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Backyard Babies
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Backyard Babies is a Swedish rock band originally from Nässjö and currently based in Stockholm. The band was formed in 1987 and have released eight studio albums, in addition to winning two Swedish Grammy Awards.
Key Information
They are largely attributed with popularizing sleaze rock in Scandinavia and Sweden. Their single "Minus Celsius" appears as a playable bonus track in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and "Degenerated" is available as a downloadable song for Guitar Hero World Tour.
History
[edit]Formed in 1987, Backyard Babies originally consisted of singer/bassist Tobbe (Tobias Fischer), guitarist Dregen, guitarist Johan Blomqvist, and drummer Peder Carlsson.[2] They were then called Tyrant and played several live shows in their local area and recorded a rough demo. Tobbe was soon replaced by frontman Nicke Borg on vocals and guitar, and Blomqvist switched to bass.[2] Fischer went on to be a professional photographer and web designer in Stockholm, continuing to work occasionally with his old bandmates.
In 1989, the band changed their name to Backyard Babies and recorded two more demos and did a national tour of Sweden. In 1991, the band self-released a debut EP titled Something to Swallow.[2] This got them signed in 1993 by Swedish label Megarock Records.[2]
Backyard Babies released their debut album Diesel & Power in 1994.[3][4][5] The music on it took influences from rock, punk and blues. In addition to the album the band also released the single "Electric Suzy" with a cover of "Taxi Driver" by Hanoi Rocks as the B-side. After touring with former Hanoi Rocks members in Demolition 23 and doing a short headline tour in late 1995, premiering new songs that remain unreleased, the band was put on hiatus, as guitarist Dregen formed the garage rock band The Hellacopters.[2] Dregen appeared on two albums with the Hellacopters" Supershitty to the Max! (1996) and Payin' the Dues (1997).
The Backyard Babies reunited in 1997, with a new record contract with MVG Records.[2] They recorded their most-critically acclaimed album, Total 13.[2] Critics compared the album favorably to the New York Dolls, Ramones and The Damned.[1] They toured the United Kingdom with good response. A single was released from the album, "Bombed (Out of My Mind)", with the B-side "Rocker" featuring a duet with Hanoi Rocks frontman Michael Monroe. Their next single was the self-released "Is It Still Alright to Smile?".[2] The B-side of the single was a cover of the Faster Pussycat track "Babylon" featuring guest appearances from Ginger of the Wildhearts and Nicke Andersson who had played with Dregen in the Hellacopters.[2] In 1998 the band toured the United Kingdom once more, this time in support of Alice Cooper.
After the collaboration on the song "Babylon", Dregen, Ginger, and Nicke Andersson formed the side project Supershit 666, which released a six-track EP in 1999. Dregen returned to the Backyard Babies soon after as the band took off for another tour of the United Kingdom, this time in support of AC/DC.
The Babies recorded a follow-up to Total 13, titled Making Enemies is Good which has been described by some critics as a more "controlled chaos" approach than their previous effort.[6] Two of the singles from it were hits "The Clash" and "Brand New Hate", the latter of which was co-written with Ginger. They toured in support of the album with Motörhead.
On 15 October 2002, Backyard Babies guitarist Dregen was on the front pages of Swedish national newspapers. After returning home from a club where he was DJing, he and his friend were assaulted, robbed, and knocked unconscious. Dregen suffered a broken jaw but the band continued recording their next album; Stockholm Syndrome. The album, released in 2003, was viewed by some fans as a return towards a more energetic and raw sound. The album won them a Swedish Grammy. The album spawned three singles, "Minus Celsius", "A Song for the Outcast" and "Friends".
During 2005, the band toured the United States (with openers The Chelsea Smiles & Crash Kelly) and Europe alongside Social Distortion. The album People Like People Like People Like Us, produced by Nicke Andersson of The Hellacopters, was released in 2006. It spawned two singles: "The Mess Age (How Could I Be So Wrong)" and "Dysfunctional Professional". A self-titled album was released in August 2008. The first single was "Fuck Off and Die". The second single "Degenerated" is supported by an animated video clip. Their self-titled 2008 album reached number 1 on the Swedish albums chart.[7]
The compilation album Them XX was released in 2009 to honor the band's 20th anniversary. The accompanying tour was rumored to be their last. After a hiatus, the band reconvened with an announcement in May 2014. Their 2015 album Four by Four reached number 2 on the Swedish albums chart.[8] In September 2018 they played at the Hard Rock Hell Sleaze festival in Sheffield, England.[9]
The band released their eighth studio album,Sliver & Gold, in 2019.[10]
During an interview with The Sound Lab in 2022, Dregen confirmed that Backyard Babies were on hiatus due to his commitments with The Hellacopters, but stated that were plans to create more music in the future.
