CELEBRATE WITH FISCHER-Z

Passionate, political, determined. And above all: an artist. John Watts is Fischer-Z. A musical concept and creative vehicle that has experienced many incarnations. In 2026, Watts will celebrate half a century of music on stage with Fischer-Z: The “50th Anniversary Tour” offers a best-of set featuring highlights from the band's rich repertoire, supplemented with current tracks.

2026 will be a big year for Fischer-Z. The band was founded 50 years ago by singer, guitarist, and poet John Watts in the English town of Sandhurst. Under his leadership, Fischer-Z became a staple of the New Wave and post-punk scene in the late 70s and early 80s. With classics like “The Worker,” “So Long,” “Marliese,” “Red Skies Over Paradise,” and “Room Service,” the band has profoundly influenced several generations of music lovers. Fischer-Z were successful across Europe and sold over two million albums. They collaborated with Peter Gabriel, Steve Cropper, and Dexys Midnight Runners. They performed alongside James Brown in East Berlin and toured with The Police and Dire Straits. They also accompanied Bob Marley on his last festival tour across Europe and toured in the USA and Canada. In 1982, Watts disbanded Fischer-Z to pursue a solo career. He revived the name Fischer-Z in 1987 with a new lineup. John Watts has since released 26 albums and played around 4000 concerts with his band or as a solo artist. New material continues to be released regularly. Most recently, “Triptych” was released in May 2024. The current Fischer-Z studio album marks a return to familiar sounds and themes with new freshness and provides an impressive retrospective of John Watts' life and previous career. Watts has found, as a constantly reinventing artist, that many of his works over the last 50 years of his musical career repeatedly address the same driving themes that are just as relevant today as they were 50 years ago: Love, Power, People - and how they interact with one another. In the anniversary shows of the “50th Anniversary Tour” across Europe, Watts and his companions will present us a best-of set featuring classics from the extensive Fischer-Z discography.

Copyright: Unknown

Doors: 18:00

BETWEEN VIRTUOSITY AND VISION

Temic are considered one of the most exciting new forces in Progressive Metal. Even before the international Allstar band released their celebrated debut album in 2023, they had already made waves in the Prog scene. With musicians from formations such as Haken, Devin Townsend, Neal Morse Band, Shining, or Maraton, the group combines exceptional skill and creative diversity. Temic is now working on the successor to their successful debut and brings their captivating mix of technical finesse, emotional depth, and modern hardness to the stage.

With the debut album "Terror Management Theory," TEMIC impressively met the high expectations for the project. The album reached top positions in the Dutch charts, climbed to 15th place in the worldwide iTunes Metal charts, and was counted among the best Prog releases of the year by numerous specialized media. The band combines challenging arrangements with catchy melodies, powerful riffs, and a modern production. The musicians are currently preparing the release of their second album, which is set to be released in the autumn. The new songs promise an even more intense and emotional journey through the diverse soundscapes of Progressive Metal. Temic stand for virtuosity without self-interest, great melodies, and a live energy that fans of the genre should not miss. Italian progressive metal band Kingcrow will be present as a Very Special Guest. This seasoned formation has already toured with bands like Pain Of Salvation and Blind Ego, perfectly complementing the concert evening with their atmospheric and sophisticated sound.

Copyright photo: Organizer

Doors open: 18:00

SYMPHONIC METAL POWER

Led by band mastermind Marco Heubaum and exceptional singer Ambre Vourvahis, the German symphonic metal giants Xandria return to Pratteln this autumn. With their songs, which uniquely combine heaviness, melody, and great emotions, Xandria guarantees numerous goosebump moments at Z7. The US band Seven Spires and Secret Rule from Italy open the fantastic symphonic metal night.

With bombastic orchestral sounds, thunderous guitars, and the powerful voice of Ambre Vourvahis, Xandria captivates the audience. Every song is an experience – powerful, intense, and emotional. For over 30 years, Xandria has been one of the defining forces in symphonic metal and has earned a legendary status along the way. With singing sensation Ambre Vourvahis, whose impressive vocal range spans from rock to opera and does not shy away from screams and growls, Xandria has elevated their sound to a completely new level in recent years. With fresh, modern compositions and cinematic arrangements, Xandria continually sets new standards in contemporary symphonic metal and takes their audience into an imaginary film, bringing stories to life with passionate intensity.

