Get ready, symphonic metal fans, because Anette Olzon is finally bringing her iconic Nightwish era back to European stages in a way you’ve never seen before! After a 14-year hiatus from touring the continent, the Swedish powerhouse is set to embark on a summer 2026 European tour that promises to be nothing short of historic. But here’s where it gets exciting: this isn’t just any tour—it’s a deep dive into the acclaimed albums Dark Passion Play (2007) and Imaginaerum (2011)*, complete with songs that were never performed live during her time with Nightwish. Yes, you read that right—this is your chance to hear tracks like Amaranth, Bye Bye Beautiful, Storytime, and The Poet and the Pendulum in a way that’s both nostalgic and groundbreaking.
But here’s where it gets controversial... While fans are undoubtedly thrilled, this tour also reignites discussions about Anette’s departure from Nightwish in 2012. Was it due to her pregnancy, as she claimed, or was it a clash of personalities, as the band later stated? The truth remains a topic of debate, and this tour might just reopen old wounds—or heal them. Either way, it’s a moment that demands reflection on the highs and lows of her time with the band.
To sweeten the deal, fans who snag tickets during the exclusive three-week pre-sale (running until February 20 or until tickets sell out) will receive a numbered, personally signed postcard from Anette herself. General sales kick off on March 4, but let’s be honest—you’ll want to be part of this early celebration. Here’s the full list of tour dates, spanning from Finland to Portugal:
- Jul. 25 - Vaasa, Finland
- Jul. 27 - Oslo, Norway
- Jul. 28 - Stockholm, Sweden
- Jul. 30 - Copenhagen, Denmark
- Jul. 31 - Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Aug. 2 - Milan, Italy
- Aug. 3 - Rome, Italy
- Aug. 5 - Athens, Greece
- Aug. 6 - Istanbul, Turkey
- Aug. 8 - Budapest, Hungary
- Aug. 9 - Prague, Czech Republic
- Aug. 11 - Warsaw, Poland
- Aug. 13 - Berlin, Germany
- Aug. 14 - Hamburg, Germany
- Aug. 16 - Frankfurt, Germany
- Aug. 17 - Stuttgart, Germany
- Aug. 19 - Munich, Germany
- Aug. 20 - Vienna, Austria
- Aug. 23 - London, U.K.
- Aug. 25 - Madrid, Spain
- Aug. 26 - Paris, France
- Aug. 27 - Lisbon, Portugal
This tour follows Anette’s successful 2025 Brazil tour, where she first revisited her Nightwish classics as a solo artist. Reflecting on her time with the band, Anette has described it as a rollercoaster of emotions, from the thrill of joining a world-renowned act to the challenges of balancing motherhood with relentless touring. In a 2021 interview, she admitted, “It was both really happy and very, very negative... but it was my dream come true.” Her departure, however, remains shrouded in conflicting narratives. While Anette claimed she was dismissed due to her pregnancy, Nightwish countered that her personality was detrimental to the band’s dynamics. Who’s telling the truth? That’s for you to decide.
Since leaving Nightwish, Anette has carved out a formidable solo career, releasing albums like Rapture (2024) and collaborating with heavyweights like Russell Allen on projects such as ALLEN/OLZON. She also formed THE DARK ELEMENT with Jani Liimatainen, further solidifying her place in the metal world. But this tour? It’s a homecoming—a chance to reclaim her legacy and reconnect with fans who’ve been waiting over a decade for this moment.
And this is the part most people miss... While the focus is on her Nightwish era, Anette’s solo work and collaborations showcase her evolution as an artist. This tour isn’t just about revisiting the past; it’s about celebrating her entire journey. So, whether you’re a die-hard Nightwish fan or a newcomer to her music, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
Thought-provoking question for you: Do you think Anette’s departure from Nightwish was handled fairly? Or was it a missed opportunity for both parties? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments—your take could spark a whole new perspective!