Members
[edit]- Current
- 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)
- Past
- Tobias Fischer – lead vocals, bass (1987–1989)
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Year | Album | Peak positions | Certification | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWE [11] |
FIN [12] | |||
| 1994 | Diesel & Power (Re-released 2006) |
— | — | |
| 1998 | Total 13 | 12 | — | |
| 2001 | Making Enemies Is Good | 1 | 13 | |
| 2003 | Stockholm Syndrome | 2 | — | |
| 2006 | People Like People Like People Like Us | 3 | 22 | |
| 2008 | Backyard Babies | 1 | 31 | |
| 2015 | Four by Four | 2 | 17 | |
| 2019 | Sliver & Gold | 5 [13] |
31 [14] |
|
Live albums
[edit]| Year | Album | Peak positions |
|---|---|---|
| SWE [11] | ||
| 2005 | Live Live in Paris | 19 |
Compilation albums
[edit]| Year | Album |
|---|---|
| 2001 | Independent Days |
| 2002 | From Demos to Demons: 1989–1992 |
| 2005 | Tinnitus |
| 2009 | Them XX |
Demos
[edit]| Date | Demo album title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Tyrant | – |
| 1990 | Backyard Babies | Not to be confused with similarly titled consequent 2008 album Backyard Babies |
| 1991 | Bite & Chew | – |
| 1992 | Diesel & Power | Not to be confused with similarly titled consequent 1994 album Diesel & Power |
EPs
[edit]| Year | Album | Peak positions |
|---|---|---|
| SWE [11] | ||
| 1991 | Something to Swallow | — |
| 1997 | Knockouts EP | 54 |
| 1998 | Total 05 | — |
| Safety Pin & Leopard Skin | — |
Singles
[edit]- "Electric Suzy" (1994)
- "Supershow" (split, 1996)
- "Look at You" (1997) (No. 88 United Kingdom)[15]
- "Bombed (Out of My Mind)" (1997) (No. 95 United Kingdom)
- "Is It Still Alright to Smile?" (1998)
- "Highlights" (1998) (No. 79 United Kingdom)
- "Babylon" (1999)
- "Brand New Hate" (2001)
- "The Clash" (2001, BMG Sweden, b/w "Three Wise Monkeys", "Fashion (Changes with You)")
- "Minus Celsius" (22 October, 2003)
- "A Song for the Outcast" (2004)
- "Friends" (2004)
- "The Mess Age" (2006)
- "Dysfunctional Professional" (2006)
- "Fuck Off and Die" (2008)
- "Drool" (2008)
- "Th1rt3en or Nothing" (2015)
Videos
[edit]- "Electric Suzy" (1994)
- "Look at You" (1997)
- "Highlights" (1998)
- "Babylon" (live) (1999)
- "Brand New Hate" (2001)
- "The Clash" (2001)
- "Minus Celsius" (2003)
- "A Song for the Outcast" (2003)
- "Dysfunctional Professional" (2006)
- "Roads" (2006)
- "The Mess Age" (2006)
- "Fuck Off and Die" (2008)
- "Nomadic"
- "Abandon"
- "Gods Favourite"
Videography
[edit]- Live (from LiveZone) (2005)
- Jetlag: The Movie (2005)
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Backyard Babies | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Colin Larkin, ed. (2000). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Nineties Music (First ed.). Virgin Books. p. 31. ISBN 0-7535-0427-8.
- ^ "Diesel And Power : Backyard Babies". Metal-temple.com. Retrieved 5 September 2025.
- ^ Boulton, Martin (24 September 2019). "Bringing back the Backyard Babies sound". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 5 September 2025.
- ^ "Backyard Babies To Release 'Live At Cirkus' DVD". Blabbermouth.net. 15 February 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2025.