Copyright photo: unknown

Doors: 19:00

JUST LIVE LOUD

The Swiss rockers Shakra are returning to the Z7 on October 23, 2026, with a new album. Under the programmatic title “Just Live Loud,” they present fresh songs while encompassing everything that has shaped the band over three decades. “Become who you are,” Shakra quotes Friedrich Nietzsche – and makes it clear: This chapter is more than just another release. It is a statement. An evening for all who not only listen to rock but live it.

For over 30 years, Shakra have steadfastly navigated their course through the highs and lows of the music business. Line-up changes, pandemic pauses, shifting trends – none of this has ever deterred the band. Instead, a distinctive sound universe has emerged between hard rock and metal, which has constantly evolved without denying its roots. The success speaks for itself: Since 2007, all studio albums have reached the top ranks of the Swiss charts, with “Invincible” even reaching number 1. But after all these years, Shakra are not about being louder than others or chasing trends. It’s about being clearer. More authentic.

“Just Live Loud” is therefore not just an album title but an attitude. Not waiting for the right moment to come. Not quieting down to fit in somewhere. Making mistakes, getting up, continuing on. Living freedom – to the max. With new songs in their backpack and an ever-growing selection of anthems from three decades, Shakra will bring the full force in 2026 as well. Those who move strive for their goals – and those who carry rock in their hearts know: This evening at the Z7 is not meant for standing still. JUST LIVE LOUD.

Doors open: 19:00 Uhr

REISE INS HERZ DER FRÜHEN GENESIS

In the 70s, the English band Genesis was one of the Big Four of Progressive Rock alongside King Crimson, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and Yes. The Italian band The Watch takes us on a trip to the early days of the influential prog rockers. With “Tales from 1970 - 1976,” they dive deep into the time when Peter Gabriel was the frontman of Genesis.

Turning back time to experience the magic of a 70s rock concert. That is exactly what The Watch from Italy makes possible. The internationally celebrated prog rock band brings the music of the early Genesis era to the stage with impressive authenticity. In intense, detail-loving performances, they revive the feeling and sound of the Gabriel era. Even before Genesis celebrated their worldwide breakthrough, the musicians were a class of their own. Their songs from this era are today considered milestones of Progressive Rock. The Watch ensures that these classics can be experienced live again. They are not just a mere copy; rather, they capture the creative energy and pioneering spirit of those years with impressive precision and passion. Singer Simone Rossetti’s voice is astonishingly close to the young Gabriel, and the entire band impresses with masterful instrumental artistry. Guided by the motto “Take a little trip back from 'Trespass’ to 'Wind And Wuthering’,” The Watch delivers a show that leaves no desires unfulfilled, especially not for fans. Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett personally gave his verbal endorsement: “The Watch is a band with very talented musicians. I can only highly recommend them.” In the UK-Prog newsletter, it was noted: “What is unique is the voice - so remarkably similar to that of the young Peter Gabriel.” And ECHO-News UK stated: “It’s like a time machine for those who loved going to concerts in the 70s and want to feel that atmosphere once again.” No other tribute band manages to capture the musical adventurousness and high tension of Genesis during their pioneering days with such emotional power.

Copyright: k.A.

Einlass: 18:00 Uhr

PROG-POWER PUR

For nearly four decades, the British progressive metal kings Threshold have consistently delivered high-quality material. In 2026, they will celebrate a major anniversary. With the “Hypothetical - 25th Anniversary Tour,” we will enjoy one of the strongest albums from the South English band. Additionally, there will be other classics and fan favorites from Threshold, along with a top-notch special guest in the supporting act.

They are the undisputed kings of British prog metal. Founded in 1988 by guitarist Karl Groom in Southern England, Threshold has always been a unique endeavor. Driven by youthful confidence and enthusiasm, the band quickly developed into Britain’s leading force in the realm of progressive metal. Now, nearly four decades have passed, and Threshold continues to hold strong at the top of the scene. From early works like “Wounded Land” (1993) and “Psychedelicatessen” (1994) to the triumph of more recent successful albums like “For The Journey” (2014) and “Legends Of The Shires” (2017), and most recently “Dividing Lines” (2022), the band has continually demonstrated their impressive songwriting qualities, which have never been swayed by fleeting trends. Thus, the band remains a driving institution within the genre.

