Q and A: Hannes Van Dahl (Sabaton)

SWEDISH metal superstars Sabaton played their biggest tour ever in 2023. At the largest arena, the band decided to pull out all stops and film the concert in full, big-screen production mode. That concert, at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome, is now about to be released on cinema screens worldwide, including more than 50 here in Australia. To talk more about this monumental moment in Sabaton’s history, we sat down with drummer Hannes Van Dahl.

Hot Metal: A full concert film is a remarkable thing for any band to do. Well done.
Hannes Van Dahl: “We’re fortunate enough to be able to do it with 16,000 of our closest Dutch friends and it was one of those shows where everything came together so nicely. Production, to the set list, to the show and the vibe in the arena. It was one of those nights and it’s cool that we’re able to share this with everyone who wants to see it.”

HM: It’s amazing that you’ve managed to get so many movie screens around the world to show a film like this. Sabaton is a really huge band in some parts of the world but there’s other places where you aren’t so much – and yet you’ve managed to do this at a global level.
HVD: “I think you’re right. It’s something that we’re still working on and I think one of the most interesting things about this release is that we are working with a small independent distribution company in Sweden called Folket Hus och Parker. And they are a company that usually does indie movies for the Swedish market. So it’s a unique collaboration between us and them. Our Swedish promoter All Things Live have worked country by country to find cinemas that are interested in the movie. Everyone involved has been very surprised about the level of interest. We actually expect – let me think, now – about 1000 cinemas to show the film now. Which is crazy, dude!”

HM: I can’t think of a concert movie by a heavy metal band  – except perhaps Metallica but they’re so far above everyone that it just doesn’t count – that has been shown on so many screens in Australia as what yours will be. You’ve achieved something incredible.
HVD: “I’m happy to hear that and also to see all the hard work from everyone from the bus driver on the tour to the band has paid off. Fuck yeah! I’m super excited. And I get even more excited by talking about it!”

 HM: What was it about that particular show? I’m sure there were others you could have chosen instead, or as well. What was so special about that show?
HVD: “We’ve always had a very special relationship with the Netherlands, in general. Our shows there have always been crazy good and crazy fun, so it’s a good ground to stand on and actually the Ziggo Dome was the biggest venue we played on that tour. It’s a very modern arena so it’s quite ideal for doing those type of productions. It’s very inviting to do that. It’s a few weeks into the tour, which is nice because the band is very comfortable with the show and the setlist. Everybody’s warmed up nicely. It was the perfect spot to do it.”

HM: Was there any extra pressure on you, when you know you’re going in to make a film, or is it just like any other show?
HVD: “That’s a great question. I think there’s definitely an added pressure and maybe also there’s some thinking that it has to be good. This isn’t something that you can decide beforehand, if the show’s going to be good or not. It’s a mutual thing between the band and the audience. Here’s the thing: What makes it a good show? It’s a 50/50 effort. That’s what’s important to remember. People often say ‘thank you for coming and for playing here’. Well, yes, and thank you for showing up! If you don’t show up, we can’t fucking play. We’re deep in this together. The same goes for a live recording like that. But then again, we’ve done it a few times and I think you somehow have to narrow your focus down to what you have to do in that moment. Why am I here? I’m here to play the drums as good as I possibly can and you know what? I’m actually going to try and enjoy this night. That will be my personal focus for the night and try to push the pressure away. That’s the beauty of playing drums. I don’t know about other instruments but you don’t have fucking time to think about a lot of stuff when you play drums!”

HM: You can hide a little bit for everyone, I guess, with all that going on around you. Now, Sabaton really throw yourselves into a lot of projects that are related to your music. It’s almost like you’ve created a universe that revolves around this fascination you have with military history and built this thing that goes beyond the music.
HVD: “If you’re thinking about the stuff on the History Channel and things like that, I guess it’s a case of, what would we want in a band that we were fans of? That’s the line of thinking.” 

HM: Now that the movie is about to come out, what is the immediate plan for Sabaton?
HVD: “The movie is our main focus now – getting that presented in the best possible way – and I’m personally really excited about the release of it. It’s one of those things where you’ve been sitting on it for quite a while and you’re very proud of it. I can’t wait to get it out there and hear what people say about it and hear honestly what people think. Everything from the mix to how it was filmed is a bullseye, and now we’re talking a Dolby mix in a cinema… those fucking kick drums – your chest is gonna feel it!” 

HM: It’s not really something that’s been seen before here. Ghost’s movie was out recently but even that wasn’t quite the same thing. This is a full-on concert experience, which is something you don’t get to see by anyone, really. What are the chances of Sabaton returning to Australia now?
HVD: “We’re in the middle of planning a new album, and part of that is planning tour dates. “

HM: Bring everything with you, all the tanks and stuff!
HVD: “Oh yeah. It was such a great time, last time. Everything from the people and the festival to the food… we love it!”

Find out where you can see The Tour to End All Tours here.