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{{Short description|Swedish instrumental rock group}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
| name = The Spotnicks
| name = The Spotnicks
|image = The Spotnicks 2010 Alingsås 01.jpg
| image = The Spotnicks 2010 Alingsås 01.jpg
|caption = The Spotnicks 2010
| caption = The Spotnicks 2010
| landscape = yes
| background = group_or_band
| background = group_or_band
| alias = Rock-Teddy and The Blue Caps<br>The Frazers
| alias = Rock-Teddy and The Blue Caps<br>The Frazers
| origin = [[Gothenburg]], [[Sweden]]
| origin = [[Gothenburg]], [[Sweden]]
| genre = [[instrumental rock]]
| genre = [[instrumental rock]], [[space rock]]
| years_active = 1958–2019
| years_active = 1958–2019
| label = Karusell, [[Oriole Records (UK)|Oriole]], [[Polydor Records|Polydor]], SweDisc, Interdisc
| label = Karusell, [[Oriole Records (UK)|Oriole]], [[Polydor Records|Polydor]], SweDisc, Interdisc
Line 14: Line 16:
| past_members = Bob Lander (Bo Starander)<br>[[Bo Winberg]]<br>Björn Thelin<br>Ove Johansson<br>Peter Winsnes<br>Derek Skinner<br>[[Jimmie Nicol]]<br>Tommy Tausis<br>Magnus Hellsberg<br>Göran Samuelsson<br>Lennart Hermansson<br>Bernt Andersson<br>Magnus Hellsberg<br>Juri Wiik<br>Claes Pettersson<br>Johan Dielemanns,<br>Matz Nilsson<br>Bo Maniette<br>Peter Wiberg<br>Håkan Mjörnheim<br>Mats Björklund <br>Leif Paulsén<br>Torgny Stoor<br>Peter Milefors<br>Gunnar Winald<br>Anders Erixon<br>Kenth Andersson<br>Lasse Öhberg<br>Arne Österlindh<br>Nils Nordin<br>Alf Brink<br>Stefan Eriksson<br>Magnus Rosén<br>Dennis Nybratt<br>Fredrik Oscarsson<br>Douglas Möller
| past_members = Bob Lander (Bo Starander)<br>[[Bo Winberg]]<br>Björn Thelin<br>Ove Johansson<br>Peter Winsnes<br>Derek Skinner<br>[[Jimmie Nicol]]<br>Tommy Tausis<br>Magnus Hellsberg<br>Göran Samuelsson<br>Lennart Hermansson<br>Bernt Andersson<br>Magnus Hellsberg<br>Juri Wiik<br>Claes Pettersson<br>Johan Dielemanns,<br>Matz Nilsson<br>Bo Maniette<br>Peter Wiberg<br>Håkan Mjörnheim<br>Mats Björklund <br>Leif Paulsén<br>Torgny Stoor<br>Peter Milefors<br>Gunnar Winald<br>Anders Erixon<br>Kenth Andersson<br>Lasse Öhberg<br>Arne Österlindh<br>Nils Nordin<br>Alf Brink<br>Stefan Eriksson<br>Magnus Rosén<br>Dennis Nybratt<br>Fredrik Oscarsson<br>Douglas Möller
}}
}}
'''The Spotnicks''' was an [[instrumental rock]] [[band (music)|group]] from [[Sweden]] that formed in 1961. Together with [[the Shadows]] and [[the Ventures]], they were considered one of the most famous instrumental bands of the 1960s.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} They were famous for wearing "[[space suit]]" costumes on [[stage (theatre)|stage]], and for their innovative electronic guitar sound. They released 43 [[album]]s, and sold more than 18 million records.<ref name="spotnicks">{{cite web|url=https://spotnicks.net/diskografi/|title=The Spotnicks discography|website=Spotnicks.net|accessdate=15 July 2020}}</ref>
'''The Spotnicks''' were an [[instrumental rock]] [[band (music)|group]] from [[Sweden]] that formed in 1961. They were known for wearing "[[space suit]]" costumes on [[stage (theatre)|stage]] and for their innovative electronic guitar sound. They released 43 [[album]]s.<ref name="spotnicks">{{cite web|url=https://spotnicks.net/diskografi/|title=The Spotnicks discography|website=Spotnicks.net|accessdate=15 July 2020}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
The Spotnicks originated from a duo, "The Rebels" (1956), formed by Bo Starander (11 March 1942 &ndash; 3 May 2020 [[rhythm guitar]], [[vocals]]), and Björn Thelin (27 June 1942 &ndash; 24 January 2017; [[bass guitar]]). They were joined by [[lead guitarist]] [[Bo Winberg]] (born in [[Gothenburg]], [[Sweden]]; 27 March 1939 &ndash; 3 January 2020), and became "Rock-Teddy and the Blue Caps" in 1957 in [[Gothenburg]]. In 1958 they added Ove Johansson ([[drum]]s) (born 30 March 1940), changed their name to "The Frazers", and began playing regularly in local [[nightclub|clubs]]. They signed a [[recording contract]] in 1961, and changed their name to "The Spotnicks",<ref name="Larkin">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music]]|editor=Colin Larkin|editor-link=Colin Larkin (writer)|publisher=[[Virgin Books]]|date=1997|edition=Concise|isbn=1-85227-745-9|pages=1122/3}}</ref> a play on the [[Russia]]n [[satellite]] [[Sputnik]] as suggested by their [[management|manager]], Roland Ferneborg.<ref name="spotnicks"/> Starander was later known as Bob Lander.
The Spotnicks originated from a duo, "The Rebels" (1956), formed by Bo Starander (11 March 1942 &ndash; 3 May 2020; [[rhythm guitar]], vocals), and Björn Thelin (27 June 1942 &ndash; 24 January 2017; [[bass guitar]]). They were joined by [[lead guitarist]] [[Bo Winberg]] (27 March 1939, [[Gothenburg]], [[Sweden]] &ndash; 3 January 2020), and became "Rock-Teddy and the Blue Caps" in 1957 in [[Gothenburg]]. In 1958 they added Ove Johansson (drums) (30 March 1940 - 8 April 2017<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=OVE JOHANSSON 1940 – 2017 |url=https://spotnicks.net/2017/04/ove-johansson-1940-2017/ |access-date=2023-01-26 |language=sv-SE}}</ref>), changed their name to "The Frazers", and began playing regularly in local [[nightclub|clubs]]. They signed a [[recording contract]] in 1961, and changed their name to "The Spotnicks",<ref name="Larkin">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music]]|editor=Colin Larkin|editor-link=Colin Larkin (writer)|publisher=[[Virgin Books]]|date=1997|edition=Concise|isbn=1-85227-745-9|pages=1122/3}}</ref> a play on the [[Russia]]n [[satellite]] [[Sputnik]] as suggested by their [[management|manager]], Roland Ferneborg.<ref name="spotnicks"/> Starander was later known as Bob Lander.


