Hellfest 2026, Clisson, France. Thursday. Papa Roach’s Last Resort is still echoing across from the other main stage as the ultimate Metal showman, Alice Cooper, arrives on stage, top hat, spinning a cane in his hand and a heavily medalled jacket.
The sheer insanity of the packed sardine crowd for Roach gives way to a more breathable, appreciative crowd tempo. Opening with No More Mr Nice Guy, the massive high definition screens show every year of the six-piece band’s career writ across their faces.
Still loving the party, they delivered what long-time fans and those less deeply entwined with their traditional, theatrical, high-energy rock spectacle expected.
With many songs based on horror themes, this is a bloody affair. We are treated to Frankenstein in bloody overalls, and a strait-jacketed Alice breaking free and murdering a life-sized stuffed doll of a woman, who, in the next song, is seeking revenge.
Then, a real-life dancer/actress has Alice beheaded by a guillotine and parades the severed head around the stage. There is macabre humour too, with a photographer annoying each band member during Hey Stoopid being stabbed for his efforts and pulled off stage.
The band are a mix of rock veterans and the younger, glamorous lead guitarist, Anna Cara, an ace lead shredder. Ryan Roxie particularly stood out, providing some of the more complicated, technical playing underpinning the band’s rock anthem sound.
Visually striking moments for the band are provided when they present themselves in tableau, a neat use of theatre, each multi-guitarist pose iconic.
The classic songs Poison and School’s Out go down a storm. Keeping it fresh, School’s Out blends in with Pink Floyd’s Another Brick In The Wall, Part 2, which is a curious mash-up for the lovers of both bands.
The real surprise is finishing, not with an Alice Cooper song but Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit. The crowd instantly connect and this leaves everyone buzzing as the legendary band and man take their bows from the enthusiastic crowd, who know they have seen something unique that will not be there forever.
HELLFEST 2026
Prepare to be consumed by the relentless energy of the most influential bands in Heavy Metal as they ignite the Hellfest stages with blistering performances. The immersive atmosphere of Clisson will immerse you in a dark, captivating experience like no other.
With its unparalleled lineup and unwavering commitment to the spirit of metal, Hellfest 2026 promises an unforgettable journey into the depths of sonic mayhem.
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MetalTalk Hellfest 2026 coverage can be found at https://www.metaltalk.net/tag/hellfest-2026.
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