The Hellfest 2025 promises to be an edition at the crossroads of riffs and laughter. In Clisson, where the atmosphere is already as electric as a Slash guitar solo, the backstage promises us some juicy moments. Anecdotes about headliners, unexpected rivalries, and the artists’ incredible conditions… Let’s dive into the behind-the-scenes of a festival that promises to be legendary.
Muse: surfers of hell
When Muse arrives at Hellfest, it’s a culture shock. The British trio, known for their polished shows, reportedly asked the organizer, Ben Barbaud, for surfboards and organic chips. "We thought it was a joke," he confides. Matthew Bellamy, true to his eccentricity, also reportedly prepared a special guitar adorned with glowing devil horns. “He wants to impress the metalheads, but well, don’t count on us to applaud if it sounds like a ukulele,” jokes a fan.
Linkin Park: guitars and beers
The return of Linkin Park is one of the most anticipated moments. A rumor is circulating: a secret acoustic concert could be held at the campsite. Mike Shinoda, caught off guard during an interview, said: “Bring the beer, we’ll take care of the guitars.” And speaking of camping, Chester 2.0 (the nickname given to their new mascot) was reportedly seen testing an inflatable mattress in a local supermarket. “We like to be close to the festival-goers,” joked the band.
Scorpions vs Korn: the guttural match
Between rehearsals, the legendary Scorpions reportedly challenged the members of Korn to a guttural voice contest. The result? A spectacular tie, decided by an epic finale with Klaus Meine shouting "Rock You Like a Hurricane" with an improvised echo effect. “It was hilarious,” reports a still-laughing technician.
Till Lindemann: poetry and ice cubes
The charismatic leader of Rammstein, Till Lindemann, once again puzzled the technical team. Among his demands were a bathtub filled with ice cubes and… a French poetry manual. Baudelaire seems to be his favorite author this year. An insider confides: “We thought it was to cool his ideas, but no, it’s just for fun.”
Ultra Vomit: participatory madness
The unmissable Ultra Vomit promises an interactive show. Their challenge? Create a song with the audience’s ideas. In a previous edition, they composed a piece about a “punk yeti playing the xylophone in a cave.” This year, suggestions are already pouring in on social media: “A vegan dragon? A disco knight? Bets are open,” the band rejoices.
Last Train: Piaf meets Hellfest
The Alsatians of Last Train intend to make an impression with a powerful cover of “La Vie en rose.” “We want to surprise the purists,” they explain. If the rehearsals live up to expectations, we might witness an improbable mashup between Édith Piaf and Black Sabbath.
The Guardian of Darkness: unexpected star
New this year: a monumental sculpture, half-woman half-scorpion, named the Guardian of Darkness. Created by the company La Machine, it promises spectacular animations. During a technical test, it reportedly paused its movements to wish a technician a happy birthday. A moment immortalized by the team and already fueling internal jokes. “She’s more sociable than some bands,” quips an organizer.
Metal Hops: a beer, challenges
The new official beer of Hellfest, the Metal Hops, is already a success before its launch. A contest has been announced: whoever downs their pint the fastest will win a selfie with the members of Dream Theater. According to backstage rumors, John Petrucci is even considering composing a ballad dedicated to the winner. “But only if they’re a true metalhead,” he warns.
Festival-goers ready for anything
Besides the artists, the festival-goers themselves are full of imagination. Last year, a man dressed as a Viking attempted to climb on stage to challenge Ben Barbaud to a sword duel. This year, it’s rumored that a group of fans plans to bring a replica of a drakkar. “We’re ready for anything, except letting them take the bands on board,” jokes the security.
Hellfest, a world apart
Between legendary riffs, hilarious anecdotes, and extraordinary moments, Hellfest 2025 promises to be a festival like no other. In Clisson, the countdown has begun. Prepare your eardrums… and your humor, because this edition promises to be as memorable as it is unpredictable.
