Wizard Live hails million-selling anniversary year

German promoter Wizard Live topped one million ticket sales in its 20th anniversary year – and is already off to a flyer for 2025.

The Frankfurt-based company, which celebrated two decades in business with an industry party in Frankfurt in early October, doubled its previous year’s figures thanks to arena and stadium concerts by the likes of AC/DC, Judas Priest, Toto and Zucchero.

Other highlights included a sold out open-air tour by German rock band Böhse Onkelz, while 150,000 fans attended pop icon Nena’s 45-show We Belong Together Tour, which visited Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands before concluding in France at the Le Trianon Theater in Paris.

“Three years after what were probably the most challenging times for our industry, we can proudly say today: Wizard Live is back and stronger than ever,” says Wizard MD Oliver Hoppe. “The pandemic has taught us to think adaptively and innovatively. With over a million visitors expected in 2024, an expanded portfolio and advance ticket sales for top acts, we are looking to the future with confidence.”

The firm has already sold 500,000 tickets for upcoming tours with Iron Maiden, Alison Moyet, Jamie Cullum, Judas Priest and Saxon, among others. In addition, Scorpions are celebrating their 60th anniversary with a special show at the HDI-Arena in their hometown of Hannover on 5 July, while Böhse Onkelz will mark their 45th anniversary with a sold-out indoor tour.

“2025 will not only be a year of major anniversaries for Wizard Live, but above all a year of new adventures”

“2025 will not only be a year of major anniversaries for Wizard Live, but above all a year of new adventures,” adds Hoppe.

The firm, which was founded by Oliver’s father Ossy Hoppe and reported a record year in 2023, recently strengthened its management team with the appointment of head of operations Can Büyükcinar as an authorised signatory. With his new responsibilities, Büyükcinar will play an even more active role in shaping its strategic development.

In addition to rebranding earlier this year, Wizard divided its operations into four business areas: show & touring, which remains its core business, alongside marketing, brand & music connector and artist development, as part of its evolution from concert organiser to “all-round, worry-free service provider”.

It has also expanded beyond its traditional rock and heavy metal roots and diversified its roster to include artists such as neo-classical composer Max Richter, actor and singer Ben Barnes, and jazz-pop ensemble Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, as well as up-and-coming bands from a range of musical genres. It has also added new formats to its portfolio such as all-round artist Senna Gammour and mentalist Dannero’s show.

“Our greatest joy and our greatest successes come from working closely and trustingly with our artists,” adds Oliver Hoppe. “We at Wizard Live see ourselves not only as event organisers, but also as strategic, creative partners who work together with the artists to create unique live performances. Our goal is to make every performance an unforgettable moment – through intensive support, conceptual inspiration and a partnership that goes far beyond classic touring.”

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