Rock Interviews: Electric Boys
Formed in 1988, Swedish groove-metallers the Electric Boys achieved recognition around the known rock’n’roll world with signature hit single All Lips N’ Hips plus a series of albums that tapped into the very essence of long-haired, leather-trousered, late-night cool.
Touring alongside bands such as Thunder and Mr. Big and drinking from the same well as rock legends like Aerosmith, the band offered an alternative to the late ’80s hair-metal scene, fusing hard rock and heavy funk to create an instantly recognisable style (‘Groovus Maximus’) built riff by riff on the sturdiest possible foundations, unswervingly provided by drummer Niklas Sigevall.
Lauded by the media, feted by the industry, respected by the top producers of the day (including Bob Rock) and supported by a genuinely international fanbase, the band were led into action by flamboyant frontman Conny Bloom.
Bloom has continued to play and record both under his own name and with Silver Ginger 5 and Hanoi Rocks, as well as appearing in TV ads for Jameson Whiskey – consistently showing that the great rock’n’roll dream was available in many colours and that the sitar did indeed have a serious part to play!
And now, some 20 years down the line, it’s time for the band’s early career to be celebrated with a 20-track Best Of, titled Now Dig This!, featuring songs from their three studio albums; these include Psychedelic Eyes, Mary In The Mystery World, Groovus Maximus, The Groover, Rags To Riches, Captain Of My Soul plus a 2009 remix of All Lips N’ Hips, along, of course, with the original version, a longstanding staple of rock clubs around the world.
And for fans of the ’Boys, there’s now even better news, with the original line-up - Franco Santunione (guitars) and Andy Christell (bass), plus the aforementioned Sigevall and vocalist / guitarist Bloom – back together and heading out on the road, with UK dates confirmed for July:
9th July @ Underworld (London) - Headline show
10th July @ Civic Hall (Wolverhampton) - Special guesting with Thunder
11th July @ Hammersmith Apollo (London) - Special guesting with Thunder
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