Nightwish is one of the most popular symphonic metal bands in the world. Since forming in 1996, the Finnish group has released nine studio albums and toured extensively around the globe. However, it’s been a few years since their last tour, leading fans to wonder: Will Nightwish tour again?
When was Nightwish’s last tour?
Nightwish’s most recent tour was the Decades: World Tour 2018/2019. This massive tour in support of their compilation album Decades saw the band playing over 100 shows across Europe, North America, Australia, Asia, and South America. It kicked off in March 2018 in Guadalajara, Mexico and wrapped up in November 2019 in Helsinki, Finland.
The Decades World Tour was Nightwish’s longest and most extensive tour to date. It marked the end of a tour cycle that lasted over two years in support of their 2015 album Endless Forms Most Beautiful and the Decades compilation.
Why has it been so long since their last tour?
There are a few reasons why it’s been over three years since Nightwish toured:
- They needed a break – After touring extensively from 2018-2019, the band deserved a rest. Long tours can be grueling and take a toll both physically and mentally.
- The COVID-19 pandemic – The global pandemic that started in early 2020 put a halt on nearly all touring for over two years. This greatly affected Nightwish’s ability to plan or announce a new tour.
- Writing and recording a new album – Nightwish spent time during the pandemic writing and recording their upcoming 10th studio album HUMAN. :II: NATURE., which is set for release in April 2023.
In summary, the long gap since their last tour has been due to much-needed rest, the COVID-19 pandemic hindering live events, and the band focusing on creating new music.
Have Nightwish made any indication they will tour again?
Yes, Nightwish has made it very clear they intend to tour the world again soon.
In an October 2022 interview, bandleader Tuomas Holopainen stated Nightwish plans to launch a world tour shortly after their new album arrives in April 2023. Additionally, the band has already announced a string of European festival dates for summer 2023.
So even without an official tour announcement yet, all signs point to Nightwish returning to the road in 2023 to support their forthcoming album across different regions.
Confirmed Nightwish Tour Dates for 2023
Here are the festival shows Nightwish has confirmed so far for 2023:
Date | Festival | Location |
---|---|---|
June 7 | Greenfield Festival | Switzerland |
June 17 | Graspop Metal Meeting | Belgium |
June 23 | Tuska Festival | Finland |
While just three festival dates so far, this indicates Nightwish is ready to return to touring in summer 2023. More tour dates and locations will likely be announced leading up to the album release.
What can fans expect from a new Nightwish tour?
When Nightwish launches their next world tour, fans can expect a spectacular live show with new music and production. Here are some things the tour could include:
- New songs – The setlist will likely feature plenty of songs from HUMAN. :II: NATURE., their first new album in over 5 years. Expect to hear fresh Nightwish material live.
- Revamped production – Nightwish concerts always boast impressive lighting, screens, pyrotechnics and theatrics. Their next show will raise the bar even higher.
- Longer sets – With 9 albums of material to choose from, expect marathon sets of over 2 hours each night.
- New cover songs – The band often plays covers live, usually songs from bands like Pink Floyd, Gary Moore, or Andrew Lloyd Webber. New surprises are likely.
- Expanded touring lineup – Added musicians could join the core five members to flesh out the live sound even more.
Fans can anticipate an upgraded live experience that captures the essence of Nightwish’s music and energy. The next evolution of their already spectacular live shows.
How long will the tour last?
It’s too early to know for sure, but based on past world tours, Nightwish will likely tour for 1-2 years in support of their new album.
Their recent Decades World Tour lasted over two years from 2018-2019. However, this tour was abnormal for also promoting a compilation album in conjunction with their last studio album.
A better comparison is their Imaginaerum World Tour in 2012-2013. This tour in support of just one studio album ran for about one year straight. It hit Europe, North America, Asia, and South America.
Therefore, a realistic prediction is Nightwish touring for around 12-18 months following the April 2023 album release. This allows them to headline shows and play festivals across multiple continents.
In summary, fans can likely expect a Nightwish world tour running from roughly mid-2023 through late 2024.
What are the chances they announce a new tour and dates soon?
The chances are very high that Nightwish formally announces a new world tour in late 2022 or early 2023.
Based on past album cycles, the band usually announces a new tour about 1-3 months before releasing a new studio album. This gives them time to reveal tour dates shortly after the album drops.
With HUMAN. :II: NATURE. set for release on April 10, 2023, an official tour announcement should be imminent between now and February 2023.
The band already has some festivals booked next summer, so extensive new tour dates across Europe and North America seem highly likely to follow. More countries could be added as well.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, fans should expect exciting Nightwish tour news in just a few short months as the next album cycle ramps up.
Will they play in new countries?
Nightwish has already toured extensively, but there are still some places they have yet to perform.
Here are some countries and regions the band could visit for the first time on their next world tour:
- China – They’ve never performed here despite metal and rock music growing in popularity.
- South Africa – An area with many loyal Nightwish fans they have not yet played for.
- South America – Besides a few dates in Brazil, they’ve never done a full tour of the continent.
- Southeast Asia – Countries like Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand seem possible for first-time shows.
- Middle East – Places like Dubai or Tel Aviv would be new territory for Nightwish.
The band has discussed wanting to bring their live show to fans everywhere. This next tour seems like a perfect time to make stops in new countries that have yet to witness Nightwish’s phenomenal concert experience.
How expensive will tickets likely be?
Based on past tours, Nightwish concert tickets are not cheap, but not overly expensive either, especially relative to other popular arena bands.
Here are some average ticket price ranges fans can expect for a Nightwish world tour:
- General admission/floor seats: $50 – $100 USD
- Lower level arena seating: $70 – $150 USD
- Upper level seating: $30 – $70 USD
Of course, prices vary by specific location and venue. Opening acts could also affect prices. But in general, these ranges are reasonable estimates Nightwish fans can plan for when securing tickets.
Compared to some bands, Nightwish offers fans great value for a spectacular live show experience at their ticket price point.
When can fans expect tickets to go on sale?
With an official tour announcement likely between late 2022 and early 2023, fans can expect tickets for most shows to go on sale in early 2023.
Nightwish will likely start selling tickets for newly announced dates about 1-2 months prior to each show. So tickets for summer festival shows are already available or will be soon. Tickets for fall and winter legs of the tour would go on sale closer to those dates.
Here is an estimated Nightwish ticket on-sale timeline:
- Summer 2023 (festivals): On sale now or soon
- Fall 2023: June/July 2023
- Winter 2023: August/September 2023
- Spring/Summer 2024: December 2023/January 2024
Subscribers to the band’s email list and fan club will often get first access to presale tickets before the general public on-sale. So subscribers definitely have an advantage getting the best tickets first.
Conclusion
After over three years since their last tour, all indications point to Finnish symphonic metal giants Nightwish returning to the world’s stages in 2023.
An extensive tour is extremely likely to begin next summer coinciding with their long-awaited new album. Fans can expect announcements with dates and locations in the coming months.
When the tour kicks off, Nightwish will certainly deliver an awe-inspiring live performance with new music, incredible production, and unforgettable energy. After years of waiting, the next Nightwish tour promises to be well worth the anticipation.