They soon became the first Swedish group to have significant international success, in a similar style to [[The Shadows]] and [[The Ventures]]. They toured [[Europe]], and one of their early [[gramophone record|records]], "Orange Blossom Special", became their first big international [[hit single|hit]], making the Top 30 in the [[UK Singles Chart]] in 1962 on the [[Oriole Records (UK)|Oriole]] [[record label|label]],<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book
They soon became the first Swedish group to have significant international success, in a similar style to [[The Shadows]] and [[The Ventures]]. They toured [[Europe]], and one of their early [[gramophone record|records]], "Orange Blossom Special", became their first big international [[hit single|hit]], making the Top 30 in the [[UK Singles Chart]] in 1962 on the [[Oriole Records (UK)|Oriole]] [[record label|label]],<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book
Line 28: Line 30:
| location= London
| location= London
| isbn= 1-904994-10-5
| isbn= 1-904994-10-5
| page= 521}}</ref> and reaching [[record chart|#1]] in [[Australia]]. Around this time they began wearing their trademark "space suits" on stage.<ref name="Larkin"/> They [[sound recording and reproduction|recorded]] their first [[album]], ''The Spotnicks in London, Out-a Space'', in 1962. Further hits included "Rocket Man" (based on the Soviet/Russian folk march "[[Polyushko-polye]]"), and "[[Hava Nagila]]" (their biggest [[United Kingdom|UK]] hit, where it made #13).<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/> Winberg also recorded [[solo (music)|solo]], credited as 'The Shy Ones'.
| page= 521}}</ref> and reaching No. 1 in [[Australia]]. The Spotnicks achieved huge success in Japan, Europe, Australia and Latin America where they became The Shadows' biggest rivals in instrumental music.<ref name="Wendt">{{cite book |last=Wendt |first=Wille |year=1993 |title=Topplistan: The Official Swedish Single & Album Charts, 1975-1993 |location=Stockholm |publisher=Premium Publishing |page=195 |isbn=9197189421}}</ref> Around this time they began wearing their trademark "space suits" on stage.<ref name="Larkin"/> They recorded their first album, ''The Spotnicks in London, Out-a Space'', in 1962. Further hits included "The Rocket Man" (based on the Soviet/Russian folk march "[[Polyushko-polye]]"), and "[[Hava Nagila]]" (their biggest [[United Kingdom|UK]] hit, where it made it to No. 13).<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/> Winberg also recorded solo, credited as 'The Shy Ones'.


