Sabaton rocked Co-Op Live in Manchester on December 5, delivering an unforgettable show. The Swedish power metal band transformed the venue with a castle set, cannons, and stunning pyrotechnics, entertaining around 10,000 fans in the UK’s largest arena.
The concert kicked off on a satellite stage, where actors portraying Napoleon Bonaparte, Genghis Khan, and Julius Caesar engaged the crowd. Four Knights Templar then marched through the audience, revealing themselves as band members in disguise. They launched the night with “Templars” from their latest album, *Legends*. The band teased their North American fans on Facebook, saying, “In just 2 months, you’ll be vibing to your favourite tracks as Legends On Tour storms across your cities!”
A walkway descended from the ceiling, connecting the satellite stage to the main castle. The 18-song setlist featured five tracks from *Legends* and 13 from their other albums. During the show, the band expressed gratitude to their crew of over 100 people for making the event possible. Lead singer Joakim Brodén humorously suggested that the stage set would be available at Ikea after the tour. Bassist Pär Sundström reminisced about their first gig in Manchester back in 2006.
The night began with the Legendary Orchestra performing orchestral versions of Sabaton songs, starting with “Ghost Division.” The orchestra included percussion, woodwinds, strings, brass, and the Legendary Choir. The atmosphere was electric with fire pillars, cannon blasts, and confetti showers. Brodén even walked through the crowd wearing a gas mask at one point.
While some fan-favorite songs like “Ghost Division” and “Winged Hussars” were skipped, the set included “The Art of War” and closed with “Masters of the World.” Historical figures made appearances during matching songs, with Genghis Khan joining for “Hordes of Khan” and Napoleon for “I, Emperor.” Check out the upcoming tour schedule and grab your tickets!
