UPDATE: The Associated Press has reported that the two men were actually not in attendance, but instead just partying in the town of Wacken. Yesterday (Aug. 7), Itzehoe police spokesman Peter Berndt confirmed this information, stating the two, aged 58 and 59, were seen in the town on Friday (Aug. 3). Festival attendees spotted the two "helpless, disoriented and intoxicated" men, who were waiting for a bus Saturday morning (Aug. 4) despite the buses no longer running after 3 AM.

According to Deutsche Welle (the outlet who broke the story), the original statement from police described the situation by referring to the individuals as "elderly," that they'd come from a "retirement home" and "obviously liked the metal festival." They added that they had contacted the police for further information on Aug. 5, but were told there were no further details.

ORIGINAL POST: According to a report from German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle, two elderly men fled a nursing home on Friday to attend the world's largest heavy metal festival, Wacken Open Air.

The residency alerted police once the individuals were determined to be missing and responders found the duo at around 3 a.m in attendance at Wacken. Once located, they were reportedly reluctant to leave, but were eventually escorted from the festival in taxi and patrol vehicles.

2018 marked Wacken's 29th year, which took place in Schleswig Holstein. The legendary fest saw a sold-out crowd of over 75,000 people. The lineup included Judas Priest, Danzig, Ghost, Hatebreed, In Flames and many others. 190 groups performed over the course of four days.

Although mud is usually an issue with outdoor festivals, Deutsche Welle reports that a heatwave caused concern for fire and dust risks. Organizers encouraged those in attendance to look out for one another in ways such as making sure everyone is adequately hydrated and seeking shaded areas away from direct sunlight whenever possible.

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