The Spotnicks

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Biography

The Spotnicks are an instrumental rock group from Sweden, who were formed in 1961. They were famous for wearing “space suit” costumes on stage, and for their innovative electronic guitar sound. They have since released 42 albums, selling more than 18 million records, and still tour.

History

The Spotnicks originated from “Rock-Teddy and The Blue Caps”, a group formed in 1957 in Gothenburg by guitarist Bo Winberg (born 27 March 1939), with Bo Starander (born 11 March 1942) (rhythm guitar), and Björn Thelin (born 27 June 1942) (bass guitar). In 1958 they added Ove Johansson (drums), 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”, a play on the Russian satellite Sputnik as suggested by their manager, Roland Ferneborg. 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, and reaching # 1 in Australia. Around this time they began wearing their trademark “space suits” on stage. They recorded their first album, The Spotnicks in London - Out-a-Space, in 1962. Further hits included “Rocket Man” (no relation to the Elton John song), and “Hava Nagila” (their biggest UK hit, where it made # 13). Winberg also recorded solo, credited as “The Shy Ones”.
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