickets featuring exclusive artwork by Jan Meininghaus are included with every order.

Stay Connected

Follow Rock Hard on Facebook for the latest updates, band interviews, and site previews.

No sleep ’til Amphitheater. Let the countdown begin!