A pair of old German men had been so willing to swap the routine of their nursing home for "world's largest" heavy metal event, the Wacken Open Air festival, that they had to be evacuated from there with the help of police.

Two old gentlemen have disappeared on Friday night from a nursing home in Dithmarschen community in northern Germany, Deutsche Welle reported. A search operation started when the staff sounded the alarm and called the police.

These days, almost anything could happen to a missing elderly man, but this story had quite a happy end. The aging metalheads were found at Wacken Open Air, considered to be the world's biggest heavy metal festival which takes place every year in Germany.

This year's edition of Wacken fest was sold out, with more than 75,000 metal fans flocking to the venue from all across the world. Headliners included Clawfinger, Dimmu Borgir, In Extremo, Judas Priest, Nightwish, Oomph as well as the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Unsurprising enough, the men were reluctant to leave the four-day event so police had to escort them home with the help of a taxi and a patrol car. "Both were disoriented and apathetic," Merle Neufeld, a local police spokesman, told NDR broadcaster.

Although Wacken has the notorious reputation of being the muddiest open air event in the world, this year organizers warned fans against fire and dust due to enormous heatwave.

Police praised revelers for decent behavior with little interference needed in relation with minor drug seizures.

like the old Jethro Tull song says...

"You're never TOOOOO O-O-OLD to ROCK and RO-O-OLL,

if you're too young to die!"

they just wanted to hit the mosh pit for one last time..

I don't know if Germany even has the same rights as we do but if this happened in the USA, there would be lawsuits and firings.

While I can understand the need to restrict free movement of the elderly for their own safety, I also know that retirement homes do have organized outings with proper care and transportation.

As more of the baby boomers reach that age, the activities need to reflect their interests.
It might be fine to take people born in the 30s to a museum or a swing band show but I would want to go to a metal concert or a drag race.

Elderly care needs to evolve with the generation of those being cared for.
You force me to go to a bingo hall and I'll punch you in the eye.

Were the cops nice enough,
to allow the old dudes to finish the joint
they were smoking?

a little weed and a lot of rock and roll, probally did a world of good for those old dudes. Raise hell!

It is a great story. I wish the old timers got laid too... that would have been perfect.

Bloody killjoys. The cops and nurses should be ashamed of themselves.
I bet the old guys were just sick of listening to Enya, smelling calomine lotion, and trying to avoid nattering deaf old ladies, and just wanted to live again before they die.
Old metal heads shouldn't be treated like criminals or delinquents for trying to escape aged care jail.
I bet they're not allowed to listen to loud music at their home, or head bang or mosh or crowd surf or take good drugs or perv at girls, or even swear.
Those old guys deserve medals, and hot nurses, and free tickets to the nearest next heavy metal concert.

let old people enjoy their life is what I always say.

the next one is about 2 black O.G.'s breaking out for a NWA Concert...

let old folks do what they want outside of blatant self harm or harm of others.

There are different levels of rest home care and many reasons why care is required .. what decides the amount of freedom is their level of competency and medical conditions ., so someone with dementia requires 24hr supervision .. someone with physical disabilities but a sound mind may need assistance but not full supervision or restrictions on freedom . I strongly believe reathomes should create a home environment that encourages participation and enjoyment in life . It is sad when elderly become institutionalised. In many cases options are few .

i think it is adorable they got to enjoy the concert .. and well done to those who kept them safe and protected their dignity

They musta found some good weed at the concert... the old bill and Ted...