Running Wild is a German heavy metal band, formed in 1976 in Hamburg. They were part of the German metal scene to emerge in the early to mid-1980s. Although the earlier releases contained satanic themes and imagery, Gerald “Preacher” Warnecke, the guitar player of the band, was studying theology at the time and is a vicar in Cologne now. On April 17, 2009 Rolf announced that Running Wild had split-up. Their last show was at Wacken Open Air on July 30, 2009.

It was recorded for CD and DVD release and appeared as The Final Jolly Roger on June 24, 2011. As of October 21, 2011, Running Wild have reformed and have a new album that is due to be released in April 2012.

The announcement was made on the band's website with a video message from Captain Rolf, where he stated that he has already written 10 songs for the new album. The new album will be titled Shadowmaker and be the band's first album since 2005.