In 2001, Threshold released one of their most important albums with their fifth studio full-length “Hypothetical.” Metal.de was inspired by what they heard to write a superlative review: “'Hypothetical' is the best progressive metal album I have come across in two years. Even the last Ayreon double album falls short in comparison. Yet 'Hypothetical' is by no means a CD solely for musicians. The songs are so catchy and melodic that even 'ordinary' listeners should have no trouble grasping the material.” This primarily distinguishes the band from their big American counterparts Dream Theater: While the latter tends to go big, showy, and flaunt virtuosity, Threshold adopts a subtly British approach on “Hypothetical,” using their instrumental abilities to deliver one classy song after another. This milestone will have been around for 25 years by 2026. A perfect reason to honor the timeless opus with a tour and once again dive deep into the fascinating sound world of “Hypothetical.”

Doors: 19:00 Uhr

FURIOUS SOUNDS FROM THE RAP-METAL PRIMEVAL

For over 30 years, Clawfinger has belonged to the top tier of the international crossover scene. With their hits, they have shaped the scene like hardly any other band. On Halloween Saturday, the Swedish-Norwegian genre pioneers will come to our concert venue with their new studio album "Before We All Die" and numerous hits from their long career.

Clawfinger burst onto the international music scene in 1993 with a loud bang. Their debut album "Deaf Dumb Blind" became a worldwide success with tracks like "Nigger," "The Truth," and "Warfair," and is still considered a groundbreaking milestone today. Clawfinger not only created a new music style with their mix of metal, rap, and electronic elements but also addressed socially critical and unvarnished issues in their songs: Clawfinger managed to speak to an entire generation's soul. Today, the profound hit factory of the crossover scene enjoys absolute cult status. The last album "Life Will Kill You" is already 18 years old, but now there is finally new material: "Before We All Die" (Release February 20, 2026) is the name of the new studio record. Frontman Zak Tell is back with hard-hitting lyrics: "This is not about peace. This is about spreading the truth, no matter how terrible it may be. And that's exactly why we do it." Clawfinger addresses topics such as environmental destruction, political hypocrisy, and personal disillusionment up to collective denial on "Before We All Die." "This album consists of one-third protest, one-third therapy, and one-third middle finger," he adds. "Unfortunately, we can't just pull solutions out of the hat, but at least we rebel because being silent would mean the end for all of us." Already the first single "Scum" clearly shows the direction they are going. The band criticizes corrupt leaders, feigned morality, and the growing mob driven by right-wing ideologies. Zak: "'Scum' is a raw, loud, and brutally honest punk-rap track that hits hard. It targets those who are selfish, sexist, and narcissistic and won’t stop talking. With razor-sharp lyrics and a beat like a punch to the face, 'Scum' says exactly what we think about those guys who should just disappear. The song is immensely angry, dark, and direct. If you've ever wanted to spit in someone's face but lacked the courage or it was socially unacceptable, then this track is just right for you."

Copyright: Peter Bjöns

Doors: 7:00 PM

BACK TO THE BEGINNING

"We don't just want to play Black Sabbath, we want to feel Black Sabbath from the bottom of our hearts." With this intent, the American all-female formation Black Sabbitch returns to Z7 two years after their celebrated Swiss premiere to once again immerse us in the early songs of the British metal pioneers deep into the seventies.

