WOA 25: Warkings

Warkings will strike with full force at Wacken 2025, bringing their epic power metal straight from the halls of Valhalla to the festival stage. Since its inception, the band has presented itself as a warrior collective from times long past, bringing their stories of crusaders, Vikings and legends to life through music. Their current album, ‘Armageddon’, is a storm of thunderous riffs, anthemic choruses and dramatic theatricality, always accompanied by the mystical voice of Morgana le Fay. Those who enjoy monumental hooklines, combative pathos and a dash of fantasy will find Warkings’ show oscillating between headbanging ecstasy and battlefield atmosphere, loud, proud and with swords raised.

Queens of the Stone Age play Baloise Session

Queens of the Stone Age (QOTSA) is an American rock band founded in 1996 by Josh Homme. They are known for their characteristic mix of stoner rock, alternative and hard rock with catchy riffs and powerful vocals. The band has gained a firm place in the rock scene through changing members and collaborations with well-known musicians such as Dave Grohl. Queens of the Stone Age are considered one of the most influential bands in modern rock and have inspired many bands with their unique sound. The concert at the Baloise will be unplugged. For this unique performance, the band has rearranged their songs and largely dispensed with electric amplification. Supported by a string trio and unconventional instruments such as chains and chopstick percussion, an intimate atmosphere is created. Only an electric piano is powered by a car battery.

Moonpools play Baloise Session

Moonpools are a five-piece band from Basel, formed in 2016 by Marcie Nyffeler, Jasper Nyffeler, and Francesco Vona and completed in 2017 by Matthias Gusset and David Blum. Their sound is inspired by artists like Alvvays, Slow Pulp, My Bloody Valentine, Ride and Soccer Mommy and moves between Indie Rock and Dream Pop with rousing guitars and anthemic synth parts.

Duran Duran play Baloise Session

Duran Duran is a British new wave and pop rock band that was founded in the early 1980s and is one of the style-defining acts of the decade. Known for their glamorous style, innovative music videos and danceable synth pop, they were instrumental in the MTV era. The band consists of Simon Le Bon (vocals), Nick Rhodes (keyboards), John Taylor (bass) and Roger Taylor (drums). Their biggest hits: Hungry Like the Wolf (1982) – breakthrough in the USA, iconic video and catchy tune. Rio (1982) – synthpop classic with tropical flair and catchy chorus. The Reflex (1984) – number 1 hit in the UK and the USA, produced by Nile Rodgers. Ordinary World (1993) – emotional comeback song of the 90s with strong airplay. A View to a Kill (1985) – title song of the James Bond film of the same name, to date the only Bond song to reach number 1 in the US charts. Save a Prayer (1982) – atmospheric ballad with great fan popularity.

Paula Dalla Corte plays Baloise Session

From her first appearances on The Voice Of Germany to singles like “Good Girl Killer”, it’s been a wild ride for Paula Dalla Corte. Being signed to Universal in her early 20s, then moving to LA for a few months to find her own sound. Paula let off steam, gained experience and quickly realized that she didn’t always want to be “the one from The Voice”. The move to Berlin also changed her musical ambitions. The style of Paula comes across as retro-romantic indie pop with a black and white aesthetic. Reminiscences of the artful releases of Lana Del Rey certainly don’t shimmer through the sound design by chance, but she is on her own path with her smoky and melodramatic style.

JC Stewart plays Baloise Session

JC Stewart is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter who is best known for his emotionally charged pop songs. Born in Magherafelt, Northern Ireland, he began his music career with soulful ballads, often inspired by personal experiences. His distinctive voice and honest lyrics quickly earned him a loyal fan base. JC Stewart became known through his collaboration with Lewis Capaldi – he co-wrote the song Hollywood on Capaldi’s debut album Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent. With his authentic style and charismatic charisma, JC Stewart is regarded as one of the most promising young artists on the British pop scene.

Aloe Blacc plays Baloise Session

Aloe Blacc is an American soul and R&B singer, songwriter and rapper. He began his musical career at in the hip-hop duo Emanon before turning to soul and pop as a solo artist . Aloe Blacc had his international breakthrough in 2010 with the hit I Need a Dollar, which achieved great fame through the HBO series How to Make It in America . Another worldwide success was The Man (2014), in which he took up elements of Elton John’s “Your Song” – this song was also used in an advertising campaign by Beats by Dre . In addition, Aloe Blacc became famous as the singer of the mega-hit Wake Me Up by Avicii (2013). Although the song was officially released under the DJ’s name , the distinctive vocals were sung by Blacc, which made him known to an even wider audience. He is known for his profound lyrics, which often deal with social and personal issues, as well as his blend of soul, R&B, pop and folk.

Johannes Oerding plays Baloise Session

When language becomes music! Johannes Oerding has established himself as one of the most successful German-speaking singer-songwriters with his warm voice. His current single ‘Hier Gehör Ich Hin’ and his album ‘Plan A’ showcase an artist who packs complex emotions into accessible songs. Oerding’s music has been featured in films, television shows, and radio programs around the world. He’s released seven studio albums and several singles as a solo artist.

Tom Gregory plays Baloise Session

Tom Gregory is a British singer-songwriter and pop musician who is best known for his catchy melodies and emotional lyrics. Since his breakthrough, he has established himself as an up-and-coming artist on the international music scene, with his style often incorporating a blend of pop, soul and dance elements. Some of his biggest hits include: Run to You, Fingertips, Small Steps and Never Let Me Down

Jon Batiste plays Baloise Session

Jon Batiste is an American musician, singer, composer and bandleader who is known for his cross-genre musicality and charismatic appearance. His style combines jazz, soul, funk, R&B and classical music to create a unique sound. He became known to a wide audience as musical director and bandleader of the “Stay Human” band on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”. However, his creative versatility is most evident in his solo work. His greatest successes include: Freedom – an energetic, funky song about self-determination, which won him the Grammy Award for “Best Music Video” in 2022. It’s All Right – from the soundtrack of the Pixar film Soul, on which Batiste worked. For his work on the soundtrack, he won the 2021 Oscar for Best Film Score. Jon Batiste is regarded as a musical visionary who transcends cultural boundaries with every release and celebrates the power of music.