Trettioåriga Kriget

The progressive swedish rockband ”Trettioåriga Kriget” has been around for some 50 years including some breaks. Still going strong after so many years, we sent over some questions with reflections about the past, the present and the future. Here´s what they had to say.

                                Courtesy: Trettioåriga Kriget

You started the band already back in 1970 and you have had different periods where you have been active and also periods with some breaks in between. Which period and era has been the best so far?

Stefan Fredin: I have to say the late period which started when we did reunite the band in 2004. This period have been more relaxed and fun than the early days. Like we rediscovered why we are playing which of course is the joy of it! During this period we have also been able to play all over the world which have been completely amazing discovering that we have fans in many other countries around the world. We jokingly used to call this late period the ”bonus round”.

If we go back to the early days of the 1970´s, what do you recall both musically and also politically during this period of time in Sweden?

Stefan Fredin: I think in the late 60s some Swedish bands found their own sound and expression instead of just copying the English  and American bands. I am thinking of bands like Hansson& Karlsson, Mecki Mark Men, Träd, Gräs och Stenar.The development continued in the early 70s with bands like Made in Sweden, November and artists like Pugh Rogefeldtand John Holm. All those artists were a huge inspiration for us belonging to a younger generation. They proved that what mattered was following your own heart. In the 70s there was of course also this political progg movement which actually was stronger outside Stockholm I mostly felt that here in Stockholm music always came first. Nevertheless we kind of belonged to this progg movement playing many of their venues around the country.

Many claim that Stockholm together with Gothenburg was the epicenter of the “movement”.  From your perspective, how did you look at the “Proggscene” back in the 1970´s?

Stefan Fredin: I think that´s right. As I wrote above though there was a big difference between Stockholm and Gothenburg meaning that Gothenburg was more politically focused and Stockholm more musically focused.

There were also two different perspectives it seems – The bands that played for the sake of the music and those who cared more about politics. In which box would you put “Trettioåriga Kriget”?

Stefan Fredin: For sure we always focused mainly on the music. Music always came first us. No question about it.

You have also released a book about the band. How did this idea come up?

Stefan Fredin: Olle, our lyricist, has apart from writing our lyrics also published quite a few books in his own name here in Sweden. So when we did reform the band in 2004 he came up with the idea of writing a book about our history up until our split in 1981. The book is called ”Lång historia” (Long history) Though now he is thinking of writing a second book covering this second phase in our career from 2004 until now.

Since 1970 you have released many records during the years. Which one has been the most important for the band so far?

Stefan Fredin: I think it´s the second album ”Krigssång”. This album was very important to us at the time of the release. Through the years the album has become kind of a classic influencing many younger musicians. It has opened a lot of doors for us. It´s still one of my favorite TK albums.

Could you tell us a bit about your touring experience and the high and lows? Which concert has been the best and which one has been the worst?

Stefan Fredin: We toured very much in the 70s obviously experiencing both very good and not so good concerts. What comes to mind is a concert in the Kalix in the North of Sweden playing to five people. Another low was playing at the university in Luleå in the north of Sweden. Between 2 songs a guy comes to me on stage handing over a note which said: ”As you play I have to ask myself, Do you really need to play?” It was kind of hard to continue playing after that. The best concerts are the more recent ones I think. The first concert in US 2004 in North Carolina I will never forget. Or playing by the sea outside Bordeaux was amazing. Also playing in Warsaw, Poland in 2017. Amazing audience and our first concert in Eastern Europe.

Your last record, “Seaside Air”, you did release back in 2016. Can we expect some new songs and album soon or is it still early work in progress?

Stefan Fredin: For sure. There will be a new album. We have finished the pre-production rehearsals already and will start to record it coming autumn. The whole album is already written.

What plans do you have for 2019? Any concerts booked so far?

Stefan Fredin: In a few weeks time we will go the US again and play a festival in Seattle. It will be our first concert ever on the West Coast of US.

Why do think that so many of the bands that were active back in 1970´s seem to be back stronger than ever? We have for example Trettioåriga Kriget, Kebnekajse, Träd Gräs & Stenar, Ragnarök just to mention some few of those who still releases new records and play live.

Stefan Fredin: I think all the bands you mentioned here have one thing in common which is that all of them are unique. They don’t sound like any other band. I think that was the spirit of the 60s and 70s.To find your own creative expression. Not copying others.

Last question for this time. Do you have any last reflections for your listeners around the globe?

Stefan Fredin: I just want thank everyone out there for supporting us through the years. This journey we have made would not have been possible without you. If someone told us when we formed the band in 1970 that we would have this long career and strong support we would never have believed it. It has been quite a trip really!!

Many thanks for answering the questions for us! 

For more info check: 

http://www.trettioarigakriget.com/