Andreas Schlenstedt (S) is Head of Corporate Controlling at Bischof+Klein. He is also a passionate Wacken fan. That sounds exciting. We spoke to him to find out more.

When did you become a Wacken fan?

​​​​S: Relatively late, in 2013, but I’ve been listening to rock and metal since I was 13 or 14. I also frequently attended festivals and concerts, but the music my friends listened to was pretty far removed from heavy metal.

What points of contact had you had with Wacken until then?

S: My younger brother had already attended Wacken Open Air back in the 2000s, and I knew all of the bands that played there. Nevertheless, I’m not a classic Wacken veteran, because I haven’t been there every year. But I have been there six or seven times in total.

What happens in Wacken?

S: What a lot of people don’t know is that Wacken isn’t just about heavy metal. The festival also offers punk, comedians, and lots of other acts. That’s what makes it special for me. I’ve even managed to convince my girlfriend! There are innumerable bands on seven to eight stages. 

Are the top acts what are most important?

S: I also love discovering new bands. Last year, for example, there was a band from Israel that I hadn’t heard of before. Often, it’s particularly the smaller, less well-known bands that have that special fire in them when they get up on the Wacken stage for the first time. The big acts are also impressive, of course, but they’ve already done it innumerable times.

What makes Wacken so special for you compared to other festivals?

S: Firstly, of course, the kind of music. I find festivals in general great, because the atmosphere there is always fantastic. But I grew up with heavy metal. I can just lose myself in it.

Secondly, it’s the people: completely relaxed and open. You really do meet everyone and anyone at Wacken Open Air – from schoolkids to CEOs. And everyone is in a good mood, having fun, and just wants to have a good time. You can just have a casual chat with anyone. It’s a special atmosphere. It feels like you’re on vacation. Other people like lying on a lounger on the beach and I enjoy going to festivals and concerts.

Do you have any particular rituals when preparing to go to the festival?

S: Yes, my preparation takes precisely 365 days! (Laughs) The presale for the next year starts directly on the Sunday following the festival, and the first few bands are also announced.

Over the year, I compile a Spotify playlist with all of the confirmed bands and particularly have a listen to the ones that I don’t yet know. Then I produce an Excel file in which I divide the bands into three categories: “Must see!” - “Give them a listen” - “Not my thing.”

Do you actually manage to listen to all of the interesting bands?

S: As soon as the final line-up with the stage times is published, I re-sort everything again, because bands often play at the same time. In the end, you only ever see a fraction of your planned shows anyway, but I find the whole planning process incredibly enjoyable.

Which encounter at Wacken has particularly stuck in your mind?

S: I found one of my first encounters there particularly impressive. I bumped into two guys who looked a lot like cliché rockers – dressed wildly, lots of piercings, and looking a bit “dangerous.” And what did we end up talking about for four hours? Our children and their time in kindergarten! (Laughs)

Encounters like these show that they’re just normal people who simply love their music and the spirit. I’m just remembering how one fan suddenly started singing the VfL Osnabrück anthem when he saw the logo on my cut-off. It’s these small, unexpected experiences that make Wacken so special.

How do you think the festival has changed over the years?

S: It’s definitely become more professional. It was already really well organized back in 2013, but a lot has happened in terms of inclusion and sustainability since then. Waste and disposal concepts have been improved, and there are an increasing number of environmental initiatives.

I honestly can’t think of anything negative. I can’t even complain about the weather, although it occasionally throws it down. Bad weather is part of the whole thing – and it has its own special flair! Rain or shine … Wacken Open Air’s motto.

Do your colleagues talk about your passion for Wacken?

S: Yes, and the reactions are usually curious and positive. I often hear: “Really? You’re going to Wacken? I would never have thought that!”

My answer is always: “I’m just a normal guy!” (Laughs) However, I’ve never had long hair and I doubt I ever will.

Are there any parallels between your enthusiasm for Wacken and your work?

S: Definitely! Team spirit, people getting together, relaxed dealings with one another – that's what I experience both at Wacken and here at the company. I think it’s great when people talk to one other as equals, no matter whether they’re trainees or board members.

It’s simply people coming together and enjoying what they do, whether it’s the music at the festival or the work here at Bischof+Klein. – The only thing we could still use here is a barbecue area. (Laughs)

What would you like to pass on to our readers?

S: Everyone should experience a festival at least once! It doesn’t have to be Wacken, but the energy, the good mood, and the atmosphere are simply unique.

Andreas, thank you for the fascinating interview!