Hellbillies | |
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Ål, Hallingdal, Norway |
| Genres | Rock country rock |
| Years active | 1990-present |
| Labels | EMI |
| Members |
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| Past members |
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| Website | https://www.hellbillies.com |
Hellbillies is a Norwegian rock band, formed in 1990 in a town called Ål, located in Hallingdal.[1]
As of 2012, they have released thirteen albums—including a compilation and two live albums—as well as two live concert DVDs. They are among Norway's most popular recording artists.[2]
Their lyrics are written and sung in the dialect of the Hallingdal area of Norway and there is evidence of influence from traditional (folk) Norwegian music, giving a distinctive "Norwegian" flavor to their country music.
Their early albums often included songs originally recorded by country music artists from the US with Hellbillies writing new lyrics in the Ål dialect of Norwegian, with the settings of the lyrics differing sharply from the source songs. Examples include Ei krasafaren steinbu (Past the Point of Rescue by Hal Ketchum) and Pela stein (Against the Grain by Garth Brooks).
Later efforts have included much more original material that reflect contemporary Norwegian people and Norwegian life and issues. They have also gradually changed their musical style from country to rock.
They have collaborated with musicians from the US. For example, Rob Hajacos from Nashville, who plays the fiddle on most Garth Brooks albums, Rob plays on three of Hellbillies’ albums.
In 2013 Hellbillies appeared at the Kongsberg Jazz Festival performing together with Jazz guests the Violin virtuoso Ola Kvernberg and the super trumpeter Mathias Eick.[3] In 2013 they also contributed to the book "Think like a rockstar" Tenk som en rockestjerne,[4] written by Ståle Økland.
Current members
Live and studio members
Former members
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Main article: Hellbillies discography |