- ^ "Making Enemies Is Good". Amazon.de. 28 May 2001. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
- ^ "Backyard Babies (album)". SwedishCharts.com. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
- ^ "Four by Four (album)". SwedishCharts.com. Archived from the original on 30 November 2015. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
- ^ "HRH Sleaze - Line up". Archived from the original on 25 January 2018. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
- ^ "Backyard Babies write a new page in the history books of Rock & Roll with 'Sliver & Gold'". Rawmusictv.com. March 4, 2019. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
- ^ a b c "Backyard Babies discography". swedishcharts.com. Archived from the original on 20 November 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
- ^ "Backyard Babies discography". finnishcharts.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
- ^ "Sverigetopplistan – Sveriges Officiella Topplista". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 8 March 2019. Click on "Veckans albumlista".
- ^ "Suomen Virallinen Lista". Ifpi.fi. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
- ^ "Backyard Babies – full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Backyard Babies.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
Backyard Babies
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Backyard Babies is a Swedish rock band formed in 1989 in the town of Nässjö by childhood friends Nicke Borg (vocals and guitar), Dregen (guitar), Johan Blomqvist (bass), and Peder Carlsson (drums), all born in 1973.[1] Currently based in Stockholm, the band is renowned for its high-energy rock 'n' roll sound blending elements of punk, glam, and hard rock, often described as sleaze rock.[2] Over their career, they have released eight studio albums, achieved international recognition through extensive touring, and won two Swedish Grammy Awards for Best Hard Rock for Total 13 (1999) and Making Enemies Is Good (2002).[3]
The band's early years were marked by grassroots efforts, beginning with their debut EP Something to Swallow in 1991, which secured a record deal with Megarock Records and led to their first full-length album, Diesel and Power, in 1994.[1] After relocating to Stockholm that year, Backyard Babies gained momentum with Total 13 (1998), an album that reached gold status in Sweden and earned them their first Grammy while propelling them onto global stages, including tours supporting AC/DC.[1] Their music, characterized by raw guitar riffs, anthemic choruses, and themes of rebellion and nightlife, has influenced the Scandinavian rock scene and drawn comparisons to acts like the New York Dolls and Hanoi Rocks.[4]
Following a hiatus from 2010 to 2015, during which members pursued side projects—such as Dregen's work with The Hellacopters—Backyard Babies reunited with the single "Th1rt3en or Nothing" and continued releasing material, culminating in their eighth studio album, Sliver & Gold, in 2019.[1] Notable tracks like "Minus Celsius" have appeared in video games such as Guitar Hero, broadening their reach, while their live performances remain a hallmark of their enduring appeal in the rock genre.[2] As of 2025, the band remains active.[5]
These singles often included non-album B-sides like covers or demos, contributing to the band's cult status through limited-edition vinyl runs.[21]
Backyard Babies' videography includes music videos that captured their high-octane, leather-clad aesthetic during the MTV era, alongside DVD releases documenting live performances and behind-the-scenes footage. Videos emphasized their glam image, with dramatic visuals and live energy that amplified singles' promotional reach.[21]
History
Formation and early years
Backyard Babies originated in the small town of Nässjö, Sweden, where guitarist Dregen (Dragan Grahn) and drummer Peder Carlsson formed the band in 1987 under the name Dead Silent. They later added guitarist Johan Blomqvist (replacing initial guitarist Mattias Blomkvist) and vocalist/bassist Tobias "Tobbe" Fischer, renaming the group Tyrant.[6] The group drew from local rock influences, practicing in makeshift setups amid the limited music infrastructure of rural Sweden.[7] In 1989, following Fischer's departure, the band renamed itself Backyard Babies and restructured its lineup, with Nicke Borg joining as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist while Blomqvist shifted to bass; Dregen focused on lead guitar and Carlsson remained on drums.[4] This core configuration, all members born in 1973, provided stability as they began recording demos and playing local gigs to build a grassroots following.[8] The band's debut EP, Something to Swallow, was self-released in 1991 on the independent Opus 3 label, limited to approximately 2,000 copies, which captured their energetic, raw sound but achieved only modest underground attention.