Best of show by Ministry
Ministry released their final studio album, 'The Last Sucker', in 2007. Bandleader Al Jourgensen stated more than once that Ministry would never reunite, but the band will make an exception and give a Best Of show. The reunion lineup hasn't yet been finalized so it's unsure if Aaron Rossi will be their live drummer.

Amon Amarth
After climbing to the top of the metal scene during the last few years, drummer Fredrik Andersson and his fellow Vikings of Amon Amarth will be back once again at WOA 2012.

Forbidden
US thrash metal band Forbidden, featuring Mark Hernandez on the drum throne, made a strong come-back with their 2010 album 'Omega Wave' and are ready to rough up the German festival next year.

Hammerfall: anniversay show
Swedish power metallers Hammerfall, featuring drummer Anders Johansson, played WOA for the first time 15 years ago and will celebrate this in 2012 with a special anniversay show.

Scorpions: last open air show in Germany
They wrote music history and are one of the most successful German rock bands of all time: The Scorpions. Current drummer James Kottak and the rest of the band will shake the field during the 'Night to Remember' for the last time with a Best of setlist.

U.D.O.'s anniversary and birthday show
U.D.O. will also rock Wacken's stage in 2012: drummer Francesco Jovin and the rest of the band around vocalist Udo Dirkschneider will celebrate their anniversary and birthday show.

Axel Rudi Pell
After playing at WOA 2009 German guitar legend Axel Rudi Pell returns with his band, featuring Mike Terrana on drums.

Gamma Ray
Drummer Dan Zimmerman and the rest of German speed/power metal heroes Gamma Ray will also return to the festival.

Cradle of Filth
After Cradle of Filth (drums: Martin Škaroupka) unexpectedly had to cancel this year's feastival, it was a matter of honour for them to confirm for WOA 2012.

X-mas presale package sold out
In related news: the X-mas presale package for Wacken Open Air 2012 is alread sold out. Within 45 Minutes all 10.000 tickets had been ordered. You can still order tickets via the regulary presale at www.metaltix.com.