Quick Facts
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Biography
DumDum Boys are a Norwegian rock band from Trondheim. They are one of the most successful Norwegian rock acts of all time, and are considered one of the "four great" bands who popularized modern rock with Norwegian lyrics in the mid-to-late 1980s (along with Jokke & Valentinerne, Raga Rockers and DeLillos). Before breaking into the mainstream they were known as a punk rock act under the name Wannskrækk.
History
DumDum Boys started up in 1978 as a punk rock act under the name Wannskrækk,inspired by acts such as Lasse Myrvold and The Aller Værste!, who pioneered punk rock with Norwegian lyrics. Theygigged extensively in Trondheim and gained a cult following. They released two singles,Faen Kuler Treffer Aldri Riktig (1981) and" ...12"... " (1982), and one live album, Wannskrækk/Liliedugg - Last Opera/Live Ritz Trondheim 12. juni 84 - a recording of a concert held together with fellow punk act Liliedugg.
In 1992 a compilation album was released, "Wannskrækk - Riff (1980-1985)" which consisted of released and unreleased material from that period. In 2011 they played a special concert as Wannskrækk at the Øyafestivalen music festival Oslo..In 2013 the record label Oh Yeah! released some of their early recordings as the single "Reklame for pæng" / "Danse hele natta".
In 1985 Wannskrækk went on hiatus, and decided to change the name and musical style of the band. They adopted a more mainstream, hard rock sound and took the name "DumDum Boys" from the song "Dum Dum Boys on Iggy Pop's 1985 album The Idiot.
Their first album, "Blodig Alvor Na Na Na Na Na" (1988) broke into the sales charts at #14 and spawned several successful singles. It was followed the next year by"Splitter Pine", which reached #3 and contained the eponymous hit song - generally considered a classic Norwegian rock anthem.
From 1990 to 2012 DumDum Boys released eight albums, of which six reached #1, one #2, and one #7 on the national charts.
Their latest release, the 2018 album "Armer og Bein" went straight to #1.
Last line-up as Wannskrækk
- Kjartan Kristiansen (1979−1985) - guitar
- Persi Iveland (1979−1985) - bass
- Prepple Houmb (1980−1985) - vocals
- Sola Jonsen (1984−1985) - drums and percussion
- Børge Pedersen (1978−1980) - vocals
- Gisse (1978−1983) - drums and percussion
- Kåre Sommer (1981) - guitar
Discography
Albums as Wannskrækk
- 1984: Last Opera/X-Mas Funeral Party Live Ritz Trondheim (joint album Wannskrækk/Liliedugg)
- 1992: Wannskrækk Riff (1980-1985) (Wannskrækk best of album)
Studio albums
| Year | Album | Peak positions | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOR | |||
| 1988 | Blodig Alvor (NaNaNaNa) | 14 | |
| 1989 | Splitter pine | 3 | |
| 1990 | Pstereo | 1 | |
| 1992 | Transit | 1 | |
| 1994 | Ludium | 1 | |
| 1996 | Sus | 1 | |
| 1998 | Totem | 7 | |
| 2006 | Gravitasjon | 1 | |
| 2009 | Tidsmaskin | 1 | |
| 2012 | Ti liv | 1 | |
| 2018 | Armer og bein | 1 | |
| 2019 | Løsøre | 37 |
Live albums
| Year | Album | Peak positions | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOR | |||
| 1994 | 1001 Watt | 13 |
Compilation albums
| Year | Album | Peak positions | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOR | |||
| 1992 | Riff - Wannskrækk 1980–85 | – | |
| 2001 | Schlägers | 1 | |
| 2014 | Riff - Wannskrækk 1980–85 (re-release) | 20 |
EPs
- 1982: ... Wannskrækk .. 12" ..
- 1986: Bapshuari (EP)
Singles
- 1981 @Faen Kuler Treffer Aldri Riktig"
- 2013: "Wannskrækk 7" "
- 2013: "Reklame for pæng/ Danse hele natta"
DVDs
- 2004: DumDum Boys i Dødens Dal (live, DVD) (#1 NO)
