Photo credit: Masayuki Noda
HELLOWEEN’s highly anticipated live album Live At Budokan has officially been released today via RPM. This historic achievement cements their legacy as the first German band to record a live album at Japan’s iconic Budokan arena. Fans can now re-live this landmark performance in various formats, including a 2CD set, a 3LP limited “deluxe edition” (trifold first pressing), Blu-ray, DVD, and digital versions.
Order/listen here: https://helloween.rpm.link/liveatbudokanPR
Presented as an intimate duet by vocalists Andi Deris and Michael Kiske, “Forever And One (Neverland)” not only marks the release of Live At Budokan, but also serves as a fitting conclusion to the era of HELLOWEEN’s self-titled No. 1 album. The song tells a poignant tale of unfulfilled love and has become an essential part of the band’s setlist, creating a unique bond between musicians and fans like no other track in their repertoire. Its emotional intensity reaches new heights in live performances, where HELLOWEEN’s rendition of “Forever And One (Neverland)” promises to give everyone an unparalleled case of goosebumps.
“A beautiful ballad from the pen of Andi. When we sit at the front of the catwalk and I see the emotions on the faces of the audience, I get goosebumps every time. That alone makes it very emotional to sing this song over and over again,” reveals Michael.
Watch the “Forever And One (Neverland)” live video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GwmgC1w4ww
There couldn’t be a more fitting theme for the current happenings in the pumpkin world than “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery,” taken from HELLOWEEN’s iconic recent hit single “Best Time” The final curtain in support of Helloween may have fallen in Tokyo in 2023, but glimpses of the future are already emerging as 2025 approaches. While the band’s yet-untitled new album is taking shape day by day, fans can already look forward to autumn of next year. HELLOWEEN will return triumphantly to the stages of 19 cities to celebrate their 40th anniversary with European audiences, followed by additional tour legs in Asia, North & South America in 2026. Stay tuned and secure your tickets now—dates and info can be found below!
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More from Live At Budokan:
“Best Time (live)” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT1ITfb76-0
“Eagle Fly Free (live)” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwQVCIWocB4
“Save Us (live)” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K05mkUhN-4Q
This release celebrates the grand finale of HELLOWEEN’s epic world tour from 2022 to 2023. Spanning over 30 countries on three continents, the tour was nothing short of a triumph, drawing massive crowds and showcasing the band’s undying appeal, the sold-out concert in Tokyo is the crowning glory of the cycle. Known for their explosive stage presence and high-voltage performances, HELLOWEEN’s shows are fueled by the unique chemistry among the band members. Triple lead-guitar attacks from Michael Weikath, Kai Hansen, and Sascha Gerstner alternate with goosebump-inducing duets from vocalists Michael Kiske and Andi Deris, occasionally supported by Kai Hansen, the band’s original singer and third voice. He also takes the spectators on a journey back in time with a medley from the band’s early days, returning to the origins of their sound – HELLOWEEN, the godfathers of melodic speed metal.
Choosing the Nippon Budokan for this live recording was no coincidence. A venue rich in musical history, it has hosted countless legendary concerts and is an accolade for every music group that has played there. HELLOWEEN are the first German band ever to record a live album in the Nippon Budokan, and for the members it was a dream come true.
Lead vocalist Michael Kiske described the show as “surreal, with the electrifying fan energy creating a magical atmosphere.” Bassist Markus Grosskopf spoke of the venue’s profound personal and historical significance, expressing how humbling and inspiring it was to perform in a place that shaped their own musical journeys.
The live recording’s technical brilliance is another highlight. With 29 cameras capturing every nuance, the production team ensured that each moment of the concert is preserved in stunning detail. This attention to detail means the Blu-ray and DVD versions offer an immersive viewing experience, making fans feel like they are right there in the front row.
The setlist of this live album is a treasure trove of surprises, contains the entire 2-hour+ show and offers a fresh experience compared to previous releases like United Alive [2019]. This thoughtful song selection honors both the die-hard fans craving something new and the band’s rich musical legacy, showcasing their evolution and expansive repertoire.
This live album is more than just a concert recording; it’s a celebration of HELLOWEEN’s enduring impact on the metal scene. It promises to bring the magic of an unforgettable performance straight into fans’ homes, offering a piece of music history that embodies the spirit and energy of a legendary band at their peak
“40 Years Anniversary Tour” – Europe 2025
Very Special Guests: BEAST IN BLACK
17.10.2025 LU Luxembourg – Rockhal
18.10.2025 NL Tilburg – 013
20.10.2025 UK London – Eventim Apollo
22.10.2025 FR Paris – Zénith (Le Villette)
24.10.2025 CZ Prague – O2 Arena
25.10.2025 SK Zvolen – Tiposbet Arena
26.10.2025 HU Budapest – Papp László Sportaréna
28.10.2025 PL Katowice – Spodek
31.10.2025 DE Bochum – RuhrCongress
01.11.2025 DE Hamburg – Barclays Arena
03.11.2025 NO Oslo – Sentrum Scene
04.11.2025 NO Oslo – Sentrum Scene
06.11.2025 FI Helsinki – Helsingin Jäähalli
08.11.2025 SE Gothenburg – Partille Arena
13.11.2025 PT Lisbon – Campo Pequeno
15.11.2025 ES Madrid – La Cubierta de Leganés
19.11.2025 IT Milan – Forum
20.11.2025 CH Zurich – The Hall
22.11.2025 DE Stuttgart – Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle
Tickets & info:www.helloween.org
HELLOWEEN are:
Michael Kiske | vocals
Andi Deris | vocals
Kai Hansen | guitars, vocals
Michael Weikath | guitars
Sascha Gerstner | guitars
Markus Grosskopf | bass
Daniel Löble | drums
More on HELLOWEEN:
helloween.org | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube | RPM
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About Reigning Phoenix Music
Founded in 2023, Reigning Phoenix Music is truly the 100% independently owned vision of music industry professional Gerardo Martinez and avionics and tech entrepreneur, Sven Bogner. The blueprint is to continue to help heavy metal, extreme, hard, and heavy music thrive by partnering with an array of well-established acts, new talent, and iconic artists, by offering best services and practices in the industry. But most important is to help the artists amplify their art and talent to a winning formula for success. The label recently opened a new office in London, UK.
Don’t forget to subscribe to Reigning Phoenix Music onYouTube to stay updated and listen to “Forever And One (Neverland) (live)” along with other new tracks in the RPM New Releases playlist on Spotify. Subscribe here: https://rpm.link/spotifynewreleasesPR.
More on RPM:
reigningphoenixmusic.com | Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | YouTube