Scorpions Deliver Thunderous 60th Anniversary Set at Hellfest 2025
Clisson was on fire —not from the heat, but from the blazing spectacle that was The Scorpions celebrating their monumental 60th anniversary as the Saturday night headliners of HellFest 2025. Following the electrifying set from Judas Priest, many wondered how the German rock legends would top the metal mayhem. But from the first chord to the final crash of cymbals, The Scorpions proved why they’ve remained giants of rock for six decades.
As the Clisson air cooled, the crowd surged with anticipation, the Scorpions took the altar-like main stage to a deafening roar. And they did not disappoint. The band were tight, sharp, and downright ferocious—showing no signs of slowing down even after six decades on the road. Klaus entertained, Rudolf Schenker’s guitar tone cut like a blade, and Matthias Jabs shredded through solos with surgical precision. The rhythm section thundered underneath it all, locking in grooves that punched through the humid night air.
What made this set truly unforgettable wasn’t just the classics—it was the deep cuts. HellFest veterans and lifelong fans were treated to a setlist that dug into their rich back catalog, a bold move that paid off immensely. Songs like “Black out” and “Coast to Coast” “Send Me an Angel” and “Winds of Change” drew huge reactions, with the band showing off their musical evolution over the decades.
But the night’s true climax came during the encore, when a massive, mechanical scorpion prop unfurled its claws and tail across the stage—glowing, menacing, and impossibly metal. From beneath it, the band launched into an absolutely monstrous rendition of “Blackout” and “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” which sent the crowd into frenzy.
Their set was a masterclass in performance, nostalgia, and unrelenting energy. As the final notes echoed into the night and the scorpion’s tail lowered in smoke and fire, it was clear: this wasn’t just a show. It was a coronation.
Long may they sting.