In 1963, "Amapola" became one of their most successful [[single (music)|singles]] in their home country, staying at #1 in Sweden for eight weeks. They appeared in the [[film]] ''Just for Fun'', continued to tour widely, and recorded their second album, ''The Spotnicks in Paris''.<ref name="Larkin"/> That year, drummer Ove Johansson left and was replaced by an [[English people|Englishman]], Derek Skinner (born 5 March 1944, London). Two years later, Skinner was replaced briefly by [[Jimmie Nicol]], who had drummed with [[The Beatles]] on the Danish, Dutch and Australian leg of their 1964 tour, while [[Ringo Starr]] recovered from having his [[tonsils]] removed.<ref name="Larkin"/>
In 1963, "Amapola" became one of their most successful [[single (music)|singles]] in their home country, staying at No. 1 in Sweden for eight weeks. They appeared in the film ''Just for Fun'', continued to tour widely, and recorded their second album, ''The Spotnicks in Paris''.<ref name="Larkin"/> That year, drummer Ove Johansson left and was replaced by an [[English people|Englishman]], Derek Skinner (born 5 March 1942, London). Two years later, Skinner was replaced briefly by [[Jimmie Nicol]], who had drummed with [[The Beatles]] on the Danish, Dutch and Australian legs of their 1964 tour, while [[Ringo Starr]] recovered from having his [[tonsils]] removed.<ref name="Larkin"/>
In 1964 and 1965, The Spotnicks expanded their popularity in [[Germany]] and [[Japan]], reaching #1 in Japan in 1966 with "Karelia". Elsewhere, however, they became less successful as popular music tastes changed. In 1965 the band was joined by organist, vocalist Peter Winsnes (born 9 March 1944, Molndal, Sweden). Nicol left in February 1967 and was replaced by Tommy Tausis (born 22 March 1946). Thelin also left in 1967 and was replaced by Magnus Hellsberg (born 6 November 1944). Winsnes left in 1968 and organist Goran Samuelsson joined in 1969. The group, having undergone many personnel changes, split up in 1970 after releasing their fifteenth album, ''The Spotnicks Back in the Race''. Yet the band was still popular in Japan, and it soon reformed under Winberg's control in 1971 at the request of a Japanese record label.<ref name="spotnicks 70s">{{cite web|url=http://www.spotnicks.net/story_uk/story70.htm|title=The '70s|website=Spotnicks.com|accessdate=9 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924104946/http://www.spotnicks.net/story_uk/story70.htm|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In 1964 and 1965, The Spotnicks expanded their popularity in [[Germany]] and [[Japan]], reaching No. 1 in Japan in 1966 with "Karelia". Elsewhere, however, they became less successful as popular music tastes changed. In 1965 the band was joined by organist and vocalist Peter Winsnes (born 9 March 1944, Molndal, Sweden). Nicol left in February 1967 and was replaced by Tommy Tausis (22 March 1946&ndash;30 March 2022). Thelin also left in 1967 and was replaced by Magnus Hellsberg (born 6 November 1944). Winsnes left in 1968 and organist Goran Samuelsson joined in 1969. The group, having undergone many personnel changes, split up in 1970 after releasing their fifteenth album, ''The Spotnicks Back in the Race''. Yet the band was still popular in Japan, and it soon reformed under Winberg's control in 1971 at the request of a Japanese record label.<ref name="spotnicks 70s">{{cite web|url=http://www.spotnicks.net/story_uk/story70.htm|title=The '70s|website=Spotnicks.com|accessdate=9 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924104946/http://www.spotnicks.net/story_uk/story70.htm|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Winberg continued to lead versions of The Spotnicks, occasionally including Lander and/or Thelin, on tour and in recordings. In 2013, Winberg and Lander announced that they would be undertaking a final tour, finishing in May 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.addeaagroupinternational.com/?sida=on_tour_the_spotnicks|title= The Spotnicks: Final Tour|website=Addeaagroupinternational.com|accessdate=9 May 2015}}</ref> The Spotnicks played their very last concert on 30 March 2019, at Musikens Hus, Gothenburg.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://spotnicks.net/2015/02/historia-2/|title= The Spotnicks Biography|accessdate=15 July 2020}}</ref> Winberg died on 3 January 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=104&artikel=7378098|title=Gitarrlegendaren Bo Winberg död|first=P4|last=Göteborg/Kulturnytt|via=sverigesradio.se}}</ref> Lander died on 3 May 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gp.se/kultur/kultur/s%C3%A5ngaren-bob-lander-i-the-spotnicks-d%C3%B6d-1.27550607|title=Sångaren Bob Lander i The Spotnicks död|website=gp.se|date=4 May 2020|author=Maria Domellöf-Wik|access-date=5 May 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
Winberg continued to lead versions of The Spotnicks, occasionally including Lander and/or Thelin, on tour and in recordings. In 2013, Winberg and Lander announced that they would be undertaking a final tour, finishing in May 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.addeaagroupinternational.com/?sida=on_tour_the_spotnicks|title= The Spotnicks: Final Tour|website=Addeaagroupinternational.com|accessdate=9 May 2015}}</ref> The Spotnicks played their very last concert on 30 March 2019, at Musikens Hus, Gothenburg.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://spotnicks.net/2015/02/historia-2/|title= The Spotnicks Biography|accessdate=15 July 2020}}</ref>
Johansson died on 8 April 2017.<ref name=":0" /> Winberg died on 3 January 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=104&artikel=7378098|title=Gitarrlegendaren Bo Winberg död|first=P4|last=Göteborg/Kulturnytt|via=sverigesradio.se}}</ref> Lander died on 3 May 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gp.se/kultur/kultur/s%C3%A5ngaren-bob-lander-i-the-spotnicks-d%C3%B6d-1.27550607|title=Sångaren Bob Lander i The Spotnicks död|website=gp.se|date=4 May 2020|author=Maria Domellöf-Wik|access-date=5 May 2020}}</ref> Tausis died on 30 March 2022.<ref>[https://weheartmusic.typepad.com/blog/musicians-and-singers-who-died-in-march-2022.html Tommy Tausis]. Retrieved 21 September 2022</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==
===Albums===
===Albums===
{{div col}}
{{Clean up|section|reason=Formatting, non-use of wikitable(s), laundry list appearance, unreferenced|date=June 2021}}
#1962, Karusell KALP 1012 (Mono)/KALPS1012 (electronisk stereo/electronical stereo), ''The Spotnicks in London, Out-a Space'' (LP): re-released, 2014, on CD: Hallmark 715542.
