Göteborg’s Scandinavium arena reverberated with a familiar energy this past Friday night as Håkan Hellström brought his indoor tour to a close, delivering a performance marked by both resilience and anticipation for the summer shows ahead. Despite battling a persistent throat virus, the Swedish singer-songwriter captivated a sold-out crowd of 13,000 fans, a testament to his enduring connection with audiences after a quarter-century in music. The concert, the second of two consecutive nights in his hometown, served as a powerful reminder of Hellström’s status as a cultural icon, even as subtle hints of evolution peeked through the well-worn setlist.
The atmosphere inside Scandinavium was electric even before Hellström took the stage, with a curated playlist featuring Swedish classics like “Mälarö kyrka” and “Michelangelo” setting the mood. This careful selection underscored the evening’s theme: a homecoming. Hellström’s own discography is rich with anthems born from the west coast, and songs like “Din tid kommer” and “Nordhemsgatan leder rakt in i himlen” were met with a fervor that confirmed their status as modern classics. Of course, “Känn ingen sorg för mig Göteborg,” the song that arguably defines his career, was a communal experience, sung with a passion that transcended its already ubiquitous presence in the Swedish cultural landscape. The song’s impact, even after countless performances, remains undeniable.
A Delicate Balance: Energy and Illness
Having witnessed three shows on this indoor tour, a clear picture emerges. Hellström has successfully translated the expansive energy of last year’s massive Ullevi concerts – Scandinavium offers a more intimate, yet still powerful, setting – into a contained arena experience. From the opening chords of “River en vacker dröm,” the audience was engaged, responding to Hellström’s playful gestures and heartfelt connection. However, the visible strain of a viral infection – “Ni kommer få en extra dålig sångröst idag!” he reportedly warned the crowd – occasionally impacted his vocal delivery. This, in turn, placed a greater responsibility on the audience to carry the songs, and they readily accepted the challenge, transforming moments of vocal struggle into collective singalongs.
Håkan Hellström hade konsert i Scandinavium under fredagskvällen.
Foto: HANNA BRUNLÖF
The Band and the Familiarity Factor
Hellström’s twelve-piece band provided a solid foundation, seamlessly shifting between energetic boogie and moments of quiet introspection. Their interplay is undeniably polished, a testament to countless hours spent on stage together. However, this precision also hinted at a slight predictability. While the musicianship was impeccable, the performance occasionally felt… rehearsed. Almost every dance move, every musical cue, felt familiar from previous shows. This isn’t necessarily a criticism; it’s a consequence of the scale of the production and the desire to deliver a consistent experience. But it does raise a question: what will the outdoor shows in July bring?
A Passing of the Torch? Valter Nilsson’s Rising Star
Hellström’s decision to largely forgo guest artists on this tour has been a smart one, keeping the focus squarely on his own material and the strength of his band. However, the inclusion of Valter Nilsson, a rising star in the Swedish music scene, felt different. Nilsson joined Hellström for renditions of “Jerry” and “Tro och tvivel,” and while his performance didn’t quite match Hellström’s established energy, it felt less like a collaboration and more like a symbolic passing of the torch. Nilsson, a fellow Gothenburg native and supporter of the local football club GAIS, represents a new generation of Swedish songwriters, and his appearance on stage suggested a potential mentorship, a grooming of the next voice to capture the spirit of the city. Observers have noted Nilsson’s potential for a breakthrough this summer, and his presence alongside Hellström felt like a deliberate introduction to a wider audience.
The setlist, a mix of beloved classics and deeper cuts, included “Magiskt, men tragiskt,” “Gå för glory,” “Evergreen min vän evergreen,” “Pappa, säg ja!”, and a powerful rendition of “En midsommarnattsdröm,” which continues to stand as arguably his finest operate. The encore featured “Svindlande höjder,” “Din tid kommer,” “Det kommer aldrig va över för mig,” and “Du är snart där,” leaving the audience with a sense of both closure and anticipation.
Looking Ahead: Summer Shows and Potential Evolution
As Håkan Hellström prepares to take his present outdoors this July, the question remains: will he embrace spontaneity and introduce new elements to his performance? While there’s no cause for concern – his core appeal remains strong – a slight shake-up in the setlist or performance style would be welcome. The foundation is solid, the band is tight, and the connection with the audience is undeniable. But the opportunity to surprise and delight, to push the boundaries of his already impressive live show, is there. The next confirmed dates are the series of outdoor concerts scheduled throughout July, details of which can be found on his official website. https://hakanhellstrom.se/
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