Sabaton – The Legendary Tour

24 metres of pure engineering power in the air

 

When the metal band Sabaton goes on tour, they don't do things by halves.

For 'The Legendary Tour', the stage was positioned right in the middle of the audience. 

No symbolism. No half measures. Just a genuine connection.

The solution was a 24-metre-long flying catwalk designed to look like a medieval drawbridge, hovering above thousands of fans and integrated into a monumental castle-themed stage set.

This is exactly where we come in. 

Together with Motor Stage Automation, we developed a system that looks spectacular and is perfectly designed in terms of statics, logistics, and touring technology.

Behind the Scenes

The film ‘The Automation and Rigging Behind Sabaton's The Legendary Tour’, produced by Event Elevator, offers a detailed insight into the technical implementation of the tour.

In it, Motor Stage Automation project manager Jimmy Johnson explains the development of the M:CAT system and the integration of the MLT FOUR Pre Rig Truss, as well as the production's automation and rigging structure.

Watch the film now!

24 m flying catwalk in drawbridge design – safely suspended above the audience

Built for dynamism. Designed for touring.

The project is based on the developed M:CAT system. The modular flying catwalk has been specially designed to withstand high dynamic loads and to allow for quick assembly and disassembly.

The 3 x 2 metre catwalk segments allow spans of 6, 9 and 12 metres and more with clearly defined load parameters. Both the modules themselves and the railing system are connected using the proven HOFKON system. Modified HOFKON 400-4 HD trusses are used as the supporting structure.

The 3-metre segmentation corresponds to the truck dimensions, enabling space-saving transport of the catwalk on lorries. This means the system meets key touring requirements: fast load-in, efficient assembly and quick dismantling – even for tightly scheduled arena productions.

Above the M:CAT-system, our MLT FOUR operates as the supporting structure, carrying the chain hoist

MLT FOUR as load-bearing system base

Our MLT FOUR Pre Rig Truss forms the central supporting function within the structure. It not only absorbs loads, but also forms the structural interface to the automation system and all dynamic movement sequences.

The open bottom truss design allows the automation components to be integrated directly into the system – efficiently, compactly and without additional substructures. This results in clear load paths, a compact design and maximum structural stability.

For this project, 1.25-tons motorised chain hoists were pre-assembled and integrated into the structure. This allows the construction to be moved safely, in a controlled and dynamic manner – while also offering high load-bearing capacity and suitability for touring.

Holistic system integration for lighting and cable management

HOF systems were also consistently used for lighting and cable rigging. The MLT THREE Pre Rig Truss is used as a pre-assembled light support that enables continuous lines of light.

The MLT TWO is used both as a pre rig truss for lighting and as a structured cable management system.

The MLT TWO and THREE are compatible to each other and can be prepared in the warehouse, for fast build-up and dismantling on site. 

Let's talk

Crazy ideas that no one else dares to try?
The crazier, the better!
Feel free to contact us, we look forward to every new challenge and will surely find a solution together with you.

COntakt US

  • everything from a single source

    At HOF, everything comes from a single source: With our team of designers, structural engineers and engineers and on-site production in Germany, we guarantee professional advice and implementation from the initial idea to assembly - for great success.

  • CERTIFIED & SAFE

    We are a TÜV Nord certified company and have, among others, the certifications according to DIN EN 1090-3 to manufacture load-bearing components and kits for aluminium supporting structures up to EXC3, as well as DIN EN 1090-2 to manufacture load-bearing components and kits for steel supporting structures up to EXC2 for use above persons.

SUCCESSFUL REFERENCES SAY MORE THAN A 1000 WORDS.

MISSION: ROYAL STAGE. NAILED IT.

WHEN CONSTRUCTION TURNS INTO PERFORMANCE

The Royal Ballet and Opera London was facing clear limitations: increasing load requirements, hoists with a maximum capacity of just 420 kg, and a structurally restricted installation height. The solution wasn’t an adjustment – it required a complete redesign. HOF developed a custom lightweight construction based on MLT FOUR, MLT THREE, and HOFFORK 350-5 – precisely engineered for the world stage in London. The result: around one third less weight (7.9 t → approx. 5.3 t), reduced installation height (4.7 m → 4.0 m), and a 25 m vertical travel range. At the core: five newly developed 21-meter battens, each divided into three independently movable sections. Maximum flexibility, maximum efficiency – ready for any production. From concept and engineering to installation in Covent Garden: all in-house, all HOF. The project film shows the entire process: engineering, teamwork, and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights.

