Håkan Hellström at Ullevi: Why the magic lives on
There are artists, and then there’s Håkan Hellström. Gothenburg’s pride, the people’s poet, and the man who can make the very foundations of Ullevi shake. Even as the years roll by, his songs remain timeless markers for generations of Swedes. No one else can bare their soul on stage quite like him, while making 70,000 people feel exactly the same thing at the same time.
The night that became legend – 7 June 2014
For those who were there – and for those who wish they were – the memory of Håkan Hellström at Ullevi on 7 June 2014 is still incredibly vivid. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a collective heartbeat. The moment he stepped onto that stage, wearing his signature hat and that look that's both shy and completely commanding, we just knew something magical was about to happen. He truly poured his heart out that night, and the crowd gave it right back with the same energy.
The songs we all 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 massive, non-stop 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 surprise guest appearance by none other than Sylvia Vrethammar. A surreal and wonderful duet that only Håkan could pull off.
- The encores that just wouldn't end. He’d leave the stage, come back, leave again – no one wanted to go home.
What's happened since then?
Since that June evening in 2014, Håkan has kept on surprising us. He's released albums, filled Ullevi again (in 2017 and 2022) and shown that he's constantly evolving. But the question on many people's minds is: can he ever top 2014? Some concerts are so perfect they almost become a burden, but Håkan doesn't seem bothered. He just does what he's always done – gets up on stage and gives it his all, whether it's for 50 people at a small gig in Majorna or 70,000 at the national arena.
One of the country's most respected music critics described a Håkan show as a "raw spectacle" that gives the audience a true insight into his unique artistry. It's not about perfection; it's about authenticity. And that's exactly why Håkan Hellström remains so relevant today. In an era of autotune and highly choreographed pop acts, he stands there with his guitar and his imperfect voice, reminding us that music can actually mean something.
The future? It's already here
There are whispers of new songs, maybe a tour next year. But honestly, it almost doesn't matter. Because no matter what Håkan Hellström does next, one thing's for sure: when he steps onto that stage again, we'll be there. And we'll be singing along to every single damn song, from the first note to the last. Because Håkan isn't just an artist. Håkan is Sweden.