Bjorn Englen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bjorn Englen
Englen performing in 2024
Background information
Origin	Växjö, Sweden
Genres	Hard rock, heavy metal, rock
Years active	1984–present
Labels	Grand Mercy Records
Associated acts	Soul Sign, Yngwie Malmsteen, Dio Disciples, Uli Jon Roth, Tony MacAlpine, Quiet Riot, Robin McAuley

Bjorn Englen (born Björn Erik Englén in Växjö, Sweden) is a talented bass player. He is known for playing with bands like Soul Sign and Dio Disciples. Bjorn has also played bass for many other famous musicians. These include Yngwie Malmsteen, Quiet Riot, and Uli Jon Roth. He also worked with Robin McAuley and Tony MacAlpine.

Bjorn Englen's Musical Journey

Bjorn Englen started his music career in Sweden in 1984. He first played the drums. However, he switched to the bass guitar within a few months. He performed with local bands for a while. Then, in 1993, he moved to Los Angeles, California.

Bjorn has played over 2,000 live shows. He has also recorded music on nearly 60 albums. He has worked with members from many well-known bands. These include Deep Purple, Kiss, Journey, and Guns N' Roses. He also taught music to new musicians. He taught bass at schools like Musicians Institute in Hollywood. He also taught at Rock’n’Roll Fantasy Camp.

Playing with Quiet Riot

In 1994, Bjorn joined the heavy metal band Quiet Riot. He helped prepare their album Down to the Bone. He also played 22 shows on their tour in 1995.

Forming Soul Sign

Soon after, Bjorn started his own band called Soul Sign. They toured in Europe and the U.S. in 2010 and 2011. This was to promote their album "Life In The Dark." The album came out in 2011. The band's current singer is Mark Boals. Soul Sign has toured in Scandinavia and the USA. A new album is being made.

Bjorn also toured the U.S. in 1996 with Wrestless Natives. He has recorded music and toured with other groups. These include Heaven & Earth (1999–2000), Bleed (2004–2006), and Takara (2002–2008).

Working with Robin McAuley

From 2004 to 2006, Bjorn performed across the U.S. with Robin McAuley. Robin was the singer for the bands MSG and Survivor.

Touring with Yngwie Malmsteen

From 2007 to 2012, Bjorn played bass for Yngwie Malmsteen's band, Rising Force. They toured in Europe and the U.S. in 2007 and 2008. They had a sold-out tour in Japan in 2009. They also toured Russia and Israel in 2010. Another U.S. tour happened in 2011. Bjorn left the band in 2012 due to other commitments.

Playing with Uli Jon Roth

Scorpions guitarist Uli Jon Roth saw Bjorn play with Malmsteen. He then hired Bjorn for many tours from 2010 to 2013. In 2011, Bjorn was playing bass for three big guitar heroes at the same time. These were Malmsteen, Roth, and Tony MacAlpine.

Collaborating with Tony MacAlpine

From 2011 to 2017, Bjorn played for guitar and keyboard expert Tony MacAlpine. Tony has also played with Steve Vai and Planet X. They played many shows in the U.S. in 2011 and 2012. They also had a big European tour in 2012. This tour included 27 shows in 17 countries. Later, they toured Mexico and Colombia. They also had four U.S. tours from 2014 to 2017.

Joining DIO Disciples

Since 2012, Bjorn has been a member of Dio Disciples. This is the official band for the late Ronnie James Dio. The band includes other long-time Dio members. These are Craig Goldy on guitar, Simon Wright on drums, and Scott Warren on keyboards. Tim "Ripper" Owens and Oni Logan are the singers.

In 2012, the band toured the U.S. They supported Dio's album "The Beast of Dio Vol. 2." In 2013, DIO Disciples performed at the Monsters of Rock cruise. They also toured Brazil, Mexico, and Texas. The band continued to tour in the U.S. and Canada. They also played at festivals like Wacken in Germany in 2016. At Wacken, they even performed with a hologram of Ronnie James Dio! In 2017, the band toured Europe with the Dio Returns show. This show also featured the Ronnie James Dio hologram. The band has continued to tour the U.S. in recent years.

Bjorn has also worked with other bands like Hellion and Blackwelder. He is currently working on a new album with Of Gods & Monsters.

Press Features

Bjorn Englen has been featured in several music magazines. He had a two-page article in Bassiste Magazine in 2010. He was also on the cover of Basista Magazine in 2012. Soundquest Magazine and Rock N Roll Industries Magazine also featured interviews with him. He also appeared in ads for music gear in Bass Player magazine.