Black Sabbitch is not an ordinary tribute band. The four ladies from the USA impress even die-hard Sabbath devotees and have earned the respect of critics and musicians alike. They were personally invited by Sharon Osbourne to open for Ozzy. They rocked on the iconic Kiss-Cruise, as well as at the legendary Cal Jam with Iggy Pop and the Foo Fighters. Dave Grohl shortly thereafter shared photos of the band's performance on his social media channels and wrote, "We were fascinated and listened intently." By now, Black Sabbitch has become a true festival favorite, regularly performing with some of the biggest acts in the world or thrilling Black Sabbath fans at their intense club shows. They often present varying setlists consisting of all-time classics and long-forgotten gems from the iconic Ozzy phase of the legends from the working-class city of Birmingham. "We are not an ordinary tribute band. We are the female Black Sabbath," confidently states Angie Scarpa, the drummer of Black Sabbitch. Founded fourteen years ago in LA, the musicians do not simply want to cover Black Sabbath's songs. "Since I have always been a huge fan of the band, I didn't want to just play covers in another boring ‘Hey, we sound like their records’ band. It had to feel right from the start. Just like it must have felt to see and hear Black Sabbath in 1972." With their concerts, the ladies regularly manage to transport their fans back to the seventies. With songs from the early days, when Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward traveled from the West Midlands to the wide world to make music history with their innovative, heavy, and dark rock sound. In the summer of 2013, Black Sabbitch played their very first show in West Hollywood. Since then, the quartet has been regularly touring the USA. In 2022, they expanded their activities to the UK, and in 2024, they performed at Wacken and played additional dates on the European mainland, including the Swiss premiere at Z7. Diebuehrers.com judged the performance in November 2024: "With strong stage presence and enormous musical ability, they powerfully showcased the dark and heavy sounds of songs like ‘War Pigs’ and ‘Children of the Grave’" and "the audience celebrated every minute of this intense set."

Copyright: N/A

Doors: 7:00 PM

SYMPHONIC POWER IN PRATTELN

For the sixteenth time, the Americans Kamelot will perform in our concert factory in the fall of 2026. Over the past three and a half decades, the Americans have earned a reputation as one of the most influential and innovative Melodic Power & Symphonic Metal bands in the world. On November 6, 2026, they will come to the Z7 with their classics, a brand-new studio album, and guests Exit Eden and Temperance. A hot autumn night is guaranteed!

In April 2025, Kamelot posted a concert photo from the Z7 on their social media channels with the following text: “Switzerland!! See you in 2026!!” And yes, they are coming back to us at the Z7! On November 6, Kamelot will present new songs and a new stage show. With their unique blend of Symphonic, Melodic, and Power Metal, the US band is one of the most successful in the scene. Kamelot has already played ahead of Nightwish and Within Temptation at the top level. Founded in 1991, Kamelot has grown with the Z7. What first made its mark in Switzerland in 1998 as a curious young band became an act that was often featured on Viva and MTV and is now indispensable in the metal scene. In November 2026, the quintet will take the stage at the Z7 for the sixteenth time. Over the years, the band, centered around the last remaining founding member Thomas Youngblood, has refined their sound from album to album. Almost unusually for an American band, the group presents European songs that obtain a bombastic touch with opulent orchestral parts. In the world of hard rock, Kamelot occupies a very special position: Their sophisticated Melodic Metal has always cleverly opened up to related styles, integrating progressive elements as well as references to Doom/Gothic Metal or classical music, thereby establishing a genre of their own. Two years after their last Z7 show, Kamelot will return to Pratteln with new songs, a new stage show, and a great line-up to celebrate their 35th anniversary with fans.
Copyright: unknown

Admission: 18:00 hours

A SOUND THAT TOOK THE WORLD BY STORM

Experience the most booked Dire Straits tribute band in Europe live! The focus is on the sound that took the world by storm, with a guitar that none of us will ever forget. Wolfgang Uhlich is regarded by many knowledgeable fans both at home and abroad as the best Mark Knopfler imitator.

The band has firmly established itself in the German music scene with 800 concerts. A highlight is winning the nationwide tribute contest in Koblenz, with 100 participating tribute bands. With immense versatility, a live program is created for old fans and new listeners alike. The classics “Walk of Life,” “Sultans of Swing,” and “Brothers in Arms” are integral parts of the meticulously crafted program, which is 100% live! No aids, no tricks - with individuality, musical sensitivity, precise solos, and the right "connection" to the audience, the stages and the hearts of fans have been conquered in recent years.

Music must be experienced. And since 2004, the dIRE sTRATS have been the go-to address to experience the music of the Dire Straits, who disbanded in 1992, live again! Anyone who wants to experience this unique band up close in a live performance should not miss their concert at the Z7.

Doors open: 19:00 hours

TIMELESS AOR GEMS

With the melodic rock hits of their debut album "Double Eclipse," the band Hardline gained cult status in the early 90s. Singer Johnny Gioeli has continued the legacy of the AOR band with changing musicians ever since. In November 2026, Hardline will revisit old and new songs once again at Z7. Supporting them will be Sevi from Bulgaria, who have shared the stage with Hardline multiple times in Pratteln, leaving a fantastic impression.

