R.I.P. Thomas Hess

Yesterday, our best friend and production manager Thomas Hess passed away unexpectedly. Thomas made his Wacken debut in 1996 as the tour manager of Böhse Onkelz. He organized and produced the concerts of the band until their temporary split-up in 2005 and got the nickname "the fifth uncle" during this time. In 1991 he started his own company, IH Security, which set new standards again and again in all of Germany, when it comes to event organisaion and security topics.

After 1996 he became the production manager of Wacken Open Air .

Thomas always acted in accordance with his motto "standing still is a step backwards". At every turn, he tried to make the work of the crew easier, to improve the results and to optimize the processes. There were never real problems for him, only challenges that needed a solution. And he always acted with an eye for the big picture and the safetyof everyone!

At first glance, Thomas seemed intimidating to some. Behind the sometimes craggy facade, however, he was a sensitive, kind-hearted person. A great friend, employer, husband and loving father. His sometimes coarse, sometimes fine humor always provided for boisterous laughter on productions and in meetings. His stories about earlier escapades with famous musicians were incomparable - and a moment later he talked to you about the best horse breeds for jumping tournaments.

We all will not only miss his talent to organize events, but above all a good friend. Thomas leaves a huge gap that is impossible to fill.

Our thoughts are with Heidrun and Melissa and all other relatives, friends and the staff of IH Security during these difficult hours.

R.I.P. Thomas Hess

Holger and Thomas + family & the W:O:A team