[9] This release caught the ear of Megarock Records, a small Swedish heavy metal-focused imprint, leading to a signing in 1993 and the issuance of their first full-length studio album, Diesel & Power, in 1994.[10] The album, featuring tracks like "Electric Suzy" and "Bad to the Bone," showcased a gritty garage rock edge and supported initial tours across Sweden, though sales remained constrained by the niche rock market.[7] Despite these steps, Backyard Babies encountered key early challenges, including limited commercial success due to the EP's restricted distribution and the broader instability of small labels in Sweden's emerging rock scene during the early 1990s.[8] In 1995, the band entered a temporary hiatus after a tour with Demolition 23, primarily to accommodate Dregen's new commitments with garage rock outfit The Hellacopters.[11]Rise to prominence
After a brief hiatus, Backyard Babies reunited in 1997 and secured a record contract with MVG Records, which facilitated the recording and release of their breakthrough album Total 13 in 1998.[2][12] The album fused raw punk energy with infectious hard rock hooks, earning critical acclaim for its gritty, high-octane sound and propelling the band toward wider recognition. It achieved gold status in Sweden, charted on the national albums list, and won the band their first Swedish Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Album.[1] Building on this momentum, Backyard Babies signed with major label BMG (a Sony Music subsidiary) and released Making Enemies Is Good in 2001, which debuted at number one on the Swedish charts and further solidified their domestic success.[13] The follow-up, Stockholm Syndrome, arrived in 2003 and peaked at number two on the Swedish albums chart, marking their highest international profile to date with tracks like "Minus Celsius" gaining radio play across Europe.[1][14] The album also earned a Swedish Grammy for Best Hard Rock Album, highlighting the band's evolution toward a polished yet rebellious rock aesthetic.[15] During this period, the band undertook extensive tours across Europe and the United States, including support slots alongside The Hellacopters and headline performances at major festivals such as Hultsfred in 2001.[16] These efforts helped cultivate a dedicated fanbase within glam punk and sleaze rock communities, establishing Backyard Babies as a key player in the international rock underground.[17]Mid-career developments and hiatus
Following the release of their 2006 album People Like People Like People Like Us, Backyard Babies issued their self-titled sixth studio album in 2008 on Billion Dollar Babies Records, featuring tracks like "Fuck Off and Die" and "Degenerated" that preserved the band's signature punk-infused hard rock sound with raw energy and sleazy riffs.[18][19] The album received positive reviews for its gritty production and live-wire attitude, though it marked a period of transition as the band navigated label changes and prepared for an extended break.[4] In 2009, the band released Them (XX), a comprehensive box set compilation on Billion Dollar Babies Records that included a best-of collection, rare demos, B-sides, and a DVD with videos and a short film, serving as a retrospective amid growing fatigue after two decades on the road.[20] This release highlighted their punk rock edge through selections like "Highlights" and "Electric Suzy," but it also signaled the end of an active phase, as the band announced an indefinite hiatus later that year following a European tour, allowing members to pursue individual endeavors.[21] The hiatus lasted until 2015, when Backyard Babies reunited for Four by Four on Gain Music Entertainment, an album that returned to their roots with punchy, no-frills rock tracks such as "Th1rt3en or Nothing" and "Piracy," earning acclaim for recapturing the raw, street-level vibe of their early work. Produced by Chips Kiesbye, it emphasized straightforward riffs and anthemic choruses, positioning the band as enduring purveyors of European punk rock without compromising their high-octane style.[22] The group maintained momentum with extensive European tours, including headline slots and festival appearances at Sweden Rock Festival in 2015 and 2018, where they delivered high-energy sets blending classics and new material to enthusiastic crowds.[23] Guitarist Dregen balanced band commitments with side projects, including his solo album Dregen (2013) and reunion with The Hellacopters in 2016, which explored bluesy rock influences while keeping his punk sensibilities intact.