With the album "Double Eclipse," Hardline established a monument in 1992. With the highest musical quality, fantastic melodies, a unique voice, and the perfect blend of power and emotion, Hardline delivered a milestone of AOR with their debut. Every song has hit potential and still makes the hearts of melodic hard rock fans race today. The lineup from the '92 album is long gone, but powerhouse vocalist Johnny Gioeli has repeatedly revived the band and carried on the legacy with changing musicians. The former all-star project has now become a proper band. Since the release of the album "Danger Zone" in 2012, Hardline has offered a straightforward, riff-based melodic hard rock sound, representing a continuous evolution of their musical offerings. Performed by a group of musicians who have become a unity, each member contributes their personality and strengths to the anthemic rock songs. The expressive power of singer Johnny Gioeli combined with the production and songwriting skills of Alessandro Del Vecchio (Revolution Saints, Jorn etc.), the shredding talents of guitarist Andrea Seveso, and the powerful rhythm section consisting of bassist Anna Portalupi and drummer Marco Di Salvia merge into an unbeatable unit. This is also evident in the current album "Heart, Mind and Soul." Johnny Gioeli raves: "I can never get enough of this album. 'Heart, Mind and Soul' is undoubtedly one of my absolute favorite records by Hardline."

Copyright: n/a

Doors: 6:00 PM

Unfortunately, the event is canceled.

HEROES & ANTHEMS: 10 YEARS OF DARTAGNAN

On November 13, the Z7 will once again be filled with full force folk-rock power with capes, swords, gunpowder smoke & thunderous roars. The Musketeer rockers dArtagnan celebrate the first decade of their fantastic career with the "Helden & Hymnen - Jubiläumstour 2026". The opening acts will be the folk-metal pirates Storm Seeker and the folk-punk tough guys Doppelbock.

The three friends Ben Metzner, Tim Bernhard, and Gustavo Strauss from Nuremberg, better known as dArtagnan, confidently promote their atmospheric folk-rock hit sound as Musketeer rock. What does it sound like? "Many of our songs are closely intertwined with traditional songs, with melodies that echoed through the streets hundreds of years ago. And yet, our music certainly still fits into today's time." Since 2015, dArtagnan has been winning the hearts of listeners with their hits, storming the charts, and receiving numerous awards. On the upcoming tour, the musicians will reflect on their previous career. "Friends, companions, musketeers. It's hard to believe: for ten years we have been traveling the lands with our songs. A whole decade full of adventures, unforgettable concerts, sweat, tears - and above all: endless friendship. In 2026, our first album 'Seit an Seit', which was awarded gold, will celebrate its tenth anniversary, and we want to celebrate this milestone with you twice as much. After the grand response to our 'Heldenfest' in Wuppertal, we quickly decided to play an entire anniversary tour. In 13 selected locations in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, we want to toast with you to everything that was, everything that is, and everything that is yet to come." The greatest musical moments from a decade of dArtagnan will be celebrated, along with life and the love for music. And of course, dArtagnan has a few new surprises in store that will make these evenings truly special. "This is our thank you to you. To the loyal friends who have accompanied us for years, without whom none of this would ever have been possible. So raise your glass, warm up your voices, and sharpen your swords: heroines and heroes, sing with us the anthems - and celebrate with us on the 'Helden & Hymnen' tour ten years of dArtagnan."

Copyright: n/a

Doors open: 18:30

INTERGALACTIC HAMMER SONGS

Gloryhammer strikes again! The intergalactic heroes of power metal are returning to Z7 in November 2026. With a relentless new album and support acts Majestica and Arion.

In the not-so-distant Kingdom of Fife, there lives a very special band named Gloryhammer. The formation embeds its adventurous tales of intergalactic warfare and cosmic sorcery into epic power metal anthems and has been waging an endless battle against the forces of Zargothrax since their formation in 2010. A few years have passed since the release of the last album, but the wait will soon be over, as their latest work is set to be released in 2026. Gloryhammer returns from an epic journey with a fresh album in tow. In the next chapter of the Gloryhammer saga, we follow the legendary Prince Angus McFife into entirely new dimensions, where he battles even more fearsome foes and experiences even more epic adventures than ever before. Join Angus on his mission to save the Kingdom of Fife. With nuclear-fueled, heroic power metal songs like you've never heard in your life. For Gloryhammer perfectly combines driving heavy metal, captivating electro-synths, and devastating dual guitars with masterful songwriting. Thus, they deliver plenty of new choruses that encourage unconditional sing-alongs to their fans again. With a packed concert schedule and the new song material, Gloryhammer is ready to seize dominance in the modern power metal scene by the end of 2026. We eagerly await the upcoming adventures of these fearless warriors.