* ''The Spotnicks in London, Out-a Space'' (1962)
#1962, Karusell KSEP 3272 (Mono), The Spotnicks on the Air (EP)
* ''The Spotnicks on the Air'' (EP) (1962)
#1963, Karusell KALP 1014 (Mono)/KALPS1014 (Stereo), The Spotnicks in Paris, Dansons avec les Spotnicks (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks in Paris, Dansons avec les Spotnicks'' (1963)
* ''The Spotnicks in Spain "Bailemos con los Spotnicks"'' (1963), [[GfK Entertainment charts|GER]] #33.<ref name="Germany">{{cite web |url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/titel-details-95778 |title=The Spotnicks |work=Offizielle Deutsche Charts |access-date=21 September 2024}}</ref>
#1963, SweDisc SWELP 1 (Mono) SWELPS1 (Stereo), The Spotnicks in Spain "Bailemos con los Spotnicks" (LP)
#1963, President KVP 162, Devenez soliste des Spotnicks (LP)
* ''Devenez soliste des Spotnicks'' (1963)
* ''The Spotnicks'' (1964), GER #45.<ref name="Germany"/>
#1964, SweDisc SWELP 20 (Mono) SWELPS20 (Stereo), The Spotnicks in Stockholm (LP)
* ''Meet The Spotnicks'' (1964), GER #14.<ref name="Germany"/>
#1964, SweDisc SWELP 22 (Mono), The Spotnicks in Berlin (LP)
#1965, SweDisc SWELP 33 (Mono) SWELPS33 (Stereo), The Spotnicks at Home in Gothenburg (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks in Stockholm'' (1964)
#1966, SweDisc SWELP 38 (Mono) SWELPS38 (Stereo), The Spotnicks in Tokyo (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks in Berlin'' (1964)
#1966, SweDisc SWELP C 42, The Spotnicks Around the World (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks at Home in Gothenburg'' (1965)
#1966, SweDisc SWELP C 48, The Spotnicks in Winterland (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks in Tokyo'' (1966)
* ''The Spotnicks Around the World'' (1966)
#1967, Karusell KP 3001, The Spotnicks (LP)
#1967, SweDisc SWELP C 53, The Spotnicks Live in Japan (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks in Winterland'' (1966)
#1967, SweDisc SWLS 501, The Spotnicks (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks'' (1967)
* ''The Spotnicks Live in Japan'' (1967)
#1967, SweDisc SWLS 502, The Spotnicks (LP)
#1967, SweDisc SWELP C 54, Den Röda Brandbilen (LP)
* ''Den Röda Brandbilen'' (1967)
#1967, SweDisc SWELP C 60, The Spotnicks in Acapulco Mexico (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks in Acapulco Mexico'' (1967)
#1968, SweDisc SWELP C 63, The Spotnicks in the Groove (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks in the Groove'' (1968)
#1968, SweDisc SWELP C 67, The Spotnicks By Request (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks By Request'' (1968)
#1970, Polydor 2379 005, The Spotnicks "Back in the Race" (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks "Back in the Race"'' (1970)
#1971, Canyon Y-1005, The Spotnicks "Ame no ballad" (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks "Ame no ballad"'' (1971)
#1972, Polydor 2379 032, The Spotnicks "Something Like Country" (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks "Something Like Country"'' (1972), GER #14.<ref name="Germany"/>
#1973, Karusell 2499 056, The Spotnicks in Japan (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks in Japan'' (1973)
#1973, Polydor 2379 060, Bo Winberg & The Spotnicks "Today" LP)
* ''Bo Winberg & The Spotnicks "Today"'' (1973)
#1973, "Okänt bolag" MC 12 CPP 227, The Spotnicks Plays Great Hits of Japanese Tunes" (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks Plays Great Hits of Japanese Tunes'' (1973)
#1974, Polydor 2480 201, The Spotnicks Live in Berlin '74 LP)
* ''The Spotnicks Live in Berlin '74'' (1974)
#1976, Polydor 2480 328, The Spotnicks "Feelings - 12 Brandnew Songs" (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks "Feelings - 12 Brandnew Songs"'' (1976)
#1977, Polydor 2310 568, The Spotnicks "Charttoppers Recorded 77" (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks "Charttoppers Recorded 77"'' (1977)
#1978, Marianne Records MILP 1300, The Spotnicks "The Great Snowman" (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks "The Great Snowman"'' (1978), [[Sverigetopplistan|SWE]] #42.<ref name="Wendt"/>
#1978, Polydor 2344 116, The Spotnicks "Never Trust Robots" (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks "Never Trust Robots"'' (1978)
#1979, Marianne Records MILP 1304, The Spotnicks " Saturday Night Music" (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks "Saturday Night Music"'' (1979)
#1979, SweDisc SW25-6005, The Spotnicks "Pink Lady Super Hits" (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks "Pink Lady Super Hits"'' (1979)
#1980, Polydor 2344 156, The Spotnicks "20th Anniversary Album" (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks "20th Anniversary Album"'' (1979)
#1982, Mill Records MILL 5004, The Spotnicks "We Don't Wanna Play Amapola No More" (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks "20th Anniversary Album"'' (1980)
#1983, Mill Records MILL 5019, The Spotnicks "In the Middle of Universe" (LP)
* ''The Spotnicks "We Don't Wanna Play Amapola No More"'' (1982)
* ''The Spotnicks "In the Middle of Universe"'' (1983)
#1985, Mill Records MILL 5028, The Spotnicks "Highway Boogie" LP)
#1986, Mill Records MILL 5036, The Spotnicks "In Time" LP)
* ''The Spotnicks "Highway Boogie"'' (1985)
#1987, Europa 100 423.9, The Spotnicks "Love Is Blue" (CD)
* ''The Spotnicks "In Time"'' (1986)
#1987, Imtrat IMT CD 100.052, The Spotnicks "Happy Guitar" (CD)
* ''The Spotnicks "Love Is Blue"'' (1987)
* ''The Spotnicks "Happy Guitar'' (1987), GER #2.<ref name="Germany"/>
#1987, Koch Records H 321 859, The Spotnicks "16 Golden World Hits" (CD)
* ''The Spotnicks "16 Golden World Hits"'' (1987)
#1989, Mill Records MICD 5040, The Spotnicks "Unlimited" (CD)
#1993, RCA/BMG 74321 12590 2, The Spotnicks/Bo Winberg #1 (CD)
* ''The Spotnicks "Unlimited"'' (1989)
#1995, RCA/BMG 74321 26465 2, The Spotnicks "Tracks" (CD)
* ''The Spotnicks/Bo Winberg #1'' (1993)
#1997, Riverside Records RRCD 101, The Spotnicks 1997 (CD)
* ''The Spotnicks "Tracks"'' (1995)
#1999, WISTA & The Spotnicks Records TSRCD 001, The Spotnicks Live 1999 (CD)
* ''The Spotnicks 1997'' (1997)
#2002, WISTA & The Spotnicks Records TSRCD 002, The Otherside (Of the Moon) (CD)
* ''The Spotnicks Live 1999'' (1999)
#2003, WISTA TSRCD 003, Back to the Roots (CD)
* ''The Otherside (Of the Moon)'' (2002)
* ''Back to the Roots'' (2003)
#2006, WISTA TSRCD 004, Still on Tour (CD)
* ''Still on Tour'' (2006)
#2009, Riverside Records RRCD 130, Bo Winberg / My Own Favorites (CD)
* ''Bo Winberg / My Own Favorite'' (2009)
* ''The 'Real' Amapola'' (2011)
{{div col end}}


