Over 500 Fans Fill Fjellhaven for Harry Hoovers Tribute Concert
More than 500 people packed the Fjellhaven venue on Saturday for a tribute concert dedicated to the Norwegian band Vazelina Bilopphøggers, performed by the local group Harry Hoovers, the local publication oa.no reported. Despite initial anxiety from the band regarding slow advance ticket sales, the venue reached full capacity as fans of all generations gathered to hear catalog classics.
Shiny footwear is important when delivering Vazelina songs from the stage, and specialized shoes sat on the feet of guitarist and trumpeter Trond Sagbakken. The gathering proved that Vazelina appeals to more than just those with high hairlines and gray tones, as many younger and still promising audience members also made the trip for a dose of the band in Harry Hoovers’ rendition.
Two-Part Setlist Spans Decades of Vazelina Catalog
The performance was divided into two distinct halves, serving as a musical timeline of Vazelina’s career. The first act featured tracks spanning from the band’s 1980 debut album, 24 timers service, through their final 2007 release, Gasoline on the fire. Among the selections was “Lån meg tenger,” a track from the debut album that rarely appears in live concert setlists. During this first half, the songs rolled off a conveyor belt while the audience responded with both sing-alongs and dancing.
Guest Appearances Bring Past Vocalists to the Stage
After a brief intermission, Harry Hoovers welcomed guest vocalists to the stage, starting with Kjetil Foseid. Foseid took over lead vocals for Vazelina in 2006 following the departure of Viggo Sandvik. The 55-year-old from Kongsvinger has played with Hoovers previously, and it was evident that the chemistry between them was strong. During his guest spot, Foseid performed “En stor sølvgrå lastebil,” which he noted during the concert is one of his personal favorites from the band’s discography. It is no longer an everyday occurrence for Berg to stand on a stage, but time appeared to have stood still as the 67-year-old enjoyed himself with Harry Hoovers backing him. He performed tracks from the debut album, including “Skinnmagre høner.”
Toten Fat Horns Join Final Performance
The nearly two-hour concert concluded with the appearance of Toten Fat Horns, who joined the stage for the final numbers. The ensemble closed the evening with a performance of “Gi meg fri i kveld,” featuring both early and late-era vocalists, leaving everyone in the audience seemingly glad they had the evening off to make the trip to Fjellhaven. Although Vazelina Bilopphøggers concluded their active career, the group’s material remains active through dedicated tribute acts like Harry Hoovers, according to oa.no.
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