Image: Tim Tronckoe [Official Press Photo]
Tommy Johansson has announced that he is leaving Sabaton. His reasons for doing so and the statement from the Swedish Power Metal band can be read here!
Tommy Johansson has been playing guitar for Sabaton for seven years. Now he has made the decision to part ways with the globally successful Power Metal band from Sweden. The reason for this is his numerous other projects, which have not had much space and time alongside a big band like Sabaton. However, the colleagues and friends are parting on good terms, and not immediately.
The News From Sabaton
The remaining four members of Sabaton, Joakim, Pär, Chris, and Hannes, released a message to their fans on Instagram yesterday. In it, they announce that Tommy is leaving the band and wish him all the best for his future. Additionally, Tommy will not disappear from the scene immediately, but will welcome his successor to the band. However, it hasn't been announced yet who will be joining the lineup of Sabaton in the future.
Tommy Says Thank You
But not only his bandmates have given him an emotional message to carry with him. Tommy also thanks everyone in his own post for the long and eventful time with Sabaton. And of course, he will not stop his entire music career. There will be much more to hear from him in the future!
At least on tour with Judas Priest, Tommy will definitely still be there.
After contributing to the last two albums The Great War and The War To End All Wars, a new era for Sabaton is now beginning. The band has already announced that they will be back in the studio early this year. The work on a new album is underway. The theme this time around will be different. However, the new historical theme has not been revealed yet. We are anticipating the news!
Update: Feb 12, 2024 - Thobbe Englund Returns To Sabaton!
After a position as a guitarist in Sabaton opened up, there are now bombastic news regarding the future lineup. Tommy Johansson had replaced his predecessor Thorbjörn "Thobbe" Englund in 2016. Now in 2024, Tommy will be replaced by Thobbe Englund again! In a post on social media, Sabaton finally answered the burning question with a video and ended it with the words "Welcome back! Thobbe Englund." It seems that he couldn't stay away from life with Sabaton for long after all. His statement about leaving had been that he wanted to focus on his own creativity and live a calmer life. Well, now it's this instead:
"Actually, I've been missing these pants a lot. I'm back."
Of course, he is warmly welcomed back by his bandmates. The work on the new album is in full swing with Thobbe. We are excited to see the results!