===Chart singles===
===Chart singles===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Single
! rowspan="2"| Single
! colspan="1"| Chart Positions
! colspan="8"| Chart Positions
|- style="font-size:small;"
|- style="font-size:smaller;"
! width="35"|[[Sverigetopplistan|SWE]]<br /><ref name="spotnicks charts">{{cite web |url= https://spotnicks.net/2020/02/chart-positions/ |title= Chart Positions |work=The Spotnicks}}</ref>
! width="40"| <small>[[UK Singles Chart|UK]]<ref name="betts">{{cite book| first= Graham| last= Betts| year=2004| title= Complete UK Hit Singles 1952-2004| edition= 1st|publisher= Collins| location= London| isbn= 0-00-717931-6| page=733}}</ref></small>
! width="35"|[[Kent Music Report|AUS]]<br /><ref>{{cite book |last=Kent |first=David |title=Australian Chart Book 1940–1969 |title-link=Kent Music Report |publisher=Australian Chart Book Pty Ltd, Turramurra, N.S.W. |year=2005 |page=167 |isbn=0-646-44439-5 |author-link=David Kent (historian)}}</ref>
! width="35"|[[Ultratop|BE <br />(Fl)]]<br /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/song/17623/The-Spotnicks-Amapola|title=The Spotnicks |work=Ultratop}}</ref>
! width="35"|[[Ultratop|BE <br />(W)]]<br /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ultratop.be/fr/search.asp?cat=s&search=spotnicks|title=The Spotnicks |work=Ultratop}}</ref>
! width="35"|[[GfK Entertainment charts|GER]]<br /><ref name="Germany"/>
! width="35"|JPN<br /><ref name="spotnicks charts" />
! width="35"|[[VG-lista|NOR]]<br /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://norwegiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Spotnicks&titel=Blue+Blue+Day&cat=s|title=The Spotnicks |work=Norwegian Charts}}</ref>
! width="35"|[[UK Singles Chart|UK]]<br /><ref name="betts">{{cite book| first= Graham| last= Betts| year=2004| title= Complete UK Hit Singles 1952-2004| edition= 1st|publisher= Collins| location= London| isbn= 0-00-717931-6| page=733}}</ref>
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"| 1962
| rowspan="4"|1961
| align="left"| "Johnny Guitar"
| "[[Orange Blossom Special (song)|Orange Blossom Special]]"
|—
| align="center"| 29
|—
|14
|13
|—
|—
|—
|—
|-
|-
| align="left"|"Galloping Guitars"
| "Rocket Man"
|—
| align="center"| 38
|—
|—
|12
|—
|—
|—
|—
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"| 1963
| align="left"|"Spotnick Theme"
|—
| "[[Hava Nagila]]"
|—
| align="center"| 13
|—
|12
|—
|—
|—
|—
|-
|-
| align="left"|"[[Orange Blossom Special (song)|Orange Blossom Special]]"
| "Just Listen To My Heart"
|—
| align="center"| 36
|19
|—
|12
|—
|—
|—
| 29
|-
|-
| rowspan="6"| 1962
|align="left"| "Rocket Man"
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|38
|-
| align="left"|"[[Telstar (instrumental)|Telstar]]"
|—
|—
|—
|6
|—
|—
|—
|—
|-
| align="left"| "Amapola"
| 2
| 81
| 9
| 33
|—
|—
|—
|—
|-
| align="left"|"[[Ol' Man River]]"
|16
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|-
| align="left"|"Drina"
| 12
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|-
| align="left"| "[[Hava Nagila]]"
|—
|31
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
| 13
|-
| rowspan="5"| 1963
| align="left"| "Carry Me Back"
|—
|—
|—
|<small>''Tip''</small>
|—
|—
|—
|—
|-
| align="left"| "Last Space Train"
|—
|—
|—
|<small>''Tip''</small>
|—
|—
|—
|—
|-
| align="left"|"Just Listen To My Heart"
|10
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
| 36
|-
| align="left"| "Spanish Gypsy Dance"
|19
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|-
| align="left"| "[[Take Five]]"
|—
|—
|—
|<small>''Tip''</small>
|—
|—
|—
|—
|-
| rowspan="2"|1964
| align="left"| "Moonshot"
|—
|—
|—
|—
|46
|—
|—
|—
|-
| align="left"|"[[Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow|Papa Oom Mow Mow]]"
|7
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|-
| rowspan="4"|1965
| align="left"| "[[Blue Blue Day]]"
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|1
|—
|-
| align="left"| "Le Dernier Train De L'Espace"
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|2
|—
|—
|-
|-
| align="left"| "Ajomies"
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|1
|—
|—
|-
| align="left"| "Karelia"
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|1
|—
|—
|-
| rowspan="2"|1966
| align="left"| "Sentimental Guitar"
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|5
|—
|—
|-
|-
| align="left"| "Dreaming Guitar"
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|10
|—
|—
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"|1967
| align="left"| "Old Clock At Home"
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|3
|—
|—
|-
| align="left"| "Moscow"
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|10
|—
|—
|-
| 1972
| align="left"|"[[If You Could Read My Mind]]"
|—
|—
|—
|—
|2
|—
|—
|—
|-
|1973
|align="left"|"[[Speak Softly Love]]"
|—
|—
|—
|—
|41
|—
|—
|—
|-
| colspan="11" align="center" style="font-size:85%"| "—" denotes a single that did not chart or was not released in the territory.
|}
|}


