Pelle Almqvist of The Hives

Lipps Service with Scott Lipps

On this episode, Scott sits with Pelle Almqvist, front man of the eclectic Swedish rock band The Hives. They get into the band’s over 30-year-long career, Pelle’s early rock and punk influences like AC/DC and Skid Row, odd jobs he had growing up, and how the band first met and formed when they were in their teens growing up in Sweden. They also discuss the physicality of performing during their incredible live shows, leaning into the overblown showbiz vibe during early gigs, their suit-bearing aesthetic, and the success of Veni Vidi Vicious and songs like “Hate To Say I Told You So.” They explore the making of and some of the songs on the Hives’ latest album, The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons, including the lore behind the figure of Randy, who has guided the band since its inception. They also talk about the influence of the early punk of the Sonics’, working with Cyndi Lauper and Jack White, and when Pelle threw up at Dave Grohl’s house on New Years Eve. And, of course, in Lipps Service fashion, they wrap up the conversation with Pelle listing some impressive “Top 5s.” Tune in for a witty, insightful, and wide-ranging conversation with one of the coolest front men in rock, Pelle Almqvist!