Håkan Hellström takes over Scandinavium in 2026: "This one's personal"
You almost have to pinch yourself. When Håkan Hellström walks out at Scandinavium this spring, it'll be his first proper indoor tour in a decade. And if anyone thought the buzz might have faded after those magical summer nights at Ullevi in 2022 – when over 210,000 people genuinely had their hearts ripped out – well, think again. Tickets for March 20 disappeared in a flash, and now it's official: there's an extra show on March 19. This isn't just another concert. This is a reunion.
From Ullevi's expanses to Scandinavium's intimacy
It's easy to forget, in the wake of those massive singalong nights at Ullevi, that Håkan actually has a long and loving history with Scandinavium. He first played down there on Valhallagatan way back in 2008. It was something new, something exciting back then. His most recent show on that same stage was in 2016. And now, a decade later, he's back. But the journey here has been anything but straightforward. The music scene in 2022 was all about Håkan Hellström – about those four Ullevi gigs that turned Gothenburg into one massive, collective buzz. To go from 70,000 outdoors to a packed Scandinavium holding around 12,000 is a deliberate artistic choice. It's about closeness. About seeing the creases in his jacket and the sweat on his brow. About genuinely being able to rip your heart out of your chest, as he might have sung himself.
New tracks and old faithful
Right now, the single "Svindlande höjder" is getting plenty of spins on the radio, and in October the new album "Svensk Rost" (Swedish Rust) drops. That's a good sign. The title hints at something tried and true, something with a bit of patina – but that's still solid. Just like Håkan himself. Just like us in the audience. At Scandinavium in March, we'll no doubt hear the new gems, but the real question is whether the old classics will hit hardest. "Känn ingen sorg för mig Göteborg" (Don't Feel Sorrow for Me, Gothenburg), "Det kommer aldrig va över för mig" (It'll Never Be Over for Me) and "Valborg" are sure to echo through the rafters. For one generation, this is the soundtrack to their lives. For another, like 18-year-old Ronja who was first in line outside Scandinavium, it's the discovery of something their parents already knew: Håkan Hellström genuinely connects with every generation. He sings about longing, about getting on it, about love and about everyday life. You can't help but be drawn in.
Need-to-know for the nights
For those lucky enough to have a ticket – or who are still chasing one for Thursday, March 19 – it pays to be prepared. Got Event and the promoters have sent out some handy guidelines:
- Age restriction: 13 years (18 years for standing area), in line with public health recommendations.
- Bags: No total ban, but bags larger than 40x40x20 cm aren't allowed. Leave the backpack at home and just bring the essentials.
- Banned items: Umbrellas (no matter the size!) and e-bike batteries aren't permitted. Keep that in mind if you're cycling.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair spaces are easiest to book through Ticketmaster. Audio description and sign language interpretation are also available via the "Got Event Accessibility" app.
- Food and drinks: If you want to make a night of it, Scandinavium has both Glöd Kök & Bar and Pouls Restaurang serving up meals before the concert.
Personally, I'll be there on the floor, probably with my hands in the air and already losing my voice after the first chorus. Because this isn't just another night at work. This is Håkan Hellström. In Gothenburg. In March. It'll never be over for me. And clearly not for him, either.