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{{DEFAULTSORT:Spotnicks, The}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Spotnicks, The}}
[[Category:Swedish rock music groups]]
[[Category:1961 establishments in Sweden]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1961]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1961]]
[[Category:Instrumental rock musical groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2019]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Gothenburg]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Gothenburg]]
[[Category:1961 establishments in Sweden]]
[[Category:Swedish instrumental rock musical groups]]
[[Category:Swedish space rock musical groups]]
[[Category:English-language musical groups from Sweden]]

Latest revision as of 15:15, 28 October 2024

The Spotnicks
The Spotnicks 2010
The Spotnicks 2010
Background information
Also known asRock-Teddy and The Blue Caps
The Frazers
OriginGothenburg, Sweden
Genresinstrumental rock, space rock
Years active1958–2019
LabelsKarusell, Oriole, Polydor, SweDisc, Interdisc
MembersStefan Möller
Kent Brännlund
Göran Sannfridsson
Past membersBob Lander (Bo Starander)
Bo Winberg
Björn Thelin
Ove Johansson
Peter Winsnes
Derek Skinner
Jimmie Nicol
Tommy Tausis
Magnus Hellsberg
Göran Samuelsson
Lennart Hermansson
Bernt Andersson
Magnus Hellsberg
Juri Wiik
Claes Pettersson
Johan Dielemanns,
Matz Nilsson
Bo Maniette
Peter Wiberg
Håkan Mjörnheim
Mats Björklund
Leif Paulsén
Torgny Stoor
Peter Milefors
Gunnar Winald
Anders Erixon
Kenth Andersson
Lasse Öhberg
Arne Österlindh
Nils Nordin
Alf Brink
Stefan Eriksson
Magnus Rosén
Dennis Nybratt
Fredrik Oscarsson
Douglas Möller
Websitehttp://spotnicks.net/