[24] In 2019, Backyard Babies released their eighth studio album Sliver & Gold on Gain Music Entertainment, a vibrant collection produced by Chips Kiesbye that showcased energetic tracks like "Shovin' Rocks" and "Ragged Flag," praised for its organic sound and renewed vigor after the reunion. The album's sleaze-tinged production and party-ready anthems reinforced their punk rock foundation, with critics noting its infectious drive and polished yet unpretentious execution.[25] The band supported Sliver & Gold with tours across Europe, including UK dates and festival gigs, but mounting personal commitments led to a second hiatus announced in 2022 via an interview with guitarist Dregen, who cited the need for breaks after 35 years together to focus on projects like his work with The Hellacopters, while emphasizing no plans for permanent disbandment.[26] This pause followed their last major outings in promotion of the 2019 album, allowing reflection on a career defined by relentless touring and creative output.[27]Reunion and ongoing activities
Following their hiatus announced in 2022 due to members' commitments to other projects, Backyard Babies have shown tentative signs of activity without a full reunion. In October 2024, guitarist Dregen stated in an interview that the band had not officially disbanded and that he remained in contact with the members, expressing hope for future collaborations: "Hopefully there will be more Backyard Babies in the future."[28] This came amid individual pursuits, including Dregen's ongoing work with The Hellacopters and his solo art exhibitions. By mid-2025, frontman Nicke Borg addressed the possibility of a reunion during an interview following an unexpected encounter with Dregen at the Sweden Rock Festival. Borg described the interaction as awkward but noted he no longer dismissed the idea outright, referencing the Guns N' Roses reunion as a precedent: "I used to say ‘Not in this lifetime,’ like Axl Rose. But look what happened to Guns N’ Roses… So yeah… I don’t say that anymore."[29] However, no concrete plans or official announcements emerged from the meeting, and Borg indicated no immediate return to rock performances. Ongoing activities in 2025 center on archival releases rather than new original material. The band announced a 20th anniversary edition of their live album Live in Paris, limited to 666 individually numbered copies on yellow and black marble vinyl, set for release on November 14, 2025. This includes a 4-page booklet and marks the first physical output associated with the band in several years.[30] Members continue balancing these efforts with personal endeavors, such as Borg's co-hosting of the podcast Minnesluckan, launched in January 2024, which explores rock nostalgia.[30] No tours or live performances by the full band have been scheduled as of November 2025, with individual members focusing on side projects amid the hiatus. Dregen, for instance, held an art exhibition titled "Artbeat" in London on October 24, 2025, showcasing garage-punk inspired paintings in collaboration with artist Millan Rouge.[31] Fan interest persists, fueled by these updates, though the band's evolved dynamic post-hiatus—shaped by solo careers—presents challenges in coordinating a cohesive return.[32]Musical style and influences
Genre and evolution
Backyard Babies' music is primarily rooted in hard rock, incorporating punk rock and glam punk elements that emphasize high-energy riffs, raw vocals, and a garage rock attitude.[7] Their sound blends the raw aggression of punk with the swagger of glam, creating a sleaze-infused rock style that prioritizes intensity and immediacy.[33] This fusion delivers a visceral listening experience, marked by driving rhythms and an unpolished edge that evokes underground rock vitality.[17] Over their career, the band's style has evolved while maintaining core punk roots. In the 1990s, their early work leaned toward gritty punk reminiscent of high-tempo, no-frills energy, as heard in raw tracks with power-chord assaults and direct song structures.[34] By the mid-2000s, they incorporated more melodic hard rock influences, expanding their palette with catchier hooks and broader dynamics without diluting the punk drive.[35] Entering the 2010s and 2020s, Backyard Babies adopted a more mature production approach, refining their sleaze with tighter arrangements while preserving the rebellious core, resulting in albums that balance accessibility and grit.[33] Signature elements define their sonic identity, including Nicke Borg's snarling, raspy vocals that convey urgency and defiance, paired with Dregen's guitar solos featuring crunchy, riff-heavy leads infused with raw flair.[36] Their lyrics often explore themes of rebellion, outcast experiences, and nightlife escapades, capturing a sense of youthful defiance and nocturnal hedonism.[37] Production has shifted notably from the band's origins, starting with lo-fi indie aesthetics on their 1994 debut Diesel & Power, which captured a garage-like rawness suitable for their punk-leaning sound.[38] By the early 2000s, under major label Sony, they embraced a polished, big-rock production on Stockholm Syndrome (2003), enhancing clarity and scale while amplifying their hard rock elements.[39] This evolution reflects a progression from underground grit to refined stadium-ready rock, yet always anchored in their foundational sleaze.[40]Key inspirations
