Sabaton part ways with guitarist Tommy Johansson

Internationally acclaimed heavy metallers, SABATON, are gearing up for an epic celebration as they approach their 25-year milestone in the music industry.

Founded in Falun, Sweden, in 1999, SABATON‘s journey has been nothing short of legendary. Their music industry adventures have been fuelled by powerful anthems, 10 studio albums, passionate historical storytelling and explosive international shows and tours, not to mention out-of-the-box initiatives and projects, all of which wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of their dedicated fan base across the globe.

To mark this momentous milestone, SABATON will embark on a year-long celebration. Fans around the world can look forward to a series of celebratory events and an abundance of surprises.

Each month of 2024 will be dedicated to an album from SABATON‘s discography, beginning with “Primo Victoria” and ending with “The War To End All Wars”. Special activities and insights will be provided to grant fans a better understanding of each studio album.

Highlights include album stories, song facts and album listening parties during which band members will reminisce on and discuss their favourite tracks, while sharing never-heard-before experiences with SABATON fans.

Other exciting initiatives include fun games, contests and giveaways that will grant fans the chance to win unique prizes, as well as a limited edition 25-year anniversary merch, including some very exclusive items. Frontman, Joakim Brodén, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming celebration, saying:

“This is a massive milestone for us. Our fans have been with us every step of the way and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this monumental occasion with them. We’re planning some great things that we’ve never done before, and we’re confident that 2024 will be one to remember, especially as we are heading to the studio at the beginning of next year to begin working on new music!”

Meanwhile, bassist and band manager, Pär Sundström, stated:

“It’s hard to believe that a quarter of a century of us playing music and doing what we love the most has passed already. It’s been one hell of a journey, that’s for sure. We sing about history, but looking back we also wrote some history! Stay tuned!”

Unfortunately today the band has announced that guitarist Tommy Johansson who joined the band in 2016 will be disbanding with the group this year after fullfilling his commitments to the band. Sabaton has released an offiial statement around Tommy’s departure and you can read it below:

“IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT TOMMY’S FUTURE WITH SABATON

After 7 amazing years in the band, our guitarist, Tommy, has decided to leave Sabaton to pursue his own path. We wish him nothing but the best on his journey. We have been a close family and we will continue to support him in the adventures that await him in the future.

Tommy joined the band in 2016 but he has been a close friend of Sabaton ever since our first meeting at the end of a concert in 2005. As a valued member of the band, he has contributed to countless immortal memories.

Tommy’s departure from Sabaton will not be effective immediately. He will stay on to ensure that all goes smoothly with the handover to our next guitarist.

While a small part of his large heart will always remain within Sabaton, we all know that he must follow his dreams.

Even though we will not wake up daily in the tour bus next to him, we are sure that our paths will cross again many times in the future, both on and off the stage.

Fly on your wings and strings brother!

/Pär, Chris, Hannes and Joakim”

Tommy Johansson comments his exit from the band:

“My dear friends!

After 7 glorious years of Heavy Metal, I have decided to step down as the guitarist of Sabaton. This has been the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my entire life.

As many of you may know, I do a lot of things outside of Sabaton. I play with another band, perform with various artists, and have a career as a singer that I’ve put aside for years to focus on Sabaton.

After doing this for seven years, I feel it’s time to start following my heart.

This means I will no longer tour with my brothers in Sabaton and will not meet all you lovely Sabaton supporters on the upcoming tours with the band.

I will never quit playing music. I’ll still be touring with Majestica and other projects, but not on the same level as Sabaton of course. I am sure I will meet you lovely fans on the road again in the future.

My brothers in Sabaton and the best crew in the world will forever be my second family and I will miss spending time with all these wonderful people. We had so much fun together every day. I’ve come to learn so much about life, about music and about touring that I wouldn’t have learned anywhere else.

A massive thank you to all you lovely Sabaton fans for accepting me as the new guitarist in 2016. I am certain you will accept the person who takes over after me.

All the best to you all and I’ll see you again soon!

Cheers,

/Tommy”