Following their explosive closing show at Bangers Open Air 2025 , Avantasia returns to Brazil for a single show on November 29th. The performance is part of the Here Be Dragons World Tour 2025 and will take place at Vibra São Paulo – tickets are still on sale .
In an interview with Wikimetal , vocalist and founder Tobias Sammet spoke about returning to the country for the second time this year, the band's show at the festival in May, iconic moments in Brazil, the reception of Here Be Dragons , and more. The German also gave a lengthy statement remembering the Maestro of Rock, Andre Matos .
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Wikimetal: In May of this year, you came to Brazil to be one of the main attractions at Bangers Open Air, what was it like performing there?
Tobias Sammet: Short (laughs). From Avantasia's perspective, it was short (laughs). But it was great, it always is. Every time we go to Brazil it's special, even if it's at outdoor events and playing in front of a crowd. At our shows in open-air festivals, I feel that people get a glimpse of who we are. However, our true performances happen when we're the only act. We have more time, more space, and a wider range of options to deliver the complete Avantasia show experience. It was great, the fans were incredible. I only have good memories of the show. Actually, I have memories of all the performances I've done in Brazil, I have to say.
WM: Fans were very surprised by the announcement that the band would be returning to the country with a new show. Was this already planned before the festival or was it something planned afterwards?
TS: I don't know the exact time, but I believe it was later. There was the fact that on this world tour, we wanted and needed to play in countries like Japan, for example. There are also others in Central and Latin America, such as Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Argentina. And when you're there, it doesn't make sense to leave Brazil out, it breaks your heart (laughs). So, we said that if we're going to bring the complete setlist to Latin America, we have to include Brazil again, because we would be there anyway.
However, this time, I must say it was an exception, as we've never done the same album tour twice in the same Latin American country. So we said, "Let's do this and then we'll come back." But if we were to think about it now, I believe the show was planned afterward. We developed the scope of the tour later, but we already knew about the shows in Mexico and Argentina. And, as I said, something would be missing, and it would be wrong to leave Europe without stopping in our beloved Brazil.
WM: Will the setlist be the same or will there be changes?
TS: We're going to repeat some songs. Actually, we're going to base it on that, but with some changes. The Bangers Open Air setlist was a reduced version of what we played on our European tour during March and April of this year. Now, we have more tracks to play. I think we can take some out, but we're also going to include different things. I recently asked the fans what they would like to hear. Many said we should play older songs from The Metal Opera (2001). So I told them, "okay, we can do that," and include some songs from the album that haven't been played in a long time and make subtle changes. But, if I remember correctly, most of the songs performed at the festival will be played again.
WM: Are there any changes in stage production, for example?
TS: We're going to have a more basic structure. Last time, we tried to copy the European production at Bangers Open Air, but it wasn't very good. The guys did a great job, but it wasn't exactly what I had in mind. We'd like to focus on the things that appear on the screen back there. It will be a different show, but it will be good nonetheless, and a little more polished, I think. We won't copy the European show because that would be difficult. We were considering bringing the European structure used in the March and April shows to Latin America, but we're not going to do that. It wouldn't have been possible to get all the necessary permits, bring all the equipment, and fly from country to country in such a short period, especially when we have shows back-to-back. It wouldn't have been possible; it would have ended in disaster. You'd be in a very strange situation (laughs). Waking up on the morning of the show and saying, "The stage isn't here," what will you do? That's why we're trying to build something we can take anywhere, focusing on the band, the screen, the entrances, ramps, stairs, and things like that. It will be different, but I believe it will be great nonetheless.
WM: The band's relationship with our country is very special. Of all the shows you've played here, which one do you consider the most important?
TS: That's a pretty difficult question, because like with albums, where you answer which is your favorite, I always notice things. I don't want to compare things or make them compete with each other. If I think about all the experiences I've had in Brazil, and in other countries too, there have always been so many incredible moments, you know? The Hellfire Club with Edguy and my first time with the band in the country [in 2004 and 2002, respectively], the first Avantasia show [in 2008], our debut with Kai Hansen and Michael Kiske on stage. These are moments you never forget. It was the first time Michael performed in Latin America – in 2010, I believe. The show I did with Andre Matos, may God bless his soul, with Shaman [in 2003 and released as RituAlive ] at Credicard Hall (now Vibra São Paulo), in São Paulo. All these performances are unique in their own way. I only have great memories of the shows in Brazil, it's always been great. We played a lot of venues during the Hellfire Club . Edguy also opened for Slash [in 2012]. Every show has something unique and I wouldn't want to miss any of them.