Backyard Babies drew significant inspiration from the protopunk and glam rock movements of the 1970s, particularly the New York Dolls' sleazy, androgynous aesthetic and raw energy, which influenced the band's adoption of leather-clad imagery and rebellious stage presence.[8] Guitarist Dregen has cited the New York Dolls as a formative influence from his youth, alongside other protopunk acts that shaped his guitar style and the band's overall gritty ethos.[8] Similarly, the Ramones' punk simplicity and high-speed rhythms provided a blueprint for the band's concise song structures and DIY attitude, with Dregen naming their live album It's Alive! as one of his all-time favorites.[41] The Damned's proto-punk ferocity and gothic edge further fueled this foundation, as evidenced by Dregen's admiration for their debut album Damned Damned Damned, which echoed in Backyard Babies' energetic, no-frills performances.[41] In addition to these punk roots, the band incorporated hard rock elements from AC/DC's riff-driven anthems and Motörhead's unrelenting aggression, blending them into their sound during tours and recordings. Nicke Borg highlighted AC/DC as a "rock school" after sharing stages with them, crediting their professional rigor for influencing Backyard Babies' live dynamics and songwriting stamina.[42] Motörhead's raw power similarly impacted the band's intensity, with Dregen recalling positive touring experiences that reinforced their commitment to high-octane rock.[41] The Swedish garage rock scene of the 1980s and 1990s, particularly in Stockholm's underground, amplified these external influences, fostering a revival that merged British punk revivalism with American glam traditions.[43] Backyard Babies emerged alongside acts like The Hellacopters—where Dregen served as guitarist from 1991 to 1999—contributing to a local movement that reacted against grunge by emphasizing soulful, blues-infused energy and anti-establishment lyrics drawn from 1970s protopunk.[8][43] This cultural milieu in 1990s Stockholm, blending influences like The Clash's punk urgency with the MC5's glam rebellion, directly shaped the band's adoption of provocative, working-class themes and visual style.[43]Band members
Current members
The current lineup of Backyard Babies consists of Nicke Borg on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Dregen on lead guitar and backing vocals, Johan Blomqvist on bass guitar, and Peder Carlsson on drums. This formation has been stable since 1989, with the rhythm section originating from the band's founding in 1987.[7][4][44] Nicke Borg (born Niklas Roger Borg on April 3, 1973, in Nässjö, Sweden) joined as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist in 1989, bringing a charismatic stage presence and primary songwriting contributions to the band's high-energy rock sound.[45][46] His solo work under the Nicke Borg Homeland moniker includes the 2013 album Ruins of a Riot, which explores country-influenced rock themes distinct from the band's punk edge.[47][48] Dregen (born Andreas Tyrone Svensson on June 12, 1973) has served as lead guitarist and backing vocalist since co-founding the band in 1987, drawing from his parallel career with The Hellacopters to infuse Swedish rock with garage and punk influences.[49][50] His 2013 self-titled solo album features raw, blues-tinged tracks like "Division of Me," showcasing his songwriting versatility beyond group efforts.[51] Johan Blomqvist (born March 6, 1973, in Nässjö, Sweden) has provided bass guitar since 1989, initially starting on guitar in the 1987 lineup before switching roles to anchor the band's rhythmic foundation, with occasional backing vocals.[52][53] His contributions remain focused on Backyard Babies, with limited external projects emphasizing the band's core stability.[54] Peder Carlsson joined as drummer and co-founder in 1987, delivering the driving punk-infused beats that define the band's live intensity and studio recordings.[55][56] Primarily committed to the group, he also pursues side interests in photography and filmmaking, including directing band videos like "Bloody Tears" in 2015.[57][58] The enduring presence of the original rhythm section—Blomqvist and Carlsson—alongside Dregen has preserved Backyard Babies' consistent sound over more than three decades, fostering a tight-knit dynamic rooted in childhood friendships from Nässjö.[50][59]Former members
