Tonight (21), is the first night of Hellfest as fans were eagerly looking forward to see Manowar close out day one of the three-day festival. However, just hours before the event, Manowar have decided to pull out from their headlining spot due to the Hellfest organizers for obstructing their efforts to put on “the epic show” they have promised. Following last night’s sold-out Knotfest meets Hellfest, Sabaton will be bringing cargo pants and The Great War to the main stage tonight for a longer set to make up for the last minute lineup change.

The Hellfest organizers issued the following announcement:

“After their furious concert last night at the Knotfest France, the Swedish Combo Sabaton will be playing tonight on stage 01 at 23 pm

The band will play their set in full and will be longer than their concert yesterday

Following their successful performance at Knotfest France last night, Swedish metallers Sabaton will perform at Hellfest tonight at 23:10 on the Mainstage 1.

For the pleasure of the all metal fans, the band will play their full set, longer than the one did perform last night.”

Read the organizers’ original statement on Manowar’s last minute decision:

“Despite an on-site presence on Thursday 20 June, the teams and members of the MANOWAR band decided to leave the festival site.

The concert of the artist MANOWAR scheduled this Friday, June 21 will not be possible for reasons beyond our control.

We are sincerely sorry for all the fans of this artist and more broadly for all the fans of Hellfest”

Manowar issued the following statement:

“Regarding Hellfest (June 21, 2019)

After 18 months of tireless work and preparation we arrived at the Hellfest site yesterday, ready to play today.

The Hellfest organizers obstructed our efforts to put on the epic show we had promised.

Despite what you may hear or read, the Hellfest organizers did have control over the circumstances that prevented our performance.

We always have and always will fight to give our fans 100%.

Our French fans and press know, if MANOWAR come to France and are unable to perform, the fault does not lie with us. Remember the Élysée Montmartre.

We are very sorry that you are being made to suffer. We want you to know that everything we do is for our fans. We stand together with all of you as we always have, and we will not allow anyone to lessen the quality of our shows.

Be very sure the truth will come out!

Thank you to the Greatest Fans In The World for your continued loyalty and support.

MANOWAR

Photo: Peero Lakanen (c) 2019 Magic Circle Entertainment”