With bands like Hammerfall, At the Gates and In Flames from the city, it’s no wonder that Gothenburg is often called Sweden’s hard rock city. In addition, the death metal style The Gothenburg sound originates from here, with bands such as the aforementioned In Flames and At the Gates as well as Dark Tranquillity as pioneers. The band At the Gates is said to have been the first to lay the foundation for the genre with the debut album The Red In The Sky Is Ours from 1992. For many years Gothenburg also had perhaps the best metal festival in the Nordics, Metaltown, and from Gothenburg also comes Motörhead’s old drummer Mikkey Dee. In the city there are also loads of bars, restaurants and music shops linked to the genre, and here we list some favourites. In addition, we give tips on the upcoming hard rock concerts in the fall!

Metal and rock concerts in Gothenburg

Here we’ve listed a selection of upcoming hard rock and metal concerts. You can find a full list of current events in our event calendar. Read more about the concerts in our events calendar.

Restaurants and bars

Restaurang 2112

2112, founded by the Gothenburg metal band In Flames, is a beer bar and hamburger restaurant located on Magasinsgatan. Here, the focus is mainly on always having a solid beer selection and hamburgers of the best quality. Here you find yourself in a relaxed environment with rock music in the speakers and music memorabilia on the walls. A warm welcome to a visit you will never forget.

Blackbird

At Blackbird you’ll find fresh and well-prepared dishes with international and Swedish flavours. Here, vegan food is prepared from scratch with ingredients such as seitan, tofu and tempeh. Hard rockers, punk rockers and metalheads who are hungry for a first-class vegan meal also gather here.

Dirty Records

In the premises on Andra Långgatan the cafe and restaurant Dirty Records for both music and food experiences. Here you can browse among used vinyls and CDs, have lunch or dinner and listen to DJs. The menu focuses on vegetarian dishes inspired by the Mediterranean and in the bar you will find a nice selection of beers, but there are also fun wines to choose from.

Rockbaren

The iconic bar Rockbaren, located on Kristinelundsgatan 14 right next to Kungsportsavenyn, is a bit of an institution for all hard rockers in Gothenburg. This bar has attracted both the curious newbie to the most die-hard rock lover for decades, and is still up and running.

Kings Head

The Andra Lång bar Kings Head, which can be found at the bar street Andra Långgatan 32, is a classic, and not only hard rockers hang out here, but is also a hangout for both students, passers-by and happy Gothenburgers.

The Abyss

The Abyss describes itself as a Heavy Metal Bar with good food, cheap beer and awesome gigs. Both quiz and karaoke nights are held here, and frequently bands whose genres span everything from black metal and death metal to 80s glam rock and classic rock ‘n’ roll perform here. The bar can be found at a convenient distance from Kings Head, at Andra Långgatan 35.

Crippas Café

An obvious stop in Majorna for anyone who loves music, good vibes and good vegan food. Everything from stand-up performances to art exhibitions and live gigs is also arranged here. Dogs are welcome!

Music stores

Andreassons Musik

Andreassons Musik at the street Odinsgatan 9 has a solid history. The store opened as early as 1949, and during the 50s and 60s the influence of rock’n’roll from England and the United States became increasingly greater. In parallel with this, the range of electric guitars and electric basses became a large part of the range. In the early 80s, the store was renamed Andreasson Musik, and customers’ interest in synthesizers and keyboards grew. Over the years, the shop has attracted musicians from near and far, not least artists who have visited Gothenburg. One of many memorable customer visits was when the members of ABBA were in town, and themselves came in to buy cables they needed for a concert. Another was when Elvis’ bass player, Jerry Scheff, recently stopped by the store to buy himself a new Fender bass.

Musik Utan Gränser

The music store MUG (Musik Utan Gränser), which you’ll find at the street Kaserntorget 9, sells musical instruments such as electric guitars, electric basses, acoustic guitars, drums, pianos and keyboards, in other words close to everything you can imagine in and around a modern rock band. At MUG you’ll also find most things in the way of studio equipment, including vocal facilities and PA. School instruments for both adults and children are also available here.

Gitarren

At the music store Gitarren at the street Skanstorget 10 you’ll find one of the Nordic countries’ largest selection of guitars and other stringed instruments. Here you will find the most popular brands and there are also always alternatives for the beginner. The staff, which consists of musicians and guitar technicians, ensures that the range maintains a high quality.