RIP Kim Larsen

[GoogaMooga]

Kim Larsen, singer-songwriter and former frontman in Denmark's greatest rock band Gasolin, has died, 72 years old. It's breaking news on TV as I write just now. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Kim Larsen is the most beloved rocker of all here in Denmark, a national treasure and a man of the people. He was originally a school teacher, but was more interested in music, and by the end of 68 he turned pro. In 69 he founded the legendary Gasolin, who, with the addition of drummer Søren Berlev in 1971, would dominate the 1970s in Denmark, in fact, all of Scandinavia. He was so down to earth and unpretentious, and that was clearly reflected in his songs, many of which have become evergreens, and at least one, "Fik du set det du ville", has become the most played song at funerals. Not that there was anything morbid about Kim Larsen, with his big gob and thick Copenhagen accent, he'd be the sort of bloke who could fit in anywhere, especially with the counterculture and the working class. He remained classless, but loved to fly in the face of authority, smoking cigarettes on TV long after such behavior was banned: you just don't say no to Kim Larsen. He also had a fondness for the traditional songs, reminding the Danes of their rich song heritage. Kept those songs alive and added his bit, too. I am more a fan of Gasolin than Kim solo - who isn't - but will admit that at least two of the solo records, "Værsgo" and "Midt om Natten", were as good as anything put out by Gasolin. RIP Kim Larsen

[ConnyOlivetti]

[GoogaMooga]

A moving tribute by Danish comic artist Henrik Rehr:

[GoogaMooga]

In 1973, Kim Larsen recorded his masterpiece, "Joanna", and he didn't even sing on it. Instead, he had a 13 year old boy, Søren Bernbom, on lead vocals. A boy whose voice had not cracked yet. It was a stroke of genius, and the album itself, "Værsgo", is considered the best Danish rock album ever. Søren Bernbom went on to become a psychotherapist. He is currently employed at a rehab, Valhalla Fonden, in Copenhagen.

My Kim Larsen top 10:

NPO

Langebro
Midt om Natten
Joanna
Bingo
Kap Farvel til Ümánarssuaq
Som et Strejf af en Dråbe
Masser af Succés
Sct. Emitri
Refrainet er Frit
Hva' Gør Vi Nu, Lille Du?

[Hightea]

phew I had an old girlfriend with that name thought she became a famous musician.

[GoogaMooga]

phew I had an old girlfriend with that name thought she became a famous musician.

Yeah, cultural difference, in Denmark Kim can only be a boy's name.

[injuredbird!]

ta
a very enjoyable read about somebody i didnt know about

[GoogaMooga]

Thanks.