The Backyard Babies' original lineup formed in 1987 under the name Tyrant, with Tobias Fischer serving as the vocalist and bassist from that year until 1989.[6][11] As part of this initial configuration alongside guitarist Dregen, guitarist Johan Blomqvist, and drummer Peder Carlsson, Fischer contributed to the band's formative sound and participated in local gigs and the recording of their sole demo as Tyrant in 1989, which featured a raw, hard rock style reflective of late-1980s influences.[6][44] This early output, though limited to that single demo with no official releases, helped shape the group's aggressive, unpolished aesthetic before Fischer's departure.[60] Fischer's exit in 1989 prompted a significant lineup shift, including the recruitment of Nicke Borg on vocals and a switch by Blomqvist to bass, alongside the band's renaming to Backyard Babies, after which they recorded additional demos in 1990.[26][4] Following his time with the band, Fischer pursued a career as a professional photographer and web designer in Stockholm, occasionally collaborating with former bandmates in non-musical capacities.[61] No other permanent members have left the core roster established in 1989, though the band has remained stable without major departures since then.[44] Fischer's brief tenure left a lasting imprint on the band's raw, energetic foundation, evident in the gritty demo tracks that prefigured their punk-infused rock evolution, despite the minimal commercial footprint of that pre-rename era.[62]Discography
Studio albums
Backyard Babies' debut studio album, Diesel & Power, was released in 1994 through the independent Swedish label Megarock Records. The record featured a blend of punk rock covers and original compositions, capturing the band's raw early sound influenced by rock, punk, and blues traditions, though it received only a limited release and did not chart commercially.[63] The band's second album, Total 13, arrived in 1998 on MVG Records and marked their breakthrough, delivering 13 tracks of high-octane hard rock and sleaze that propelled them to wider recognition. It peaked at number 12 on the Swedish albums chart, spending 18 weeks in the Top 60.[12][64] Making Enemies Is Good, released in 2001 by RCA (a Sony BMG imprint), represented an international push with glam-infused rock songs that built on their growing momentum. The album debuted at number 1 on the Swedish chart and remained for 13 weeks, also earning the band their first Swedish Grammy Award for Best Rock Album.[65][4] In 2003, Stockholm Syndrome followed on RCA, achieving number 2 on the Swedish albums chart with 23 weeks on the listing and securing a second Swedish Grammy for Best Rock Album thanks to its polished production and anthemic tracks. The release solidified their domestic dominance while attracting high-profile tour support slots with acts like AC/DC and Velvet Revolver.[66][4] People Like People Like People Like Us, issued in 2006 via Century Media, continued the band's exploration of energetic, attitude-driven rock ahead of a temporary hiatus. It reached number 3 on the Swedish chart, lasting 10 weeks.[67][68] Following their reunion, the self-titled Backyard Babies emerged in 2008 on the band's own Billion Dollar Babies label (with AFM Records handling European distribution), channeling raw energy across its 13 tracks. The album topped the Swedish chart for one week and debuted at number 29 on the UK Rock Chart.[69] Four by Four, released in 2015 through Gain Records (distributed by Sony Music), returned to a back-to-basics approach with concise, tour-ready rock songs comprising just nine tracks. It peaked at number 2 on the Swedish albums chart.[70][71] The eighth studio album, Sliver & Gold, came out in 2019 on Gain Records (with Century Media involvement), offering mature reflections on career and life through its blend of reflective and driving rock. It charted at number 5 in Sweden.[72]Live and compilation releases
Backyard Babies have released a limited number of live and compilation albums throughout their career, serving to capture their energetic stage presence and provide retrospective overviews of their material during periods of transition between labels and hiatuses. These releases have played a key role in maintaining fan engagement by offering raw performances and rare tracks that highlight the band's evolution from underground demos to mainstream success.[21] The band's primary live album, Live Live in Paris, was recorded on May 6, 2004, at the Maroquinerie venue during their European tour supporting the Stockholm Syndrome album, and released in 2005 by RCA/BMG. This CD captures the raw energy of their mid-2000s performances, featuring high-octane renditions of hits like "Minus Celsius" and "Earn the Crown," with prominent audience interaction that underscores their punk-infused rock 'n' roll style. A 20th anniversary edition was issued in 2025 on limited yellow and black marble vinyl by Music On Vinyl, renewing interest in their peak touring era. An additional live recording, Live at Cirkus, documents a Stockholm performance and was released as a limited edition, preserving another snapshot of their dynamic live shows.