WM: You mentioned Andre Matos. We all feel his loss and know how tragic it was. What is the emotional weight for you in singing songs that feature his voice here in Brazil?
TS: Well, it's been six and a half years since he passed away. I consider it an honor, and I look back on the funny moments. We've all had time to accept the fact that Andre is no longer here. In that, you perform, look back, smile, and think about the fun things. There are many of them, and I cherish the time I had with him. I did shows with him, I was in the studio, and we even did a sightseeing tour in Rio de Janeiro. Now I can look at it with a peaceful state of mind, but in the beginning it was different. I remember the first show right after his death. I think it was in the Czech Republic, at the Masters of Rock , in 2019. We played “Reach Out For The Light,” and about two or three weeks before, I had done that with Andre by my side. It was extremely difficult. I'm not a person who usually shows it, but I'm emotional about things. I can't hide it most of the time, but I was on stage and I didn't feel good.
Suddenly, I had so many images flashing before my eyes, in my mind, and I was getting into a difficult situation, I can say, for myself. I really had to say, “No, no, no, think about something else, think about something else.” That was difficult, but over the years it got easier. Now, I simply appreciate the fact that Andre was who he was and the gift, the privilege of having had him as a friend, companion, and someone with whom it was incredibly fun to spend time. So, now it’s all right. I think about him when I do this. Now it’s a good feeling, but at the beginning it wasn’t. Before, I thought, “Okay, I’m not going to start crying on stage, I can’t do that.” I’d say things like, “No, no, think about something else, kittens (laughs), or whatever, but don’t remember that.” Make peace with the situation offstage. You’re here to entertain people, not cry on stage. But it was one of the few moments where I was really swallowing hard.
WM: Which songs from Here Be Dragons have stood out, either because of the audience's response or because of your own pride as a composer?
TS: That's also hard to say. I like "Against The Wind" [featuring Kenny Leckremo , vocalist of HEAT ]. It's a typical Avantasia and Tobi track, I'd say. But at the same time, it has a different feel, like a mix between Journey and Helloween. And all of that within the context of Avantasia (laughs). Because the way the melody is formed in the chorus, as well as the chords, are very independent, and yet they work together, but in a very loose way. It's a very slow and spiritual song. I sing with a lot of soul over it, and with double bass drumming in the middle. It sounds like a strange and fast version of Journey's songwriting style, I think. But I also really love it, I think one of my best songs in this style is probably " Creepshow". I know some people will say "Oh, it's only four chords, it could be a KISS , or something like 'Lavatory Love Machine' by Edguy". Yes, because I wrote some of those songs, or rather, most, or all of them.
So, it's very natural that the music has these roots, because it's part of my musical DNA too. But I think "Creepshow" is a song stripped down to its essentials, with a very distinctive melodic line. It's very funny to make songs like that. It was a bit controversial, especially among the more purist power metal fans. Many said, "Oh, that's not 'Reach Out For The Light,' that's Bon Jovi " (laughs), which I don't agree with. I don't think Bon Jovi would ever have written "Creepshow." He wrote better songs, maybe, but different ones, not that one (laughs). But when we played that song, and started the show with it, everyone went crazy. And I thought, "See? If you follow your heart, there's no mistake. I did that when I wrote it... And look where we are, playing in Stuttgart, Madrid, Stockholm, Finland, and wherever. We start the show with it and the audience goes wild."
Looking back, I like to think that honesty pays off, and that people understand the music and enjoy it. I already knew that. When I finished writing, I thought, “This will work well. It will sound great live.” I also knew I would be criticized, because anything that isn’t “The Seven Angels” and “Reach Out For The Light” will generate complaints. But I don’t want to, and I can’t, write “Reach Out For The Light” ten times every two years, you know? (laughs). It’s impossible to do that. It’s a fantastic song, and it can’t be copied. In that way, I believe that “Creepshow” has become an excellent addition to the Avantasia catalog.
