Swedish power metal titans SABATON have announced the postponement of their upcoming North American "Legends On Tour" run, citing health concerns for bassist and co-founder Par Sundstrom. The band released a statement via social media on January 28 explaining that Sundstrom is currently dealing with inflammation in his arms and has been advised by medical professionals to rest for proper healing.
"Performing on stage means everything to us, but health must come first," the band wrote in their statement to fans, adding that they are already working to secure rescheduled dates. The postponement affects a major stretch of dates that was scheduled to launch on February 9 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and run through April 20 in Vancouver, British Columbia, hitting major North American markets including Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, and several Canadian cities along the way.
The tour was set to feature support from POP EVIL and WINGS OF STEEL, both of whom will be part of the rescheduled routing when new dates are confirmed. SABATON have been one of the most consistently touring bands in power metal over the past decade, building a massive global following through relentless live performances and their signature brand of historically-themed anthems.
Sundstrom co-founded SABATON alongside vocalist Joakim Broden in Falun, Sweden in 1999, and has been a constant presence in the lineup through all ten of the band's studio albums. His bass work and stage presence are integral to the SABATON live experience, making a tour without him inconceivable to the band.
Importantly, SABATON confirmed that their European summer festival dates remain unchanged, suggesting that Sundstrom's condition is expected to improve with adequate rest. The band has a packed schedule of major European festival appearances confirmed for the summer, and those remain on track. Fans holding tickets for the postponed North American dates are advised to retain their tickets, as they will be honored for the rescheduled shows. Refund options will also be available through the original points of purchase.