It started in 1998 as a garden-party from the legendary Headbangers Ballroom Hamburg with 3 bands on a trailer. Nowadays it's 2000+ Metalmaniacs watching 25 bands, mainly traditional metal...
Not without reasons the Headbangers' Open Air is called "the biggest garden party of the world". It takes place in Brande-Hörnerkirchen, near Elmshorn (40 km away from Hamburg). The venue is the yard of a burnt down and restored farm in the middle of nowhere, where the organizer opens his garden every year again for the (at least in the spirit) long-haired metal-hordes. The band choice at the HOA is diversified - from the legends of the 80s and 90s, to local heroes, insider tips, underground bands and newcomers, who will also get their chance to play here. The only thing missing is expensive "headliners", to keep the entrance-fee as low as possible.
The stage is raised in the inner yard and the surrounding fields serve as parking lots and campgrounds. Beer- and BBQ-shacks, all for reasonable prices, are provided, as well as a metal market.
The flights for most of the bands are booked, so the festival is more than ready!!!
The Festival Running Order is as follows:
Thu. 26.07.12 (17.30):
Portrait (SWE)
Warbringer (USA)
Jaguar (UK)
Solemnity (D)
Lizzy Borden (USA)
Fri. 27.07.12 (12.00):
Vanderbuyst (NL)
Blacksmith (USA)
Artillery (DK)
Lord (USA)
Silver Mountain (SWE)
Eden (USA)
The Sanity Days (UK)
Sinner (D)
Fist (CAN)
Hades (USA)
Sat. 28.07.12 (11.00):
Tales of Horror (D)
Megahera (IT)
The Gate (D) mit Preacher + Hasche
ADX (F)
Pagan Altar (UK)
In Solitude (SWE)
Hobbs AD (AUS)
Black Rose (UK)
Tankard (D)
Powermad (USA)
Kim LaChance (USA)
HOA Warm Up: Wed.. 25.07.12 with Stuka Squadron, Agincourt, August Redmoon and Soulhealer.
HOA Aftershow: Sun. 29.07.12 with Lord (USA), Eden (USA), Hobbs Angel Of Death and Megahera (I). (both events: Lauschbar, Itzehoe, across the street from Hellion Records)
For Tickets:
Von Gestern Elmshorn
Remedy Records Hamburg
More info: