Photos by Brad Goldstein – The Hives are a Swedish rock band formed in 1993 in Fagersta, Sweden. They are known for their energetic performances, distinctive black-and-white uniforms, and their raw garage rock sound with punk influences. Often associated with the early 2000s garage rock revival, they gained international fame with their breakout album, Veni Vidi Vicious (2000), which featured hits like “Hate to Say I Told You So.”
Band Members:
- Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist (vocals): The charismatic frontman, known for his wild stage presence and humor.
- Nicholaus Arson (lead guitar, backing vocals): The brother of Pelle and one of the founding members, known for his powerful guitar riffs.
- Vigilante Carlstroem (rhythm guitar, backing vocals): A steady and reliable member, contributing to the band’s raw guitar sound.
- The Johan and Only (bass guitar, backing vocals): Replaced former bassist Dr. Matt Destruction in 2013.
- Chris Dangerous (drums): A skilled drummer with a sharp, fast-paced style that drives the band’s sound.
Key Albums:
- Barely Legal (1997) – Their debut album, featuring a raw punk sound.
- Veni Vidi Vicious (2000) – The album that brought them mainstream success, featuring the hit single “Hate to Say I Told You So.”
- Tyrannosaurus Hives (2004) – A critically acclaimed follow-up with singles like “Walk Idiot Walk.”
- The Black and White Album (2007) – Showcased more experimental elements, featuring collaborations with Pharrell Williams.
- Lex Hives (2012) – A return to their classic sound, self-produced by the band.
Style and Influence:
The Hives’ music is characterized by short, sharp songs with a raw, aggressive energy, blending elements of punk rock, garage rock, and alternative rock. Their on-stage persona is an essential part of their appeal, with Pelle Almqvist often drawing comparisons to classic frontmen like Iggy Pop and Mick Jagger.
The band is also known for their humor and DIY ethos, often presenting themselves as a tightly controlled product of the fictional manager, Randy Fitzsimmons, who is credited as the writer of all their songs.
Their influence on the garage rock revival of the early 2000s remains significant, alongside bands like The White Stripes and The Strokes.
BAD NERVES
