Full Metal Japan: 11,000 fans at Wacken spinoff in Yokohama
The first Full Metal Japan "powered by Wacken" has taken place. Organizers call it a successful debut; a second edition could come no earlier than March 2028.
Photo: NEO-NEED / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
Video: YouTube · FULL METAL JAPAN · youtube.com
Wacken Open Air says its first festival in Japan was a success: about 11,000 fans attended Full Metal Japan at Pia Arena MM in Yokohama on Oct. 24-25, according to organizers. The event was staged by Japanese promoter Pia with support from Wacken Open Air and was billed as the first Asian edition of the "Full Metal" festival series.
The first day featured the Michael Schenker Group, Stratovarius, Rage and Gus G. with Ronnie Romero, among others; the second day included Powerwolf, Angra with Kiko Loureiro and Edu Falaschi, Pretty Maids and Hibria. In its recap, Wacken highlighted Ronnie Romero's guest vocals on Michael Schenker's "Assault Attack" — and noted that the German beer sold out.
A second edition is under consideration: according to Wacken, it could take place in March 2028 at the earliest, with details to follow. Wacken Open Air itself runs July 28-31, 2027. The video is the festival's official final trailer.