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WHEN ENGINEERING TAKES OFF:

Flying catwalk – developed and implemented for Sabaton's 'The Legendary Tour'.

For this tour, the catwalk had to be even bigger: a 24-metre structure designed to look like a medieval drawbridge, positioned directly above the audience. HOF developed and implemented this special construction in collaboration with Motor Stage Automation.

At the beginning of the show, the catwalk disappears almost invisibly into the arena's roof. At the decisive moment, it descends, transforming the space into a genuine 360° performance zone. The band suddenly finds itself right in the middle of the action – closer couldn't be possible.

The technical basis is the combination of the M:CAT system and the MLT FOUR Pre Rig Truss. The result is a highly resilient, dynamic structure that seamlessly integrates into the automation system, offering maximum stability even at 24 metres in length.

This project demonstrates what can be achieved when engineering and performance work together seamlessly, from the initial idea to structural analysis, system integration and final implementation.

Click here for the complete reference!

TAKE THAT's “PRE RIG WATERFALL TRUSS”

A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES

When Take That announced their "This Life On Tour" tour, fans knew they were in for an unforgettable experience. One of the highlights of the tour is a waterfall of pre rig trusses.
Our MLT THREE pre rig trusses were chosen for their strength and durability. The setup involved suspending custom water tanks (260cm wide) in 3 metre sections of MLT THREE trusses, carrying up to 3 tons of water over a span of 9 metres.
Each tank contained two pumps, controlled via DMX, which released approximately 1,000 litres of water per minute onto the stage's waterfall tray. A custom-built frame held the tank securely in the truss and allowed for precise adjustments to ensure the trays were perfectly level. At the end of each truss section were control cabinets housing DMX decoders, VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives), relays and other control components.

You can find more information about the project on the blog of our sales partner Entedi:
https://www.entedi.com/post/unveiling-the-creative-process-behind-take-thats-pre-rig-waterfall-truss-from-hof

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WHEN A THRILLER TAKES THE STAGE

SPECTACULAR STAGE DESIGN FOR FITZEK`S BIGGEST READING SHOW

When a bestselling thriller author goes on an arena tour, the stage cannot be standard. With his 2024 arena tour, Sebastian Fitzek proved that a reading can become a show — one that is gripping, spectacular, and unforgettable. Over 160,000 fans in 15 cities experienced it firsthand. At the center was a 12-sided arena stage with a turntable that gave Fitzek a full 360-degree presence. Every glance and gesture was visible to everyone.

Our MLT TWO PRE RIG TRUSS provided the breathtaking stage design and was installed as a movable truss circle above the stage. Individually movable LED screens were attached to it. This setup enabled many exciting effects, making the show something very special! Our HOFBOLT 200-2 and HOFKON 290-4 were installed in the circle to attach lighting elements that enhanced the atmosphere. Our modular truss systems demonstrated their ability to provide maximum flexibility and seamless integration of LED and lighting technology. 

In conclusion: Fitzek's arena tour was a literary event and a powerful statement for modern stage design and innovative truss and show technology with a wow factor.

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Let the show begiN!

Jan Delay & co create a great atmosphere in St. Gallen

The opening days of the St. Galler Kantonalbank Hall were a full success. Stagelight Switzerland conjured up an impressive show with our products! Our MLT TWO and ONE Pre Rig trusses, the HOFFORK 350-5 and our POST Dollies were used.
The MLT TWO and ONE proved once their strengths, especially when it comes to saving time during set-up and dismantling. The MLT TWO and ONE were used as front trusses as well as trusses for a large part of the stage effect lighting equipped with Robe iForte in the stage area.
Stagelight used our HOFFORK 350-5 for the LED walls on stage. On the stage itself, our POST Dollies, equipped with MLTs, were used for various vertical applications.

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holy shit...!

THE META CUBE STAGE

For the Oslo shows of the truly unique Norwegian hip hop group KARPE, the artists wanted a Meta cube as a main element for the show.