Doors open: 18:00

BLUES ROCK LEGEND

Walter Trout is considered one of the best guitarists of all time in expert circles. He has played with greats like John Lee Hooker and John Mayall and was a member of the legendary Canned Heat. As a solo artist, the blues rocker from Ocean City, New Jersey has released over 30 albums. In the fall of 2026, Walter Trout will come to Z7 with his current album "Sign Of The Times" and songs from five decades of his career.

On stage, Walter Trout, who celebrates his 75th birthday on March 6, feels at home. Every show by this passionate musician is a feast for the senses for blues and rock enthusiasts. Few artists play with as much fire, soul, and honesty as Walter Trout. For over five decades, this blues rock titan has poured his heart into every note, processing the highs and lows of life in his distinctive guitar sound and his experience-shaped voice. In 2026, Walter will return to European stages to delight us with his extraordinary abilities. Each performance is a celebration of survival, a defiant cry, and a soul connection, united by the unbreakable spirit of the blues. From soulful ballads to exhilarating rock anthems – Trout's live shows are raw, emotional journeys that overwhelm the audience. Accompanied by a world-class band, including his son Jon, who has been masterfully handling the guitar strings for several years. The father-son duels have become one of the outstanding highlights of every Trout show.

In 2025, the tireless artist released his latest album "Sign Of The Times." Great artists feel the pulse of the times. In his half-century as a societal observer and brutally honest songwriter, Walter Trout has never dictated to his fans what to think, feel, politically represent, or scrawl on their protest signs. Yet in a time when the entire world is bursting at the seams on the frontlines of modern life, the new album serves as a cry and the outlet we all urgently need. "I wanted to express the anger and fear in the world," says the musician. "For me, writing these songs was therapy. They are not just about what is happening out there, but also about how it affects us in our heads. 'Sign Of The Times' was simply the obvious title." With the new songs, Walter Trout comes to Pratteln once again in November. Whether you've known him since the Bluesbreakers days or are just discovering him – here you have the chance to experience a true icon in her element. Unadulterated and without frills. With real music, real stories, and pure energy.

Copyright Leland Heyward

Doors open: 19:00 Uhr

METALCORE-MANIA

In November, we present the fattest Metalcore package of the year 2026. The relentless tour convoy is led by the scene giants ERRA and Currents, who together form the spearhead of this tour as co-headliners. While ERRA sets another milestone in their career with the new album "Silence Outlives The Earth," Currents delivers the perfect counterpoint of hardness and atmosphere with their current EP "All That Follows." Supporting acts Caskets and Aviana will ensure multiple coregasms.

ERRA:
Founded in 2009 in Birmingham, Alabama, ERRA represents modern progressive metalcore with technical finesse and plenty of atmosphere. Heavy riffs collide with melodic vastness and the switch between screams and clean vocals. With songs like "Echo Sonata" and "Further Eden," they gave an early glimpse into their new album "Silence Outlives The Earth" (Release: March 6, 2026). The album feels at times more open and emotional, without losing intensity – another strong step in the band's development.

CURRENTS:
The US band Currents combines dark metalcore with djent elements, massive breakdowns, and melodic parts. Frontman Brian Wille shapes the sound with his switch between clean singing and screams, while the songs often tackle existential themes. With the EP "All That Follows" (2026), the band shows itself to be more experimental and personal than ever – an intense, high-energy set is guaranteed.

Doors: 5:30 PM

80s HARD ROCK IN STADIUM FORMAT

The New Roses from Wiesbaden are back at Z7 with their exhilarating stadium rock anthems. Finest 80s groove and plenty of live energy guaranteed. Supporting them are the rising French glam rockers Harsh, bringing endless Sunset Strip vibes.

