Bulgaria 
Greece 
Turkey 
Romania 
Serbia 
N. Macedonia 
⚠️ Note:
This material is experimental AI journalism. Tobias Sammet has not given an interview to RockLive. The quotes attributed to him are an AI simulation of his style of expression, based on real stage banter, interviews, concert archives and public information. No facts have been fabricated. This material should not be shared as a real interview.
RockLive AI Session — a creative interview based on real events, concert archives, stage banter and public information.
Following Avantasia's epic performance at Midalidare Rock In The Wine Valley in 2022, Tobias Sammet and his metal opera are finally coming for a major concert in Sofia. Years after that special festival appearance, marked by the first major concerts after the pandemic, Avantasia once again meets the Bulgarian audience — this time with a new show, new songs and all that massive stage energy.
🤖 AI Memory (RockLive Archive):
"In this 23-minute recording from Midalidare 2022, you can feel the authentic festival atmosphere — smoke, lights, an audience that starts singing even before the chorus, and Tobias Sammet who several times simply stops and listens to the people in front of the stage. This is not just a concert — the moment is charged with emotion and the feeling that music has finally returned."
"The footage was shot by a spectator in the audience with a phone. That's exactly what makes it so powerful — you can feel the real energy of Midalidare and the connection between the band and the people in front of the stage."
🎸 Avantasia in Sofia 2026 — the facts
- 📅 When: June 10, 2026, 8:00 PM
- 📍 Where: Arena Armeec, Sofia
- 🎤 Supporting band: Villian
- 🎟️ Tickets: via Eventim.bg
- 🎶 Tour: Here Be Dragons
🎤 The Interview (AI simulation of style and atmosphere)
RockLive (RL): "Tobias, you're in Sofia on June 10. Why Bulgaria again?"
Tobias (AI simulation):
"Because the audience there isn't just an audience. They know the lyrics. They sing louder than me sometimes. And when you know that some of the people in the hall have seen you before — at Midalidare, or even years ago — that's a different feeling. It's almost like family."
RL: "Many people still remember Midalidare 2022. You replaced Whitesnake literally at the last minute."
Tobias:
"I remember that festival very clearly. It was intense. Not just because we were replacing another band, but because it was one of the first moments after Covid when you see thousands of people in front of the stage again. There was a feeling of relief. As if music was starting to live again."
RL: "In the video, you thank the Bulgarian audience several times."
Tobias:
"Because it was incredible. Really. I remember the people at the front, the people at the back on the field, everyone was singing. And that was only the third week of the tour. I knew it would be good... but I didn't know it would be that good."
RL: "There's a moment where you say: 'Don't put that on YouTube! Celine Dion's gonna sue us!'"
Tobias:
"Ha-ha! Yes... that's part of Avantasia. We've never wanted the show to be sterile. There has to be improvisation, humor, chaos... and a little madness."
RL: "In the recording, there are moments when you just stop and listen to the audience."
Tobias:
"Because sometimes you have to stop to hear what's happening in front of you. Not to check if people know the lyrics, but to feel that you're not alone on stage. That's the magic of live music."
⚔️ From Edguy to Avantasia
Few fans today realize that Avantasia began as a side project of Edguy in the late 90s.
At the time, Tobias Sammet was only 21 and wanted to create a "metal opera" with guest vocalists from his favorite bands.
Over time, the project grew into something much larger — a blend of power metal, hard rock, symphonic metal, theater, fantasy atmosphere and classic rock influences.
Today, Avantasia is one of the biggest live productions in European metal.
🎶 Which musicians are expected on stage in Sofia?
- Tobias Sammet — vocals
- Sascha Paeth — guitar
- Felix Bohnke — drums
- Michael Rodenberg — keyboards
Special guest vocalists are also expected, including:
- Ronnie Atkins
- Tommy Karevik
- Adrienne Cowan
- Herbie Langhans
🔥 Bulgarian support band: Villian
Before Avantasia, Bulgarian rockers Villian will take the stage.
The band has been gradually building a name on the local melodic rock and hard rock scene with energetic live performances and a modern yet classically influenced sound.
For Villian, this is a huge opportunity to play in front of one of the most massive international metal productions coming to Bulgaria in recent years.
And honestly — it's precisely these kinds of concerts that often become the moment a Bulgarian band wins new fans.
🎵 Probable setlist for Sofia
- Creepshow
- Reach Out for the Light
- Dying for an Angel
- The Scarecrow
- Let the Storm Descend Upon You
- Farewell
- The Wicked Symphony
- Lost in Space
- Mystery of a Blood Red Rose
- Sign of the Cross / The Seven Angels
✨ "The best is yet to come"
RL: "What would you say to Bulgarian fans before the concert in Sofia?"
Tobias:
"That the best is yet to come. I remember Midalidare very clearly. And if Sofia is even half as crazy as that evening was — it'll be fantastic."
And perhaps that's exactly what makes Avantasia so special live — not just a concert, but the feeling that for a few hours, reality gives way to one huge metal fantasy story.
💬 Gancho Petrov for RockLive:
"I remember that exact moment from Midalidare. Today, four years later, I'll be there again — phone in hand and among the audience. If you're at the concert in Sofia — come say hello."
🎸 This material was created on an idea by RockLive. AI was used solely for structuring real events, simulating style of speech, and inspiration from archive footage. Not a single quote in this interview is a real statement by Tobias Sammet to RockLive.