
Avatar Announces 2026 UK & European Tour

Swedish metal sensation AVATAR is setting the stage for an exhilarating 2026 with an ambitious and extensive UK and European tour. Fronted by the dynamic Johannes Eckerström, this forthcoming series of performances is slated as AVATAR's most monumental production to date, promising both scale and spectacle to a fervent fanbase. Known for their dark carnival theatrics, the band is determined to push every boundary with this tour, following a successful stint touring with metal legends Iron Maiden and a headline gig in Mexico City titled “Noche De Brujas,” which captivated fans during the Halloween season.
The 2026 tour, which will mark a significant milestone in the band’s 25-year career, is set to kick off on February 5 in Stockholm, Sweden, and conclude on March 13 in Hamburg, Germany. Highlighting their innovative approach to live metal performances, AVATAR will showcase a diverse setlist spanning their illustrious career in various stunning venues. Among the tour’s key features is a Valentine’s Day performance at London's new venue, The Exhibition, situated in a historic Grade II-listed building, accentuating the dramatic flair synonymous with AVATAR’s concerts.
Throughout the tour, avid followers can look forward to opening performances from Alien Weaponry, adding further excitement to an already thrilling lineup. Eckerström and his bandmates—John Alfredsson, Jonas Jarlsby, Henrik Sandelin, and Tim Öhrström—aim to unveil an entirely new stage experience, highlighting both nostalgic tracks and fresh creations. This energizing mix coincides with the anticipation surrounding their upcoming tenth studio album, which is set for release later in 2025. Produced by Jay Ruston, the album promises a blend of melodic elements and ‘murder riffs,' showcasing AVATAR's evolution in their musical journey.
Expanding on their upcoming album, Eckerström revealed the songwriting process has been significantly influenced by dreams, creating a narrative rooted in surrealism and introspective storytelling. He emphasizes a bold step towards allowing subconscious inspiration to guide the album’s lyrical themes, which resonate with more personal and thoughtful explorations than in past works. This approach has enabled the band to delve into deeper emotional territories, encompassing themes of romanticism and existential musings, thus enriching the complexity and depth of their sound.
In interviews, Eckerström has expressed his view on the importance of evolving as artists to maintain relevance and connection with fans. This philosophy reflects in the band’s ongoing efforts to push creative boundaries, ensuring each album resonates with authenticity and fresh excitement. As such, the upcoming album and tour represent not only a celebration of AVATAR's past achievements but also a commitment to future innovations in the metal genre.
Tickets for the 2026 tour will be available from April 25, offering fans the chance to witness this remarkable spectacle firsthand. With AVATAR’s commitment to delivering an unparalleled live experience, this tour is positioned as a must-see event for metal enthusiasts across Europe and the UK. As AVATAR continues to harness their penchant for theatrical showmanship and robust musicality, their upcoming tour promises to cement their status as one of today’s most electrifying and must-watch metal acts.
AVATAR 2026 European tour dates:
Feb. 05 – Stockholm, Sweden – Fallan
Feb. 07- Helsinki, Finland – Kultturilato
Feb. 09 – Oslo, Norway – Sentrum Scene
Feb. 10 – Copenhagen – Denmark – Vega
Feb. 11 – Osnabrück, Germany – Die Botschaft
Feb. 12 – Brussels, Belgium – A.B.
Feb. 14 – London, UK – Exhibition
Feb. 15 – Manchester, UK – Academy
Feb. 16 – Glasgow, UK – Barrowland
Feb. 17 – Nottingham, UK – Rock City
Feb. 18 – Bristol, UK – O2 Academy
Feb. 20 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Afas Live
Feb. 21 – Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg – Rockhal
Feb. 22 – Zurich, Switzerland – Komplex
Feb. 24 – Barcelona, Spain – Razzmatazz
Feb. 25 – Madrid, Spain – La Riviera
Feb. 27 – Lisbon, Portugal – Lav
Feb. 28 – Bilbao, Spain – Santana 27
Mar. 02 – Lyon, France – Le Cube
Mar. 03- Milan, Italy – Alcatraz
Mar. 04 – Vienna, Austria – Gasometer
Mar. 05 – Munich, Germany – Tonhalle
Mar. 06 – Cologne, Germany – E-Werk
Mar. 07 – Paris, France – Le Zenith
Mar. 09 – Wiesbaden, Germany – Schlachthof
Mar. 10 – Zlin, Czech Republic – Sports Hall Datart
Mar. 11 – Warsaw, Poland – Stodola
Mar. 12 – Berlin, Germany – Columbiahalle
Mar. 13 – Hamburg, Germany – Docks
Friday, April 25 is when tickets go on sale.
Key Takeaways
-
blabbermouth.net | Swedish metal band AVATAR announces a European tour for early 2026, starting with a spectacular headline show in Mexico City on Halloween.
-
chaoszine.net | AVATAR's upcoming world tour promises to showcase their most elaborate live production yet, leading up to their 25th-anniversary milestone.
-
metalplanetmusic.com | The band's European tour includes 16 dates starting in Stockholm, Sweden on February 5 and concludes in Hamburg, Germany on March 13.
-
metalinjection.net | Frontman Johannes Eckerström has mentioned that the tour will attempt to transcend previous boundaries in both size and performance quality.
-
metalinjection.net | AVATAR will kick off this tour cycle collaborating with Iron Maiden, broadening their reach across Europe in summer preceding their own headliner dates.
-
chaoszine.net | In anticipation of their tenth album, AVATAR is working on new material, emphasizing a progression and experimentation in their sound.