The Spotnicks were an instrumental rock group from Sweden that formed in 1961. They were known for wearing "space suit" costumes on stage and for their innovative electronic guitar sound. They released 43 albums.[1]

History

[edit]

The Spotnicks originated from a duo, "The Rebels" (1956), formed by Bo Starander (11 March 1942 – 3 May 2020; rhythm guitar, vocals), and Björn Thelin (27 June 1942 – 24 January 2017; bass guitar). They were joined by lead guitarist Bo Winberg (27 March 1939, Gothenburg, Sweden – 3 January 2020), and became "Rock-Teddy and the Blue Caps" in 1957 in Gothenburg. In 1958 they added Ove Johansson (drums) (30 March 1940 - 8 April 2017[2]), changed their name to "The Frazers", and began playing regularly in local clubs. They signed a recording contract in 1961, and changed their name to "The Spotnicks",[3] a play on the Russian satellite Sputnik as suggested by their manager, Roland Ferneborg.[1] Starander was later known as Bob Lander.

They soon became the first Swedish group to have significant international success, in a similar style to The Shadows and The Ventures. They toured Europe, and one of their early records, "Orange Blossom Special", became their first big international hit, making the Top 30 in the UK Singles Chart in 1962 on the Oriole label,[4] and reaching No. 1 in Australia. The Spotnicks achieved huge success in Japan, Europe, Australia and Latin America where they became The Shadows' biggest rivals in instrumental music.[5] Around this time they began wearing their trademark "space suits" on stage.[3] They recorded their first album, The Spotnicks in London, Out-a Space, in 1962. Further hits included "The Rocket Man" (based on the Soviet/Russian folk march "Polyushko-polye"), and "Hava Nagila" (their biggest UK hit, where it made it to No. 13).[4] Winberg also recorded solo, credited as 'The Shy Ones'.

In 1963, "Amapola" became one of their most successful singles in their home country, staying at No. 1 in Sweden for eight weeks. They appeared in the film Just for Fun, continued to tour widely, and recorded their second album, The Spotnicks in Paris.[3] That year, drummer Ove Johansson left and was replaced by an Englishman, Derek Skinner (born 5 March 1942, London). Two years later, Skinner was replaced briefly by Jimmie Nicol, who had drummed with The Beatles on the Danish, Dutch and Australian legs of their 1964 tour, while Ringo Starr recovered from having his tonsils removed.[3]

In 1964 and 1965, The Spotnicks expanded their popularity in Germany and Japan, reaching No. 1 in Japan in 1966 with "Karelia". Elsewhere, however, they became less successful as popular music tastes changed. In 1965 the band was joined by organist and vocalist Peter Winsnes (born 9 March 1944, Molndal, Sweden). Nicol left in February 1967 and was replaced by Tommy Tausis (22 March 1946–30 March 2022). Thelin also left in 1967 and was replaced by Magnus Hellsberg (born 6 November 1944). Winsnes left in 1968 and organist Goran Samuelsson joined in 1969. The group, having undergone many personnel changes, split up in 1970 after releasing their fifteenth album, The Spotnicks Back in the Race. Yet the band was still popular in Japan, and it soon reformed under Winberg's control in 1971 at the request of a Japanese record label.[6]

Winberg continued to lead versions of The Spotnicks, occasionally including Lander and/or Thelin, on tour and in recordings. In 2013, Winberg and Lander announced that they would be undertaking a final tour, finishing in May 2014.[7] The Spotnicks played their very last concert on 30 March 2019, at Musikens Hus, Gothenburg.[8]

