Statue Honoring Volbeat as “Forever Band” Unveiled in Copenhagen
Hundreds of fans gathered in Fælledparken yesterday to witness the unveiling of a striking bronze monument honoring Volbeat, Denmark’s most internationally successful rock band, as they were officially recognized as a national “Forever Band.”
The larger-than-life statue, which features frontman Michael Poulsen mid-riff with his iconic guitar and the rest of the band captured in dynamic motion, was commissioned by the Copenhagen City Council in partnership with Denmark’s Ministry of Culture. It celebrates Volbeat’s two decades of global influence, genre-blending sound, and enduring cultural impact.
> “Volbeat didn’t just put Danish rock on the map—they exploded it onto the world stage,” said Culture Minister Ida Søndergaard during the ceremony. “From the grit of heavy metal to the swing of rockabilly, their music resonates across generations.”
The statue was sculpted by Mikkel Rasmussen, a renowned Danish artist known for combining realism with subtle abstract flairs. The base of the monument includes engraved lyrics from fan-favorite tracks like “Still Counting,” “Lola Montez,” and “Seal the Deal.”
Volbeat themselves made a surprise appearance at the unveiling. Addressing a roaring crowd of longtime fans—many of whom wore vintage tour shirts—Michael Poulsen expressed his gratitude.
> “This is beyond anything we imagined when we played our first show in a tiny Copenhagen bar. To be honored like this in our hometown… we’re humbled. We’re not done yet.”
The ceremony ended with a live acoustic performance of “Heaven Nor Hell,” turning the square into an impromptu singalong that echoed through the city.
A Legacy Set in Bronze
Volbeat’s mix of heavy metal, punk, and rockabilly has earned them a massive international following and multi-platinum status in several countries. They’ve performed at iconic venues from Madison Square Garden to Wacken Open Air and have remained a pillar of Scandinavian rock since the early 2000s.
The statue is now part of Copenhagen’s “Legends of Danish Music” trail, joining monuments honoring other Danish musical icons, and is expected to become a landmark for both locals and visiting fans.
As one fan, 28-year-old Freja Nielsen, said while laying a Volbeat vinyl at the statue’s base:
> “They’re not just a band. They’re part of our identity. Volbeat will always be forever.”
