80s Icon Holly Johnson Confirmed to Headline Gothenburg’s New Festival

It is now confirmed that 80s icon Holly Johnson will perform at Gothenburg’s new music festival “Walk In, Dance Out”. At the same time, well-known Gothenburg profiles Stefan Livh and Per Dahlberg are presented as hosts for the festival, which premieres on May 15–16 at Ullevi Plaza, in the heart of the city. Previously announced artists include Bonnie Tyler, Nik Kershaw, Adolfson & Falk with Greg FitzPatrick and Dagge Lundqvist, Emrik (Stonefunkers), Sha-Boom, Freestyle and Swedish Secret Service.

Holly Johnson last performed in Sweden in 1984 as the lead singer of the 80s supergroup Frankie Goes to Hollywood. This appearance follows Holly’s successful European tour in 2025.

Featuring some of Sweden’s and the world’s most iconic artists from the 70s, 80s and 90s, the ambition is clear: to create a recurring public celebration and a new staple in Gothenburg’s event calendar.

Stefan Livh (Rally) and Per Dahlberg are both well-known radio voices in Gothenburg and will guide the audience through the festival evenings with nostalgia, humor and joy.

Holly Johnson, best known as the frontman of Frankie Goes to Hollywood – one of the biggest bands of the 1980s with global hits such as “Relax”, “Two Tribes” and “The Power of Love” – went on to enjoy a successful solo career, with his album Blast topping the charts and producing hits including “Americanos”.

With his charismatic stage presence and iconic status in pop culture, Holly continues to tour internationally and perform to large audiences. More than 40 years after his breakthrough, he will now return to Sweden and Gothenburg for “Walk In, Dance Out” on May 15–16, 2026, where he will perform the hits from his Frankie years along with his solo hits including "Love Train," "The Americans," and "Atomic City."

– This will truly be a nostalgia bonanza beyond the ordinary, featuring Swedish artists with global hits and international stars like Holly Johnson and Bonnie Tyler. It’s instant recognition from the very first note – music that has shaped generations. Our ambition is to create two days filled with community, euphoria and pure dance joy, where the audience can quite literally “walk in and dance out”, says festival director Johan Jörneman of Holger Hund Live AB.

Over two days, Ullevi Plaza will be filled with timeless hits, international stars and Swedish pop history – a festival that combines nostalgia, dance energy and togetherness in a modern urban setting.

Line-up for the premiere year:

Friday, May 15

• Bonnie Tyler

• Sha-Boom

• Freestyle

• Swedish Secret Service

• Hosts: Stefan Livh and Per Dahlberg

Saturday, May 16

• Holly Johnson (the voice of Frankie Goes to Hollywood)

• Nik Kershaw

• Adolfson & Falk with Greg FitzPatrick & Dagge Lundqvist

• Emrik (Stonefunkers)

• Hosts: Stefan Livh and Per Dahlberg

Tickets are available via: ticketmaster.se

The festival takes place at the new Ullevi Plaza in central Gothenburg, with a capacity of up to 8,000 visitors per day. The event area will also feature a wide selection of food trucks and bars, creating a vibrant and social experience in an urban setting.

“Walk In, Dance Out” is a major new initiative with the ambition of becoming an annual meeting place for multiple generations of music lovers – right in the heart of Gothenburg.

Date: May 15–16, 2026
Location: Ullevi Plaza, Gothenburg
Capacity: Up to 8,000 visitors per day

HOLGERHUND LIVE AB

PR & Press Contact: Rickard Werecki Phone: +46 70 717 8008 Email:pr@werecki.com

WERECKI PR-KONSULT
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