Norway’s hardest working live band didn't enjoy an easy climb to the top. Teeny (guitar), Glam (vocals), Sporty (drums) and Flash (bass) pursued individual musical careers with bands such as Dream Police, Artch, Sha-Boom, Ole Evenrude, Alien and solo projects during the 80’s and the 90’s with various commercial success. But in February 2001, the four glam rockers began getting together for weekly jam sessions, which lead the way to life-changing show on 24 February at Halden's most popular rock club, Hannestad Gården. The band quickly took advantage of their ever increasing fan base, gigging like crazy as the countries top cover band. The success led to the recording of their first demo, for the first time with original material. Despite their growing popularity a record deal escaped them until 2004, when the band made it to the Norwegian Eurovision final with "Crazy Things". Wig Wam then signed a license deal with Global Music to release '667…The Neighbour Of The Beast', which was followed by a successful tour during the spring and summer of 2004. After parting ways with Global Music, Wig Wam signed with Norway's biggest independent label VME/Voices Music; the result of their participation on the label's Kiss tribute album. Wig Wam's version of "I Was Made For Loving You" featured the guitar prowess of former Kiss axe slinger Bruce Kulick. VME later re-released the debut album with the new title 'Hard To Be A Rock’n Roller'. The music video to accompany the track was later banned from Norwegian broadcasting due to light nudity. Surprisingly, the Norwegian Broadcasting Association invited Wig Wam back to participate in the Norwegian Eurovision final 2005. Since they found themselves in the midst of recording their new album, the band had ample material from which to choose. "In My Dreams", a adrenaline-filled rock anthem, catapulted the band to stardom, going straight to the top of the charts.

667 ...THE NEIGHBOUR OF THE BEAST (2004) GLOBAL MUSIC

I've followed this bands career almost since it's interception. I was there when they were just a cover band, playing almost exclusively in their home towns. I was there when they did an all Kiss-tribute show at a Kiss Expo in Halden, Norway, long before this debut album was out. And it was a thrill when they finally got around to record something. Heck, I have even somewhat followed the band members individual careers since the 80's. Guess what member was once a part of a band that first called themselves Bathory, but had to change it when they found at that a Swedish dude was also using this name? Well, this might all be a little digression, but it's part of my history with Wig Wam. So even though they started their career playing other bands songs, they are all still quite capable to come up with something of their own. Being brought up on the musical legacy of the hard rock and metal scene of the 70's and 80's, it was only natural their own music should be more than a nod back to that era. "667..." is high octane hard rock 'n' roll, created over the same musical ideas of their idols in Kiss, AC/DC, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Aerosmith etc. It's about having fun! But it's also about writing catchy tunes, and memorable songs. It's about the guitar-hero, but also the over-the-top front man. Wig Wam embodies these elements to the fullest, and even though it started as a tribute and throw-back, I have to say that when this album came out, the band took the step into a more serious mode. This is not a spoof, it's the real deal. These guys can play and sing! The album is filled with party rockers, such as "Crazy Things", "Hard To Be A Rock 'n Roller" (later to become the title for the CD upon it's many re-releases) and "Bless The Night". But we also get more subtle tunes, such as "Out Of Time" and "Tell Me Where To Go". The only track I think is a bit unnecessary here is the cover of ex-Spice Girls' Mel C's "I Turn To You". Ok, so it's fun when the band does it live, but on the album it sticks out like a sore thumb. "667..." is an album that makes me proud have been a part of this bands history. My CD is singed by Flash, Teeny and Glam.

Killer tracks: Crazy Things, Out Of Time, Mine All mine, Bless The Night, No More Living On Lies

WIG WAMANIA (2006) VME/VOICES OF WONDER

After the success of the first album, and their 9th place in the Eurovision Song Contest, it was inevitable that their second album would be met with high expectations. And Wig Wam doesn't let you down. Besides the ridiculous title, this is yet another full throttle party rock album. Call it hair metal, 80's hard rock or poodle rock, I don't care; this is fun, and this is pretty darn good! Everything seems to have been taken up a notch from the debut, and that is the way it is meant to be, right? As long as the band keeps serving me quality stuff like "Bygone Zone" and "Dare Devil Heat", I'll be proud to call myself a fan! Besides, who else releases albums with instrumental guitar-solos in 2006?

Killer tracks: Rock My Ride, Gonna Get You Someday, Bygone Zone, Dare Devil Heat

NON STOP ROCK 'N' ROLL (2009) BONNIER AMIGO MUSIC GROUP

Nearly 4 years have passed since Wig Wam released their last album. During this period the band has been busy touring, and laying Japan under their feet, amongst other adventures. Glam also kept up with a solo career and a highly successful Queen tribute show. But now it's time for new music from Norways's leading glam rock band!

'Non Stop Rock 'n' Roll' is about as fitting a title as they come. Wig Wam has never hid the fact that they play music firmly rooted in the 70's and 80's, and why should they? There is no shame in doin' what you like the best. "Do Ya Wanna Taste" it opens the CD, and sets the tone for the entire album. I'm thinking a single of this song will hit the store shelves soon (if we still have CD stores by then, that is..). It's impossible to sit still while songs like this one fills my speakers. My head is banging, my fists are in the air, and I'm singing along as soon as the chorus is repeated. For the most part this album contains melodic hard rock, filled with flashy singing and guitar-playing, driving bass and drums, and hooks that will sink a tank! There are also 2 ballads on this CD. Both "From Here" and "Man In The Moon " are great songs, but I prefer the latter. I also applaud Teeny's tasty guitar-work here. He has a knack for playing highly effective stuff, that doesn't come across as showy.

'Non Stop Rock 'n' Roll' does not fail to deliver exactly what Wig Wam fans expect. If You're a fan of bands like Kiss, Def Leppard, AC/DC and Van Halen, you can buy Wig Wam albums in the blind as well. I don't think this is the bands finest moment, although it holds some of the best songs they have ever delivered ("Do Ya Wanna Taste It" and "Still I'm Burning"), but it ranks nicely alongside the other albums from Wig Wam.

Killer tracks: Do Ya Wanna Taste It, Wild One, Man In The Moon, Still I'm Burning, All You Wanted, Rocket Through My Heart

Wig Wam also appear on:  

V/A - '96% Puddel Rock'

V/A - 'Gods Of Thunder - A Norwegian Tribute To Kiss'

Åge Sten Nilsen guest appearances:

V/A - 'Ørevox' (in Rock 'N Roll Adventure)

Related artists:

Artch