The Hellacopters were founded by Håkansson's childhood friend Nicke Andersson as a side project to his role as a drummer in the death metal band Entombed.

During his younger years Håkansson regularly went through his father's record collection along with Andersson, and the two soon became fans of bands such as the MC5, the Ramones, Sex Pistols, the Damned and the Rolling Stones.

They have also done several tours throughout Scandinavia, Europe, the U.S.A., and Australia; they have opened for the Rolling Stones, KISS, and ZZ Top, and collaborated with artists such as Scott Morgan, the Flaming Sideburns, Backyard Babies, Quadrajets and Gluecifer.

Besides his work with the Hellacopters, Håkansson has also contributed songs for his bandmate Robert Dahlqvist's side project Thunder Express, The doits albums, as well as with lyrics for Entombed's early records.

Håkansson's main instrument is a highly road-worn 1969 Fender Jazz Bass with almost all its paint stripped off due to constant use.