Backyard Babies

ByLets Go Punk
Backyard Babies

Backyard Babies is a Swedish rock band formed in 1987 in Nässjö, Sweden, and currently based in Stockholm. The band is recognized for their significant contribution to popularizing sleaze rock in Scandinavia, blending rock and punk influences. Over the years, they have released eight studio albums and won two Swedish Grammy Awards. Backyard Babies have gained international recognition through their music, including tracks such as “Minus Celsius,” which was featured in the video game Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, and “Degenerated,” available as a downloadable song in Guitar Hero World Tour.

History

Formation and Early Years (1987-1995)

The band was originally formed in 1987 under the name Tyrant, featuring Tobias Fischer (vocals/bass), Dregen (guitar), Johan Blomqvist (guitar), and Peder Carlsson (drums). After recording a demo and playing local shows, Fischer was replaced by Nicke Borg, who took over lead vocals and guitar, while Blomqvist switched to bass. Fischer went on to become a photographer and web designer in Stockholm.

In 1989, the band changed their name to Backyard Babies and began building momentum by releasing their debut EP, Something to Swallow, which led to a contract with Swedish label Megarock Records. In 1994, they released their debut album Diesel & Power, showcasing their mix of rock, punk, and blues influences. This album featured the single “Electric Suzy” with a cover of Hanoi Rocks’ “Taxi Driver” as the B-side. After supporting Demolition 23 on tour, the band went on hiatus when guitarist Dregen formed the garage rock band The Hellacopters.

Reunion and Rise to Fame (1997-2003)

The band reunited in 1997 and signed with MVG Records, releasing their critically acclaimed album Total 13. The album, influenced by acts like the New York Dolls, Ramones, and The Damned, earned them praise, and they toured the UK, supporting acts such as Alice Cooper. Following the success of their 1998 single “Bombed (Out of My Mind)” and the B-side “Rocker,” which featured Hanoi Rocks’ Michael Monroe, they continued to build their reputation in the rock scene.

Their 2001 album, Making Enemies Is Good, marked a turning point, with hit singles like “The Clash” and “Brand New Hate” co-written with Ginger from The Wildhearts. This success led them to tour with Motörhead and support AC/DC.

Stockholm Syndrome and Further Success (2003-2009)

In 2003, the band released Stockholm Syndrome, an album that earned them a Swedish Grammy and was seen as a return to their raw, energetic roots. The singles “Minus Celsius” and “A Song for the Outcast” helped solidify their place in the Scandinavian rock scene. Following this, they toured extensively, including shows in the US and Europe alongside Social Distortion.

The band released their fifth studio album, People Like People Like People Like Us, in 2006, produced by Nicke Andersson of The Hellacopters. In 2008, their self-titled album, Backyard Babies, topped the Swedish albums chart, featuring the singles “Fuck Off and Die” and “Degenerated,” the latter of which featured an animated music video.

Anniversaries, Hiatus, and Return (2009-2022)

To celebrate their 20th anniversary, Backyard Babies released the compilation album Them XX in 2009, accompanied by a tour. The band took a break following the tour but returned in 2015 with the album Four by Four, which reached number 2 on the Swedish albums chart. In 2019, they released their eighth studio album, Sliver & Gold.

In 2022, guitarist Dregen confirmed in an interview that the band was on hiatus due to his commitments with The Hellacopters, but future plans for Backyard Babies remained open.

Musical Style

Backyard Babies are often associated with the sleaze rock genre, combining elements of punk, rock, and blues. Their music features high-energy riffs, raw vocals, and rebellious lyrics. Over the years, their sound has evolved from the chaotic punk-infused energy of Total 13 to a more controlled but still aggressive style in albums like Making Enemies Is Good and Stockholm Syndrome.

Members

  • Nicke Borg – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1989–present)
  • Dregen – lead guitar, backing vocals (1987–present)
  • Johan Blomqvist – bass (1989–present), rhythm guitar (1987–1989)
  • Peder Carlsson – drums, percussion (1987–present)

Former Members

  • Tobias Fischer – lead vocals, bass (1987–1989)

Discography

Studio Albums

  • Diesel & Power (1994)
  • Total 13 (1998)
  • Making Enemies Is Good (2001)
  • Stockholm Syndrome (2003)
  • People Like People Like People Like Us (2006)
  • Backyard Babies (2008)
  • Four by Four (2015)
  • Sliver & Gold (2019)

Awards

  • Swedish Grammy Awards: Two-time winners

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