Through a statement published on social networks, Sabaton made public the departure of its guitarist, Tommy Johansson, who joined the band in 2016, replacing Thobbe Englund.
“After 7 incredible years in the band, our guitarist, Tommy, has decided to leave Sabaton to follow his own path. We wish him nothing but the best on his journey. “We have been a close-knit family and we will continue to support him in the adventures that await him in the future,” the statement said. “Tommy joined the band in 2016, but he has been a close friend of Sabaton since our first meeting at the end of a concert in 2005. As a valued member of the band, he has contributed to countless immortal memories. Tommy's departure from Sabaton will not take effect immediately. “He will stay on to ensure everything goes well with the change to our next guitarist.”
Johannson also published his own message to the band's fans. “After 7 glorious years of Heavy Metal, I have decided to step down as Sabaton's guitarist. This has been the most difficult decision I have made in my entire life. As many of you know, I do a lot of things outside of Sabaton. I play with another band and with several artists and I have a career as a singer that I have put aside for years to focus on Sabaton. After doing this for seven years, I feel like it's time to start following my heart. This means that I will no longer be touring with my brothers in Sabaton and I will not be meeting all of you lovely Sabaton fans on upcoming tours with the band. A huge thank you to all the dear Sabaton fans for accepting me as their new guitarist in 2016. I am sure they will accept the person who will take over after me.”
