about ......

Vidar Ruud (Guitars and lead vocals)

Based in Bergen, Vidar Ruud has emerged as one of Norway's promising young stars of the rock and blues music scene. Inspired by the likes of Mark Knopfler to Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Presley to The Rolling Stones be prepared to witness some top class guitar playing from Vidar. 

Vidar has been playing in several bands and as a guest artist with Norwegian artists like Good Time Charlie, Hungry John and Side Brok. The last five years his main band has been the Sultans of Swing (a tribute to dire straits and Mark Knopfler).

Influences; Elvis, Lonnie Johnson, Eric Clapton, The Shadows, Big Bang, Mark Knopfler, Jethro Tull, Sting, U2, Robert Johnson, Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Cardigans, Hellbillies, JJ Cale, Art By Accident, Richard Bennett, Marius Müller, Jimmy Hendrix, Steve Lukather

Olav Torgeir Kopsland

(Slide, rhythm & pedal steel guitars, mandolin, banjo)

Based in Oslo, this master of most stringed instruments can be found playing in many of Norway's hottest young bands. Olav's influences are in the roots music of country rock, blues, rockabilly and more.

Olav also performs gigs with Harald Thune, Benedicte Braenden, Stormy Monday, Roy Lønhøiden, Tuva Andersen, Monica Norli & Marianne Sveen. But also with Brennen Leigh, Ivar Thomas, Marvel Hill, Len Hansen, Sailorine, Gravel Road, Gaute Ormåsen, Benedicte Brenden, The BootsBand, Malin Pettersen, Jørun Fluge Samuelsen, Mats Rybø & Jetsurfers now and then. Recent years I have worked with band/artists like Steve Phillips,Kurt Nilsen, John England/Western Swingers, Little Andrew,Marita Johansen,Somebodys Darling, Hem strengelag,Too Far Gone, Tone Damli Aaberge, Ove Støylen, Karin Wright, Threadgills, Bigfoot, Margaret Berger and many other.  

Alf Magne Hillestad (Drums)

Based in Oslo Alf is the master of the jungle rhythms that sets the pace for the band. Alf is a freelance drummer with various artists in Norway and also produces his own music, "The Hill Project" mixing different kind of styles, everything from Jazz/Electronic/Alternative. Alf has his own studio(The Basement Studio) in Oslo.

Ingar Blix (Bass guitar)

Based in Oslo, Ingar is the quiet shy one that every band seems to have but listen and you'll notice that along with Alf it is he who keeps the band working to pin sharp timing. Ingar also performs with several artists, bands and others ; Eva and the Heartmaker , Venke Knutson , Gentle Groove , Marvel Hill , Wilfred and more.

Influences; Daniel Lanois, Led Zeppelin, The Cardigans, The Band, John Paul Jones , Billy Sheehan, Deep Purple to name just a few.

Lars Andre Kvistum (Hammond organ)

Based in Oslo, Lars is the showman of the Playboys and with his loyal and trusty sidekick, the beautiful Hammond organ, then you will understand why the Playboys cook up a storm wherever they perform.      A well established organ player with a very wide experience. He is known from the bands Mothership Connection, B-Population, Magical Mystery Band and KWT. He is also great acknowledged as a musician playing with Claudia Scott, Jorun Erdal, Knut Anders Sørum and Ingvild Pedersen. He plays the good old Hammond organ.

Photo's of band on this page by Steve Kennedy