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The Hives

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Band Timeline

1993

Formation of The Hives

The Hives were formed in 1993 in Fagersta, Sweden, by brothers Per "Pelle" Almqvist (Howlin' Pelle Almqvist) and Niklas Almqvist (Nicholaus Arson). They were soon joined by friends Mikael Karlsson (Vigilante Carlstroem), Mattias Bernvall (Dr. Matt Destruction), and Christian Grahn (Chris Dangerous). Each member adopted punk rock-inspired stage names. The band initially named themselves "Hives" after the skin condition, thinking it a highly contagious disease. Later they added "The" to their name to follow the convention of plural band names.
1994-1997

Early recordings and debut album Barely Legal

The Hives recorded their first demo, Sounds Like Sushi, in 1994. In 1995, they signed with the Swedish independent label Burning Heart Records and released their debut EP Oh Lord! When? How? the following year. Their debut studio album Barely Legal was released in 1997, establishing their raw garage rock style influenced by bands like Rancid and Turbonegro. They supported the album with a tour and gained traction in Sweden. The track "The Stomp" from this album was later featured in the film RocknRolla, marking early recognition beyond Sweden.
1998-2000

Breakthrough with Veni Vidi Vicious and rise to international fame

In 2000, The Hives released their second studio album Veni Vidi Vicious through Burning Heart Records. This album marked a turning point, gaining widespread acclaim with singles like "Hate to Say I Told You So," "Main Offender," and "Die, All Right!" The band described the album as simultaneously brutal and sophisticated. The single "Hate to Say I Told You So" became their signature track, featured in major media such as the Spider-Man movie soundtrack and video games like Forza Horizon and Rock Band. This period coincided with the garage rock revival, catapulting The Hives to worldwide prominence.
2001

Compilation release Your New Favourite Band

In 2001, The Hives released Your New Favourite Band, a compilation album aimed at consolidating their growing international audience. It gathered key tracks from their earlier albums and played a significant role in sustaining their momentum during the early 2000s. By this time, The Hives were known for their matching black-and-white tuxedo outfits and energetic live performances, earning critical acclaim as one of the best live rock bands of the previous two decades.
2004

Release of Tyrannosaurus Hives and continued success

Their third studio album Tyrannosaurus Hives was released in 2004, further solidifying their reputation for energetic garage rock infused with punk elements. The album continued to showcase the band’s distinctive style, blending catchy riffs with Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist’s charismatic vocals. By this stage, The Hives had established a loyal fan base and relevance in the rock music scene, maintaining a consistent lineup and performing extensively.
2007

The Black and White Album and artistic growth

In 2007, The Hives released The Black and White Album, demonstrating artistic growth with more diverse and polished sound while retaining their garage rock roots. The album showed experimentation with different musical textures and production techniques. Their reputation for striking live shows and uniform stage outfits continued to define their image, keeping fans engaged and critics attentive.
2012

Lex Hives and lineup change

Lex Hives, their fifth studio album, was released in 2012. Around this period, the band experienced a lineup change when bassist Dr. Matt Destruction retired for health reasons. He was replaced by The Johan and Only, former bassist of the band Randy. Despite this change, The Hives continued to produce music and perform, maintaining their signature energy and style.
2020-2023

Live performances and The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons album

In 2020, The Hives released a live album, Live at Third Man Records, capturing the essence of their powerful stage presence. Their sixth studio album, The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons, was released in 2023, marking their return with new material after a decade. Throughout their career, The Hives remained known for their black-and-white tuxedo stage attire, eccentric live shows, and significant influence on the garage rock revival scene.

Albums

the-hives_1st_album
Barely Legal
14 tracks
1997
the-hives_2nd_album
Veni Vidi Vicious
12 tracks
2000
the-hives_3rd_album
Tyrannosaurus Hives
12 tracks
2004
the-hives_4th_album
The Black and White Album
14 tracks
2007
the-hives_5th_album
Lex Hives
12 tracks
2012
the-hives_6th_album
The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons
12 tracks
2023
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Dr. Matt Destruction

N/A

Bass guitar

Nicholaus Arson

N/A

Background vocals

Guitar

Keyboard

Johan Gustafsson

2013

Bass guitar

Chris Dangerous

N/A

Percussion

Membranophone

Randy Fitzsimmons

N/A

Additional

Vigilante Carlstroem

N/A

Guitar

Background vocals

Pelle Almqvist

N/A

Lead vocals

Story of The Hives

The Hives: A Rock 'n' Roll Revolution From Sweden

The Hives, hailing from Fagersta, Sweden, burst onto the scene in 1993, igniting a garage rock firestorm that continues to burn brightly today. After cutting their teeth on the Swedish scene throughout the '90s, the band reached international stardom in the early 2000s, riding the wave of the garage rock revival.

Their iconic lineup - Howlin' Pelle Almqvist (vocals), Nicholaus Arson (lead guitar, backing vocals), Vigilante Carlstroem (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Dr. Matt Destruction (bass), and Chris Dangerous (drums) - remained unchanged for an impressive two decades, from 1993 until 2013. Matt Destruction's retirement for health reasons led to the arrival of The Johan and Only, the former Randy bassist, who seamlessly slotted into the band's rhythm section.

The Hives' discography boasts six studio albums: "Barely Legal" (1997), "Veni Vidi Vicious" (2000), "Tyrannosaurus Hives" (2004), "The Black and White Album" (2007), "Lex Hives" (2012), and their latest release, "The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons" (2023). They've also treated fans to the compilation album "Your New Favourite Band" (2001), the live DVD "Tussles in Brussels" (2005), and the live album "Live at Third Man Records" (2020).

Their breakthrough arrived with the release of "Veni Vidi Vicious" and its unforgettable single "Hate to Say I Told You So," which has become synonymous with the band.

The Hives' signature style is undeniable: clad in matching black and white tuxedos, they deliver high-energy, eccentric performances that have earned them a reputation as one of the most captivating live rock bands of the past two decades. Critics rave about their raw power and infectious energy, cementing their position as a true rock 'n' roll force.

The Early Years (1993-1999)

Formed in 1993 by brothers Per "Pelle" Almqvist (Howlin' Pelle Almqvist) and Niklas Almqvist (Nicholaus Arson), the band quickly gained a loyal following in Fagersta. Joined by close friends Mikael Karlsson (Vigilante Carlstroem), Mattias Bernvall (Dr. Matt Destruction), and Chris Dangerous, they embarked on a journey that would see them become a global phenomenon.

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