Vikingarna (band) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Vikingarna
Background information
Origin	Karlstad, Sweden
Genres	Dansband
Years active	1958–2004, 2016– Hiatus: 1993–1995
Labels	EMI (1973–1974, 1988–2004) Mariann Records (1975–1987)
Members	Kenneth Wahlberg Erik Lihm Kenth Andersson Johan Norgren Martin Lindqvist Chris Andersen
Past members	Lasse Westmann (deceased) Anders Erixon (deceased) Christer Sjögren Stefan Borsch Tony Eriksson Klas Anderhaal Tord Sjöman Per-Anders Carlsson Börje Gunnarsson Lars-Åke Svantesson Jörgen Arnemar Lasse Wellander

Vikingarna is a famous dansband from Sweden. A dansband is a type of Swedish music group that plays dance-friendly pop music. Vikingarna started way back in 1958. They became super popular and are known as one of the best-selling music groups in all of Scandinavia. People often say they are the greatest dansband ever! By 2004, they had sold more than 11 million records. After a big farewell tour in 2004, they stopped playing together, but they got back together in 2016.

What is a Dansband?

A dansband is a special kind of music group from Sweden. They play music that people can easily dance to. This music is usually a mix of pop, country, and traditional Swedish folk music. Dansbands often perform at dance halls, community centers, and festivals. Their songs are usually about love, nature, and everyday life. Vikingarna became masters at creating these catchy, danceable tunes.

The Sound of Dansband Music

Dansband music often features a clear melody and easy-to-follow rhythms. You'll hear instruments like guitars, bass, drums, and keyboards. Sometimes, there are also saxophones or accordions. The singing is usually smooth and friendly. Vikingarna's music was known for its warm sound and the strong voices of their lead singers. This made their songs very popular for dancing and listening.

The Early Years of Vikingarna

Vikingarna began their journey in 1958 in a city called Karlstad, Sweden. Like many bands, they started small, playing at local events and parties. They worked hard to develop their unique sound. In the beginning, they were known for their lively performances and catchy songs. This helped them gain a following in their home country.

Finding Their Voice

Over the years, Vikingarna's music evolved. They experimented with different styles while keeping their core dansband sound. They released many albums and singles. Each new song helped them become more famous. Their dedication to creating good music helped them stand out from other bands.

Becoming Super Famous

Vikingarna truly became a household name in Sweden and other Nordic countries. They had many hit songs that topped the music charts. Their albums sold millions of copies, which is a huge achievement for any band. They were known for their consistent quality and their ability to connect with their fans.

Touring and Live Shows

The band spent a lot of time touring. They performed for huge crowds all over Scandinavia. Their live shows were always a big hit. Fans loved to dance and sing along to their favorite Vikingarna songs. The band's energy on stage made every concert a memorable event.

Key Members and Their Impact

Over the years, Vikingarna had several talented musicians. One of their most famous singers was Christer Sjögren. He joined the band in 1978 and became the voice of Vikingarna for many years. His powerful and warm voice helped define the band's sound. Another important singer was Stefan Borsch, who was with the band earlier. These singers, along with the other band members, helped Vikingarna achieve their amazing success.

The Farewell and Return

After many successful years, Vikingarna decided to stop playing together in 2004. They went on a big farewell tour to say goodbye to their fans. It was an emotional time for both the band and their supporters. Everyone thought it was the end of an era.

A New Chapter Begins

But the story didn't end there! After a break, Vikingarna decided to get back together in 2016. This was exciting news for their old fans and brought in new ones too. They started performing again, bringing their classic dansband sound back to the stage. Their return showed how much their music was still loved and missed.

Vikingarna's Legacy

Vikingarna has left a huge mark on Swedish music. They are not just a band; they are a big part of Swedish culture. Their songs are still played on the radio and at dances. They showed how popular dansband music could become. Their success inspired many other bands. Vikingarna proved that music made for dancing can also be incredibly popular and long-lasting.