The New Roses are among the most successful German rock acts, achieving chart success and heavy rotations on rock stations in Germany and Great Britain with their albums and singles for years. After performances at international festivals such as Wacken, Hellfest, or Sweden Rock, and shows with big names like Kiss, ZZ Top, Black Stone Cherry, Joe Bonamassa, or Die Toten Hosen, as well as tours with artists like the Scorpions, Saxon, Accept, and Tremonti, along with countless club shows as headliners, The New Roses are now familiar to every fan of refined 80s rock. The quartet from the Hessian capital also entered the legendary Kiss Cruise in 2018 and 2019 as the first German band. So far, the band has released six acclaimed albums. Musically, the band delivers top-notch American rock. Bon Jovi in their prime are often referenced. There are plenty of stadium-worthy songs, hard riffs, and powerful drumming, catchy choruses, and pronounced melodies alternating with authentic rockin' Americana tracks. And of course, The New Roses always show their softer side. At times, a gripping mid-tempo ballad or a touching acoustic piece resonates, where frontman Timmy showcases the full range of his voice. On stage, The New Roses also deliver across the board. Tinu from Metalfactory.ch wrote about the Z7 gig in December 2024: "With 'The Usual Suspects' and the sung-along 'Down By The River,' an extraordinary concert evening came to an end, one of the most moving of the year. The New Roses seem to add a few more bricks with each gig. The infectious joy of playing, the incredibly distinctive and amazing vocals, as well as the international flair that the guys have earned will eventually fill stadiums."

Doors open: 19:00

SCHOTTENROCK WITH SWISS TUBE

With hearty rock songs and dreamy ballads, Nazareth has made a name for themselves worldwide over the last 58 years. Since the end of 2025, a Swiss frontman has breathed new life into the veteran band: Basel's Gianni Pontillo is the new voice of the Scots. He looks forward to an extremely emotional home game at the Pratteler rock temple.

Founded in 1968 in the Scottish town of Dunfermline, Nazareth is counted among the first hard and heavy generation of music history alongside colleagues like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, and Black Sabbath. With nearly 60 million records sold worldwide, Nazareth is, alongside Simple Minds, the most successful music group from Scotland internationally. At the helm since last December is Gianni Pontillo. The Basel native has made a name for himself over the past thirty years with bands like Pure Inc, The Order, Fun Halen, Pontillo & The Vintage Crew, and most recently with the German heavy rockers Victory. Now, with Nazareth, the next career step follows. Bassist Pete Agnew, the last remaining original member of the rock institution, contacted Gianni for the first time at the end of 2025. "Pete personally called me after someone from the scene had sent him a video of me. I could hardly believe it. The cult band Nazareth. The legendary co-founders of hard rock. I have known and loved this band since my childhood. I saw my parents dancing to 'Love Hurts' in the living room, and they even had a 'Greatest Hits' record by Nazareth in their vinyl collection."

Meanwhile, Nazareth has already played several concerts with Pontillo, and the newcomer feels perfectly at home in his new role: "It's just great! The guys from the band, the crew, and the whole environment are really awesome. Respect is the be-all and end-all here. You rarely find that in the music business these days." The fans' reactions are also very positive. "I have already met a lot of die-hard fans, and all are very happy with me as the new frontman. They have already shared some exciting stories about the band and the original singer Dan McCafferty." Interpreting Nazareth's timeless classics brings Pontillo great joy. When asked about personal favorites, he responds: "I actually like all the songs. But 'Hair Of The Dog' and 'Whiskey Drinkin’ Woman' are two absolute highlights. One has a really cool rock groove, the other is a killer blues number with a very funny lyric. Pete and I sing here in unison, and our voices simply harmonize perfectly." In November, Pontillo will come to Pratteln with his new band for the first time. A very special moment for the singer: "The Z7 is my home, I practically grew up with the venue. Here I attended my very first concert and have often played in the supporting act of great bands. The place is legendary, the sound is top-notch, and the whole team is just amazing. I’m already looking forward to this concert. It will be very emotional, as friends and family will all be there. It will be a great celebration."

Doors open: 18:30

NEW ALBUM – OLD RAGE

The NY hardcore legends Pro-Pain are back in action. For the 35th anniversary of the formation, guitarist Eric Klinger has returned. With the album "Stone Cold Anger," there is finally new Pro-Pain music again. The hefty new record shows that the band led by singer/bassist Gary Meskil has lost none of its original force and unrestrained rage from its early days.

