This Man Holds the World Record for Over 560 Piercings—But He Wasn’t Always This Way

Today, he has more than 560 piercings covering his body, earning him a place in the Guinness World Records. In addition to the piercings, he has horn-shaped implants in his forehead, and his body is nearly entirely covered in tattoos.

But perhaps the most fascinating part of his story? He used to be an ordinary office worker—and he didn’t get his first piercing until the age of 40.

To see what he looked like before the transformation, check the first comment.

When you see Rolf Buchholz today, it’s hard to believe that he once lived a completely conventional life. Born in Dortmund, Germany, Rolf earned a university degree in telecommunications and worked for many years at a major IT company.

Back then, he was quiet—almost invisible. But deep inside, he carried a longing. A desire for freedom. A need to express himself in ways he never could behind a desk.

Everything changed after he turned 40. That’s when he got his first tattoo. Then came a piercing. Then another. And that was the beginning of a remarkable transformation—one that would eventually lead him to become a world record holder.