Håkan Hellström at Ullevi: Why the magic still lingers today
There are artists, and then there's Håkan Hellström. Gothenburg's pride, the poet of the people's home, the man who makes the very foundations of Ullevi shake. Even as the years roll by, his songs remain as time capsules for generations of Swedes. No one else can lay their soul bare on stage quite like him, yet still make 70,000 people feel exactly the same thing at the same moment.
The night that became legend – 7 June 2014
For those who were there – and for those who wish they had been – the memory of Håkan Hellström at Ullevi on 7 June 2014 is still razor-sharp. It wasn't just a concert; it was a collective heartbeat. When he walked out onto that stage, sporting his signature hat and that look in his eye – part shy, part utterly commanding – we knew something magical was about to unfold. He truly tore his heart out that night, and the crowd gave it right back with the same raw energy.
The songs we know by heart – "Känn ingen sorg för mig Göteborg", "Det kommer aldrig va över för mig" and, of course, "Hela huset" – echoed around the arena in one long, communal singalong. It was a reminder of why Håkan Hellström is more than just an artist; he's an institution.
Three moments from Ullevi etched into memory
- When he sang "En vän med en bil" and the whole stadium bounced. The ground swayed, people were crying and laughing all at once.
- The guest appearance from none other than Sylvia Vrethammar. A surreal and wonderful duet that only Håkan could pull off.
- The encores that never seemed to end. He'd leave the stage, come back, leave again – nobody wanted to go home.
What's happened since then?
Since that June evening in 2014, Håkan has continued to surprise. He's released albums, filled Ullevi again (in 2017 and 2022) and shown he's constantly evolving. But the question on many people's minds is: can he top 2014? Some concerts are so perfect they almost become a burden, but Håkan doesn't seem to care. He does what he's always done – walks out on stage and gives it his all, whether it's for 50 people in a dive bar in Majorna or 70,000 at the national arena.
One of the country's most respected music critics described it as Håkan putting on a "raw spectacle", giving the audience a genuine insight into his unique artistry. It's not about perfection; it's about authenticity. And that's precisely why Håkan Hellström is still relevant. In an age of autotune and choreographed pop acts, he stands there with his guitar and his raspy voice, reminding us that music can actually mean something.
The future? It's already here
Rumours are circulating about new songs, possibly a tour next year. But it almost doesn't matter. Because no matter what Håkan Hellström does next, we know one thing: when he steps onto that stage again, we'll be there. And we'll be singing along to every single bloody song, from the first note to the last. Because Håkan isn't just an artist. Håkan is Sweden.