Surpassing themselves with each new album is probably the biggest challenge for a band. Especially when eleven years have passed since the last release and the predecessor made quite an impact. To achieve this ambitious goal, Pro-Pain has brought back their old guitarist Eric Klinger. And even the two advance singles from the new album "Stone Cold Anger" (release: May 15, 26) have shown that Pro-Pain need not worry about their reputation as an exceptional presence in the New York hardcore scene. Since their groundbreaking debut album "Foul Taste Of Freedom," which was nominated for various awards in the early nineties, the uncompromising group led by band founder Gary Meskil has earned the affection and respect of countless fans around the world and is rightly considered a true hardcore metal legend today. All albums are hard to surpass in intensity, inspiration, and honesty. And the latest offering is no exception. After the long release hiatus, the hardcore heavyweights are back with album number 16 in a loud way. On their label debut at Napalm Records, the scene icons show themselves from their most explosive side: "Stone Cold Anger" is, as the title suggests, angry and weighs a ton. Pro-Pain has lost none of their power. Exceptionally catchy, the new album supports gripping melodies with both inciting angry and anthemic vocals, making the new songs worthy successors to the 3.5 million times streamed hit "Voice Of Rebellion" (2015). The long-awaited work opens with the hard-hitting "Oceans Of Blood," an energetic track that immediately confirms that Pro-Pain are unstoppable even after three and a half decades. Gary Meskil and his musicians have remained musical and political idealists who have not deviated an iota from their relentless stance. These and other qualities will also be brought to our Z7 stage by Pro-Pain on the occasion of the “35th Anniversary Tour 2026.”

Copyright Photo: n/a

Doors: 7:00 PM

GAGAMANIA TOTAL

Ahoy dear freaks and Gaga maniacs! Hämatom are going on a big concert tour again in 2026 and are coming to us at Z7. It will be loud, colorful, shrill, and quirky - the escalation continues. The "Gagamania Tour" once again brings the brutal, yet chart-compatible mix of provocative lyrics, groovy metal, and New German Hardness to our hall. The special guests J.B.O. and Anstandslos & Durchgeknallt ensure a wild start to a spectacular concert night.

Since their founding in 2004, Hämatom have been delighting fans with their unmistakable powerful sound. They shout out their socially critical messages point-blank and straightforward, and now look back on two exciting and turbulent decades. In 2026, Hämatom invite you to the craziest tour in their band's history. The masks are polished, the amplifiers cranked up to the max - Hämatom return to the stage with full force. With their "Gagamania Tour," these four exceptional personalities not only bring their usual explosive live fireworks but also open a whole new chapter in their band's history. What starts as a normal live show becomes an event that turns all previously known concert nights upside down. Like at a completely crazy carnival, you move from one absurd attraction to the next. And before you know it, a stilt-walking freak hands you cotton candy while you actually wanted to sing karaoke.

After the success of their last album and sold-out shows in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic, Hämatom are ready for a tour in 2026 that breaks all boundaries: wilder, louder, crazier - Gagamania is both name and program. The band promises a unique experience between madness and reality, between brutal metal, gripping hooks, and an audiovisual spectacle that seeks its equal. For this extraordinary tour, Hämatom have brought two very special special guests on board: with J.B.O., the masters of fun metal, anarchic humor meets pink metal power. A guarantee for party and fun at the highest level. Additionally, Anstandslos & Durchgeknallt bring their electronically driving sound, creating completely new sound worlds – somewhere between ecstasy and a state of emergency. These will not be ordinary concerts; they will be true experiences. A brightly shining parallel universe called Gagamania that you won't be able to shake off once you've experienced it. Don’t miss this spectacle. Welcome to "Gagamania 2026."

Doors: 6:00 PM

ADRENALINE AND PASSION

After their triumphant first own "We are One" tour in spring 2024, which exceeded all expectations and was even celebrated in sold-out venues, Rauhbein returns with full force! With their third album Adrenalin, the band brings their unmistakable live energy to the Swiss stage in 2026! Look forward to powerful beats, heartfelt lyrics, and the incomparable, rough voice of frontman Henry – a mix of passionate folk-rock and pure energy that delights the steadily growing fanbase.

Doors: 7:00 PM