This time, it was not about a simple flown stage area like in 2017. This time, the flying stage got a moveable hood in the sizes of approximately 12 x 12 x 3.5 metres: the Meta Cube.

The complete flown construction was covered with Plexiglass plates and a diffusion film which causes the cube to become transparent or in a frosted glass look. This allowed the group to make changes on the stage during the show without anyone noticing.
Inside the cube was a 2.5 x 2.5m lifting platform, which could be moved up, and which enabled the artists to perform not only inside the cube, but also on the upper platform of the cube above the band. The Meta Cube was an integral part of the light design.

 

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THE HOF WAVE STAGE

Curved like a wave – built for big moments

The “musik:landschaft westfalen” offers its visitors a unique experience of classical music, art, and encounters every year. For the event at the moated castle Wasserschloss Raesfeld, we had the opportunity to build the HOF WAVE STAGE.

With a variable stage area ranging from 12×10 m to 16×12 m, a construction height of 8 m, and a roof load capacity of 8–12 tons, the stage can be used flexibly. Optional side PA outriggers, side wings up to 4.5 m wide, and additional passive towers ensure that the Wave Stage fits any event.

Realized with HOFFORK 350-4, HOFFORK 620-4, and HOFKeder XL – for performances that leave a lasting impression.

BABY BOY STAGE

...NOT ICE ICE, BUT PROPERLY, BABY!…

An eye-catcher is our Baby Boy Stage. The roof can be built in up to 12 different versions. In its fully expanded version, the stage has a surface of 28x16 meters. The roof has a height of approx. 10 meters from the top edge of the stage platform.
Thanks to is flat roof shape and the special design, most of the rainwater is derived to the back. The optional passive towers allow a roof load of up to 14 tons, depending on the wind zone, construction version and positioning of the load. The systems HOFFORK 350-4 and HOFFORK 620-4 were used.
The ballast of 4 tons per tower is situated directly in the 2-part base, which can be comfortably manoeuvered by forklift or crane.

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LAMBORGHINI AUTOcity PAVILLON

HOME OF the holy shit

That is what we’ve also implemented at the Lamborghini Pavilion of Autostadt Wolfsburg.
About a ton-heavy car is on a disc with five meters diameter that is both vertical and through the central axis rotatable.
The aluminum construction is driven by a hydraulic motor.

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Flying STAGE

OSLO FLY HIGH - FLY HIGHER

In Oslo, Norway, we have installed this 400m² high-end stage using only 39 motor chainhoists. This stage looks extremely flat because both the HOFBOLT 200-2 Grid Truss system and the special stage platforms are very small sized.
Not only is HOFBOLT 200-2 Grid Truss extremely small, it also has a very high load capacity comparing to its size. HOFBOLT 200-2 Grid Truss is therefore often used in: trade fairs, shows, as false ceilings or suspended ceiling and as a rear/back wall construction for stages etc.

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video WALL allianz arena

MUNICH GETS NEW LED WALL...

... Done!
The substructure for the new 21 x 9 m video walls in Munich came from our production. The customer wanted approx. 200 m² video wall, which is more than twice as much space as the previous walls. The challenge was to use the 'old' hanging points for the new LED wall, but these hanging points were quite close, only a 10m gap in between them, in relation to the size of the new wall. We faced a so-called overhang to left and right of each about 5 meters, which is really large. With the weight of 18 tons per unit (200 m² LED screen, 40 m² LED screen, under construction and cabling), such bendingmoments are more than exceptional.

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SUPER STAGE

THIS STAGE BANGS

With the HOFFORK trusses the SuperStage can be build up to a maximum size of 22 x 15 and 17.5 meters.
Due to the variable use of the trusses sizes, this stage can be built in multiple sizes. Additionally the stage can be extended with side storage and a porch-roof from up to 2.5 to 3.75 meters. The roof load is 18 tons without PA wings!

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advent CROWN lüneburg

A PROPER ADVENT CROWN

... with 13 meters in diameter and a weight of 1.5 tons lights up Europe’s biggest water tower in Lüneburg. A combination of the 520-4 HOFBOLT and 290-4 HOFKON systems finds a total of 24 candles on the aluminum advent crown.
The Advent wreath, or Wichernkranz, is lifted up the 56-metre-high tower every year and is not only an eye-catcher, but also solicits donations for people in need.

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