The Hives

The Hives, from L to R: Dr. Matt Destruction, Nicolaus Arson, "Howlin'" Pelle Almqvist, Chris Dangerous, "Vigilante" Carlstroem

The Hives are a garage rock or (more accurately) garage punk band from Fagersta, Sweden that emerged in the US and the UK in the early 2000s.

The Hives are:

• "Howlin'" Pelle Almqvist - vocals
• Nicolaus "Arson" Almqvist - guitar
• "Vigilante" Carlstroem - guitar
• "Dr. Matt Destruction" - bass
• "Chris Dangerous" - drums

The band claims that their songs are written by an honorary "sixth Hive", Randy Fitzsimmons. Since Nicolaus Almqvist can be found listed under the pseudonym Randy Fitzsimmons in the archives of STIM, the Swedish equivalent of the Performing Right Society, many believe that he is the sole songwriter of the group. The band is also known for their energetic live performances, with Howlin' Pelle running around on stage and saying arrogant things, with the whole band performing strictly dressed up in black & white costumes.

History

The Hives formed in 1993 and released their debut recording, the EP Oh Lord! When? How? in 1996, followed by 1997's Barely Legal LP, and 1998's a.k.a. I.D.I.O.T. EP on the Swedish skate punk oriented record label Burning Heart Records.

Soon after, they began touring in the US and finally released their 2000 US breakthrough album, Veni Vidi Vicious; the album included the hit singles "Main Offender" and "Hate to Say I Told You So". Their UK breakthrough, Your New Favourite Band, a greatest-hits compilation, was released on the Poptones label in 2001. This was followed by extensive touring, as well as the re-release of previous recordings in the US.

Their follow up album, entitled Tyrannosaurus Hives, was released on July 20, 2004, trailed by the release of the single, "Walk Idiot Walk". This single debuted at #13 on the UK singles charts.

See also: List of Swedes in music

Discography

The Hives at the Southside Festival 2004

Albums/EPs

• Oh Lord! When? How? EP (1996)
• Barely Legal (1997)
• a.k.a. I.D.I.O.T. EP (1998)
• Veni Vidi Vicious (2000) US #63
• Your New Favourite Band (2001) UK #7 (2002 release)
• Tyrannosaurus Hives (2004) US #33, UK #7

Singles

From Veni Vidi Vicious/Your New Favourite Band:

• "Hate To Say I Told You So" (2000) UK #23 (2002 release)
• "Main Offender" (2000) UK #24 (2002 release)
• "Die, All Right!" (2001)

From Tyrannosaurus Hives:

• "Walk Idiot Walk" (2004) UK #13
• "Two Timing Touch And Broken Bones" (2004) UK #44
• "A Little More For Little You" (2005)

Influences

• The Rolling Stones
• The Stooges
• Devo
• The Cramps
• The Ramones
• The Damned
• The Oblivians

Similar artists

• The Strokes
• The White Stripes
• The (International) Noise Conspiracy
• Sahara Hotnights
• The Division of Laura Lee
• The Reigning Sound
• The Vines

External links

• The Hives official website
• Burning Heart Records
• The Hives at Naked Dwarf