The History of Norwegian Rock Music

The history of rock'n'roll music in Norway.

• Ep 1

  1.1958–1960: Rock’n'roll

  19-09-200430m

  American rock enters Norway and turns the perception of what popular music is upside down. And what really happened during the rock riots in Oslo in 1956?

• Ep 2

  2.1960–1964: Shadowstida

  26-09-200430m

  Inspired by The Shadows, shadows bands spring up across the country in the sixties. And the parent generation calls their music barbed-wire music.

• Ep 3

  3.1964–1967: Beatgrupper

  03-10-200430m

  Surrounded by screaming girls, parties, and scandals, the Pussycats are the first to live out what we associate with the sixties: Protest, colour, and free sex.

• Ep 4

  4.1966–1969: Rhythm’n & psykedelia

  10-10-200430m

  As the generational conflict intensifies, a rawer and bolder pop music emerges: Rhythm and blues.

• Ep 5

  5.1969–1977: Fra viserock til rock på norsk

  17-10-200430m

  Throughout the 60s, only the schlager singers sing in Norwegian. Then the Norwegian singer-songwriter wave emerges.

• Ep 6

  6.1971–1977: Progressiv rock

  24-10-200430m

  In the 70s, people begin in earnest to buy records. The record companies smell money, and the artists dream of breaking through abroad.

• Ep 7

  7.1977-1980: Punk

  31-10-200430m

  With an intense hatred of the record industry, harsh opinions that disco sucks, and an appearance that scares most people senseless, the punks take over Norway.

• Ep 8

  8.1980-tallet

  07-11-200430m

  In the 80s, the record market explodes, also in Norway. But it’s pop that sells, not rock.

• Ep 9

  9.De fire store

  14-11-200430m

  Even though the punks try to make Norwegian a rock language, it’s only when deLillos, Raga Rockers, Jokke, and DumDum Boys enter the stage that it takes off.

• Ep 10

  10.Nummer 1 i USA

  21-11-200430m

  Norwegian rock and pop musicians have always dreamed of making it abroad. Finally, it happens: A-ha goes to the top in the USA.

• Ep 11

  11.Rockens nisjer

  28-11-200430m

  In the 90s, rock’s niches grow large enough to embrace narrow genres, and Norwegian techno, black metal, and world music conquer Europe.

• Ep 12

  12.Veien videre

  05-12-200430m

  At the turn of the millennium, many new artists have risen to prominence. They chart their own course for pop and rock.