Horrorpops
HorrorPops are a Danish band that formed in 1996 and built their reputation around dark imagery, playful theatrics, and a sound that pulled from rockabilly traditions, punk energy, and a horror themed aesthetic. Starting in Copenhagen and later spending significant time touring abroad, the band developed a loyal following through constant live shows, striking visuals, and a run of records that helped carry them well beyond Denmark.
How Patricia Day and Kim Nekroman Crossed Paths
The roots of HorrorPops trace back to 1996, when Patricia Day and Kim Nekroman first met at the POPKOM festival in Cologne, Germany. At the time, Day was performing with her punk band Peanut Pump Gun, while Nekroman was playing with his own group, Nekromantix. Even though both were active in Copenhagen’s underground scene, they had not met before that show.
They connected quickly over shared interests in alternative music and performance style, staying in touch after the festival. That friendship eventually turned into a band, built around Day’s upright bass and vocals and Nekroman’s guitar work.
Early Lineup and a Demo That Traveled Fast
In 2000 Day brought two friends, Mille and Kamilla Vanilla, into the fold. Both worked with her at a body piercing shop and joined the live show as go go dancers, adding a visual element that helped set HorrorPops apart early on.
A seven song demo was recorded for a press kit, but it quickly spread beyond its intended use. Tracks like Ghouls and Psychobitches Outta Hell became popular in Danish clubs, giving the band unexpected momentum. Over the next few years HorrorPops toured across Europe, steadily building an audience.
Signing with Hellcat and Heading to the United States
During this period, rhythm guitarist Casper Holbek, known as Caz the Clash, left the band to focus on family life and was replaced by Karsten Johansen. Not long after, Hellcat Records signed HorrorPops. The label released a vinyl single in September 2003 and helped set up the band’s first headlining tour in the United States.
The Aloha from Hell tour took the band across California and Arizona. Media attention followed, including interviews with Vogue and coverage from LA Weekly, signaling that HorrorPops were starting to gain traction outside Europe.
Hell Yeah and a Year on the Road
Their debut full length album Hell Yeah! was released on February 10, 2004. Interest in the band grew quickly, and their record release show at Amoeba Records drew a packed crowd. Plans for a full US tour fell apart due to immigration paperwork, but an unexpected opportunity followed almost immediately.
With only a few days’ notice, HorrorPops joined The Offspring as main support on a European tour, playing nightly to crowds ranging from several thousand to well over ten thousand people. Afterward they completed a lengthy European headlining run before returning to the United States to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live and play additional California shows.
As touring demands increased, Mille left the band to return to school and was replaced by Naomi, soon nicknamed NoNo. The band continued touring heavily throughout 2004, including support slots for Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards. Karsten Johansen later exited due to personal commitments, and by the end of the year HorrorPops returned to Los Angeles to begin work on their next album, introducing a new guitar player at a final West Hollywood show.
Relocating to Los Angeles and Releasing Bring It On
HorrorPops relocated from Denmark to Los Angeles and released their second album Bring It On! on September 13, 2005. The record featured new rhythm guitarist Geoff Kresge and marked a period of near constant touring.
Throughout 2006 the band played shows across Canada, Asia, Europe, and the United States, including appearances on the Warped Tour. Before work began on the next album, Kresge departed, returning the group to a three piece lineup.
Kiss Kiss Kill Kill and a Growing Audience
The third album, Kiss Kiss Kill Kill, was released on February 5, 2008. A North American tour followed, beginning with a show in San Luis Obispo, a city where the band had developed a strong following. They toured with other Los Angeles based bands and spent the summer performing on the Vans Warped Tour.
Following this release, HorrorPops saw their audience expand significantly, fueled by consistent touring and a recognizable visual identity.
Legal Dispute and Public Attention
On December 23, 2010 Patricia Day filed a lawsuit against Hard Rock and Mattel, alleging unauthorized use of her likeness in a rock themed Barbie doll sold through Hard Rock venues. The claim centered on a doll marketed as Rockabilly Barbie, which Day argued closely resembled her image without permission or acknowledgment.
The case drew attention due to Mattel’s history of producing dolls modeled after well known musicians, and the situation placed HorrorPops in the public spotlight for reasons far outside touring or recording.
Health Challenges and Looking Ahead
In March 2022 the band shared that Patricia Day was undergoing cancer treatment. A fundraising campaign was launched to help cover medical expenses, and Day spoke openly about balancing recovery with hopes of returning to the stage. Plans were discussed for future shows in the United States and Europe once circumstances allowed.
Members
Current lineup:
- Patricia Day, double bass and vocals
- Kim Nekroman, semi acoustic guitar
- Henrik Stendahl, drums
Former members:
- Casper Holbek, rhythm guitar, 1998 to 2003
- Karsten Johansen, rhythm guitar, 2003 to 2004
- Geoff Kresge, rhythm guitar, 2005 to 2006
- Sam Soto, rhythm guitar, 2007 to 2008
Discography
- Hell Yeah! (2004)
- Bring It On! (2005)
- Kiss Kiss Kill Kill (2008)
EPs and Singles
- Ghouls / Psychobitches Outta Hell (2003)
- MissTake (CD single)
- MissTake (picture disc)
