Biography

A Swedish new wave band of legendary stature, Reeperbahn made their eponymous album debut in 1979 and hit the Top Ten with their second album, Venuspassagen (1981). Though the band was relatively short-lived, splintering in 1983, its legacy was considerably enhanced in later years as bandmembers Olle Ljungström and Dan Sundquist went on to successful solo careers. Founded in 1977 in Vaxholm, Sweden, the band is comprised of Ljungström (vocals, guitar; born on August 12, 1961, in Vaxholm), Sundquist (vocals, bass; born on September 10, 1958, in Stockholm), Eddie Sjöberg (guitar), and Peter Korhonen (drums). Upon signing to Mercury Records they made their recording debut in 1979 with the single "Havet Ligger Blankt," followed by the eponymous full-length album debut Reeperbahn later in the year. The band's second album, Venuspassagen (1981), was its most successful, reaching the Top Ten. Subsequent albums include Samlade Singlar (1982), Peep-Show (1983), and Intriger (1983). Among these latter albums, Peep-Show is generally regarded the band's masterwork, in part for its inclusion of the popular single "Marrakesh." Reeperbahn splintered in 1983, with Ljungström and Sundquist going their separate ways and finding success on their own. As for Ljungström, he teamed up with Heinz Liljedahl to form the short-lived duo Heinz & Young, which existed long enough to release the English-language album Buzzbuzzboys... (1984) on Stranded Rekords. A decade later he embarked on a solo career as a singer/songwriter, making his eponymous album debut in 1993 with Olle Ljungström on Warner Music subsidiary Telegram Records. Subsequent albums of his, beginning with Världens Räddaste Man (1994), generally reached the Top Ten, and while his output was sometimes sporadic, his popularity was remarkably steady over the years. As for Sundquist, he had begun working as a producer in 1980 and kept busy doing so for decades thereafter, winning several Swedish Grammys in the process. He also composed film music. As a solo artist, he founded the short-lived band Dan Sundquist & Prins Valiant and released the jazz-rock album Vaddå Jag Dyster?? (1983). ~ Jason Birchmeier, Rovi