Johansson died on 8 April 2017.[2] Winberg died on 3 January 2020.[9] Lander died on 3 May 2020.[10] Tausis died on 30 March 2022.[11]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
  • The Spotnicks in London, Out-a Space (1962)
  • The Spotnicks on the Air (EP) (1962)
  • The Spotnicks in Paris, Dansons avec les Spotnicks (1963)
  • The Spotnicks in Spain "Bailemos con los Spotnicks" (1963), GER #33.[12]
  • Devenez soliste des Spotnicks (1963)
  • The Spotnicks (1964), GER #45.[12]
  • Meet The Spotnicks (1964), GER #14.[12]
  • The Spotnicks in Stockholm (1964)
  • The Spotnicks in Berlin (1964)
  • The Spotnicks at Home in Gothenburg (1965)
  • The Spotnicks in Tokyo (1966)
  • The Spotnicks Around the World (1966)
  • The Spotnicks in Winterland (1966)
  • The Spotnicks (1967)
  • The Spotnicks Live in Japan (1967)
  • Den Röda Brandbilen (1967)
  • The Spotnicks in Acapulco Mexico (1967)
  • The Spotnicks in the Groove (1968)
  • The Spotnicks By Request (1968)
  • The Spotnicks "Back in the Race" (1970)
  • The Spotnicks "Ame no ballad" (1971)
  • The Spotnicks "Something Like Country" (1972), GER #14.[12]
  • The Spotnicks in Japan (1973)
  • Bo Winberg & The Spotnicks "Today" (1973)
  • The Spotnicks Plays Great Hits of Japanese Tunes (1973)
  • The Spotnicks Live in Berlin '74 (1974)
  • The Spotnicks "Feelings - 12 Brandnew Songs" (1976)
  • The Spotnicks "Charttoppers Recorded 77" (1977)
  • The Spotnicks "The Great Snowman" (1978), SWE #42.[5]
  • The Spotnicks "Never Trust Robots" (1978)
  • The Spotnicks "Saturday Night Music" (1979)
  • The Spotnicks "Pink Lady Super Hits" (1979)
  • The Spotnicks "20th Anniversary Album" (1979)
  • The Spotnicks "20th Anniversary Album" (1980)
  • The Spotnicks "We Don't Wanna Play Amapola No More" (1982)
  • The Spotnicks "In the Middle of Universe" (1983)
  • The Spotnicks "Highway Boogie" (1985)
  • The Spotnicks "In Time" (1986)
  • The Spotnicks "Love Is Blue" (1987)
  • The Spotnicks "Happy Guitar (1987), GER #2.[12]
  • The Spotnicks "16 Golden World Hits" (1987)
  • The Spotnicks "Unlimited" (1989)
  • The Spotnicks/Bo Winberg #1 (1993)
  • The Spotnicks "Tracks" (1995)
  • The Spotnicks 1997 (1997)
  • The Spotnicks Live 1999 (1999)
  • The Otherside (Of the Moon) (2002)
  • Back to the Roots (2003)
  • Still on Tour (2006)
  • Bo Winberg / My Own Favorite (2009)
  • The 'Real' Amapola (2011)

Chart singles

[edit]
Year Single Chart Positions
SWE
[13] 		AUS
[14] 		BE
(Fl)
[15] 		BE
(W)
[16] 		GER
[12] 		JPN
[13] 		NOR
[17] 		UK
[18]
1961 "Johnny Guitar" — — 14 13 — — — —
"Galloping Guitars" — — — 12 — — — —
"Spotnick Theme" — — — 12 — — — —
"Orange Blossom Special" — 19 — 12 — — — 29
1962 "Rocket Man" — — — — — — — 38
"Telstar" — — — 6 — — — —
"Amapola" 2 81 9 33 — — — —
"Ol' Man River" 16 — — — — — — —
"Drina" 12 — — — — — — —
"Hava Nagila" — 31 — — — — — 13
1963 "Carry Me Back" — — — Tip — — — —
"Last Space Train" — — — Tip — — — —
"Just Listen To My Heart" 10 — — — — — — 36
"Spanish Gypsy Dance" 19 — — — — — — —
"Take Five" — — — Tip — — — —
1964 "Moonshot" — — — — 46 — — —
"Papa Oom Mow Mow" 7 — — — — — — —
1965 "Blue Blue Day" — — — — — — 1 —
"Le Dernier Train De L'Espace" — — — — — 2 — —
"Ajomies" — — — — — 1 — —
"Karelia" — — — — — 1 — —
1966 "Sentimental Guitar" — — — — — 5 — —
"Dreaming Guitar" — — — — — 10 — —
1967 "Old Clock At Home" — — — — — 3 — —
"Moscow" — — — — — 10 — —
1972 "If You Could Read My Mind" — — — — 2 — — —
1973 "Speak Softly Love" — — — — 41 — — —
"—" denotes a single that did not chart or was not released in the territory.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "The Spotnicks discography". Spotnicks.net. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  2. ^ a b "OVE JOHANSSON 1940 – 2017" (in Swedish). Retrieved 2023-01-26.
  3. ^ a b c d Colin Larkin, ed. (1997). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music (Concise ed.). Virgin Books. pp. 1122/3. ISBN 1-85227-745-9.
  4. ^ a b Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 521. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  5. ^ a b Wendt, Wille (1993). Topplistan: The Official Swedish Single & Album Charts, 1975-1993. Stockholm: Premium Publishing. p. 195. ISBN 9197189421.
  6. ^ "The '70s". Spotnicks.com. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  7. ^ "The Spotnicks: Final Tour". Addeaagroupinternational.com. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  8. ^ "The Spotnicks Biography". Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  9. ^ Göteborg/Kulturnytt, P4. "Gitarrlegendaren Bo Winberg död" – via sverigesradio.se.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ Maria Domellöf-Wik (4 May 2020). "Sångaren Bob Lander i The Spotnicks död". gp.se. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  11. ^ Tommy Tausis. Retrieved 21 September 2022
  12. ^ a b c d e f "The Spotnicks". Offizielle Deutsche Charts. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  13. ^ a b "Chart Positions". The Spotnicks.
  14. ^ Kent, David (2005). Australian Chart Book 1940–1969. Australian Chart Book Pty Ltd, Turramurra, N.S.W. p. 167. ISBN 0-646-44439-5.
  15. ^ "The Spotnicks". Ultratop.
  16. ^ "The Spotnicks". Ultratop.
  17. ^ "The Spotnicks". Norwegian Charts.
  18. ^ Betts, Graham (2004). Complete UK Hit Singles 1952-2004 (1st ed.). London: Collins. p. 733. ISBN 0-00-717931-6.
[edit]
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