WM: How has the album been received?
TS: Good. Very good, actually. It reached number one in Germany, Austria, and had great chart positions throughout Europe. I think we had good reactions. People said it's a very accessible album. It's not heavy, you fall in love with it immediately. And of course, when you release your tenth album, or in my case, my twentieth, if you also count Edguy's, it's natural that the more albums you add to your catalog, the more material people have to compare your new work to. Emotionally, nothing can compete with your favorite band's album. The one you first heard at 16. When you were on a school trip, drinking for the first time, at a party, or playing video games with a friend. That album became the soundtrack of your life, and nothing can compare to that. For these reasons, I need to be prepared and respect the fact that, no matter what I do, there will always be people who will say: "Oh, this album isn't good. I prefer Hellfire Club ." And that's okay, I understand.
When Iron Maiden releases something new, I always say that I was most impressed by Live After Death . Yes, but I was 15 years old. It was the soundtrack of my youth. That doesn't mean Brave New World is worse. In fact, it's a great album, probably as good as The Number Of The Beast . But I listened to it when I was a child. So, of course, it will always be the soundtrack of my childhood, and Brave New World will never be able to take that place.
Now, going back to our albums, I think the reception was very, very good. I couldn't ask for anything better. I always expect some people to say, "This is crap." That's normal. You release a song, ask three people, and each one will have a completely different opinion about what you've done. You'll never please everyone. That's why I believe you should listen to your heart, and not what the record label, a certain fan, or a specific producer is saying.
I mean, I listen to the people around me, people I trust, and they tell me things like, “Maybe you should redo that vocal” or “The second chorus could sound like this.” Then I listen and say, “You’re right. I’ll try again. Do something different.” So, yes, I listen to advice. But generally, you have to follow your heart. It sounds like a meme from those cheap calendars, but it’s the truth. Because if you were to ask everyone for permission, I don’t know, we have over a million followers on Facebook. If I were to ask everyone, I wouldn’t finish before 2047 (laughs). And even then, I wouldn’t get a single opinion on what I should do.
WM: What will the future of Avantasia be after the end of the Here Be Dragons cycle?
TS: We're going to do this tour and then, I don't know. There will probably be a break. We have some European festivals next year, I think 10, if I'm not mistaken. It will be the last chapter of the Here Be Dragons . After that, I'm going to take some time to rest. It will be a while before we return to Brazil. Probably not before 3 or 4 years, maybe. We won't be returning so soon. I still don't know, I have to say, you know, I'm at a point in my life where I'm 48 years old, not yet, but in two weeks. So, when I was 21, I always had a plan. A life plan. "I'm going to do this, then I'm going to do that, and then that, etc.", and we plan our whole lives.
I've reached a point where I just say, "Oh, maybe I'll do some soundtracks, or maybe I don't know" (laughs). What I can say is that I'm already working on music. I always do that, actually. I have some great ideas, really good songs, that already have the basic ideas. I'll keep producing and who knows, I don't know, maybe in 2027, 2028, I'll have a new album ready. I still don't know when it will happen. The truth is, I really don't have a plan. But we'll finish this part of the tour, then we'll do some festivals next year, and that'll be it. And those shows next year will be exclusively in Europe.
WM: Could you send a message to the fans and readers of our website?
TS: Absolutely! Hello, my friends from Brazil and Wikimetal readers, this is Tobi speaking, from Avantasia. I want to thank you all for your support over the past 24 and a half years. Since January 2002, wait, I'm wrong. That's 20, 21 years. No, that's 20. Ah, I'm terrible at math. I'll start again. Hello, everyone! This is Tobias Sammet, from Avantasia. (laughs).
My friends, I want to thank each and every one of you for your loyal support, your affection, and for everything you've given me for almost a quarter of a century. I have no words to express my gratitude, and I can't wait to be back in three weeks in São Paulo to play live for you on November 29th. It's going to be incredible; we're going to experience the best moment of our lives. I can't wait to see you. Once again, thank you for your support!
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