Credits: Don-vip / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0.
Hellfest 2025 is shaping up to be an edition where riffs and belly laughs collide. In Clisson, where the vibe is already as electric as a Slash guitar solo, the behind-the-scenes moments are bound to be deliciously memorable. Anecdotes about the headliners, unexpected rivalries, and the artists’ wild conditions… Let’s dive into the hidden side of a festival that’s set to be legendary.
Muse: Surfers From Hell
When Muse shows up at Hellfest, it’s a culture clash. The British trio, known for their polished live shows, reportedly asked the organizer, Ben Barbaud, for surfboards and organic chips. “We thought it was a joke,” he says. Matthew Bellamy, true to form, is also said to have prepared a custom guitar decorated with glowing devil horns. “He wants to impress the metalheads, but hey, don’t count on us to cheer if it sounds like a ukulele,” jokes one fan.
Linkin Park: Guitars and Beer
The return of Linkin Park is one of the most eagerly awaited moments. A rumor is going around: a secret acoustic set could take place at the campground. Mike Shinoda, caught off guard during an interview, said, “Bring the beer, we’ll handle the guitars.” And speaking of camping, Chester 2.0 (the nickname given to their new mascot) is said to have been spotted testing an air mattress at a local big-box store. “We like being close to the festivalgoers,” the band joked.
Scorpions vs. Korn: The Growl-Off
Between rehearsals, the legendary Scorpions reportedly challenged the members of Korn to a growling contest. The result? A dramatic tie, broken by an epic finale from Klaus Meine, yelling “Rock You Like a Hurricane” with an improvised echo effect. “It was hilarious,” says a technician who’s still cracking up.
Till Lindemann: Poetry and Ice Cubes
The charismatic frontman of Rammstein, Till Lindemann, once again left the technical crew puzzled. His demands reportedly include a bathtub full of ice cubes and… a handbook of French poetry. Baudelaire seems to be his author of choice this year. One insider says, “We thought it was to cool down his ideas, but no, it’s just for fun.”
Ultra Vomit: Participatory Madness
The always-essential Ultra Vomit are promising an interactive show. Their challenge? Create a song using ideas from the audience. At a previous edition, they had written a track 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? Betting is open,” the band says happily.
Last Train: Piaf Meets Hellfest
The Alsatians of Last Train intend to leave their mark with a hard-hitting cover of “La Vie en rose.” “We want to surprise the purists,” they explain. If rehearsal goes as planned, we could see the unlikely birth of a mashup between Édith Piaf and Black Sabbath.
The Guardian of Darkness: Unexpected Star
New this year: a monumental sculpture, part woman, part scorpion, called the Guardian of Darkness. Created by the La Machine company, it promises spectacular performances. During a technical test, it reportedly stopped its movements to wish a technician happy birthday. A moment captured by the team and already fueling office jokes. “She’s more social than some bands,” an organizer quips.
Metal Hops: Beer and Challenges
The Hellfest’s new official beer, Metal Hops, is already a success before 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 chatter, John Petrucci is even considering composing a ballad dedicated to the winner. “But only if they’re a real metalhead,” he warns.
Festivalgoers Ready for Anything
Beyond the artists, the festivalgoers themselves are bringing plenty of imagination. Last year, a man dressed as a Viking tried to climb onstage to challenge Ben Barbaud to a sword duel. This year, rumor has it a group of fans is planning to bring a replica drakkar. “We’re ready for anything, except letting them take the bands away,” security jokes.
Hellfest, a World of Its Own
Between legendary riffs, hilarious anecdotes, and out-of-the-ordinary moments, Hellfest 2025 promises to be unlike any other festival. In Clisson, the countdown has begun. Get your eardrums ready… and your sense of humor, because this edition is shaping up to be as memorable as it is unpredictable.