[73][74][75] Compilation releases have focused on aggregating hits, B-sides, and rarities to enhance accessibility amid label changes. Tinnitus Sanctus, a 2005 best-of collection by BMG Sweden, compiles key studio tracks from their early 2000s output, while the expanded Tinnitus + Live Live in Paris pairs it with the full live album for a comprehensive retrospective. In 2009, Them XX was released as a deluxe box set by Sony Music, containing 38 previously unavailable tracks, a 12-track best-of CD titled Jetlag, a 17-minute film, and 13 music videos, celebrating two decades of the band's history. Other compilations include Independent Days (2001, MVG Records), a remastered selection of early independent material produced by Thomas Skogsberg, and 3 Original Album Classics (2010, Sony), a CD box set bundling full albums Diesel and Power, Total 13, and Making Enemies Is Good for fans seeking bundled accessibility. These efforts aided in bridging gaps during the band's 2006–2008 hiatus by reintroducing their catalog to new and existing audiences.[76][77][20][78][79] Early demos from the band's formative years (1989–1992) were officially compiled in From Demos to Demons 1989–1992, released in 2002 by Powerline Records/GMR Music Group as a two-CD box set. This collection features 26 tracks recorded prior to their signing, including raw sessions from 1989 ("I Love You So," "Murder") and 1990–1992, influential in the Swedish underground scene for showcasing their initial sleaze rock sound but remaining unreleased until this retrospective. The compilation preserved these artifacts, offering insight into their pre-debut development and appealing to collectors during a period of renewed interest in their origins.[80][81]EPs, singles, and videos
Backyard Babies have released several extended plays (EPs) that served as early showcases of their raw, sleaze-infused rock sound, beginning with their independent debut in the early 1990s. These EPs often featured limited-run vinyl and CD formats, helping to build the band's underground following before major label deals.[21]EPs
- Something to Swallow (1991, self-released, 12" vinyl): The band's debut EP, containing five tracks including "Something to Swallow," "Strange Kind of Attitude," "Jucy Lucy," "Like a Child," and "Kickin' Up Dust," which highlighted their punk-blues influences and was distributed independently to generate initial buzz.[9]
- Knockouts! EP (1997, MVG Records, CD/10" vinyl): A five-track release featuring "U.F.O. Romeo," "Backstabber," "Powderhead," "Wireless Mind," and "Ghetto You," recorded at Sunlight Studios and marking the band's reunion-era energy ahead of their breakthrough album.[82]
Selected Singles
| Title | Year | Format | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Suzy | 1994 | CD | Megarock | Debut single from the Diesel & Power era, featuring raw garage rock vibes.[21] |
| Look at You | 1998 | 7" vinyl / CD | MVG | Peaked at No. 88 on UK Singles Chart; promoted Total 13 with energetic B-sides.[21] |
| Highlights | 1998 | CD / 7" vinyl | MVG | Chart entry in Sweden; included live versions as B-sides for fan engagement.[21] |
| Brand New Hate | 2001 | CD / 12" vinyl | RCA | From Making Enemies Is Good; strong radio play in Scandinavia.[21] |
| Minus Celsius | 2003 | CD | RCA | Lead single from Stockholm Syndrome; topped Swedish rock charts and boosted international tours.[21] |
| A Perfect Match | 2008 | Digital / CD | Sony | Title-track single from self-titled album; featured remix B-sides. |
| Shovin' Rocks | 2018 | Digital single | Gain Music | Pre-release from Sliver & Gold; celebrated 30 years of the band with high-energy promo.[84] |
Music Videos and DVDs
- Key Music Videos: Notable releases include "Electric Suzy" (1994, early gritty promo), "Look at You" (1997, high-energy stage antics), "Highlights" (1998, Swedish rock scene footage), "Brand New Hate" (2001, urban rebellion theme), "The Clash" (2001, punk-inspired narrative), "Minus Celsius" (2003, icy dystopian visuals from Stockholm Syndrome), and "Supernatural" (2001, mystical glam effects from Making Enemies Is Good). More recent clips, such as "Shovin' Rocks" (2018, official video with tour highlights), continue this tradition on platforms like YouTube.[85][84]
- DVD Releases: Jetlag - The Movie (2005, Gain Records, tour documentary with interviews), Live (2005, live concert footage from European shows), Roots Rock Rebel (2005, behind-the-scenes on their punk roots), and Live at Cirkus (2017, full concert recording including hits like "Th1rt3en or Nothing" and "Brand New Hate"). As of 2025, social media features short tour clips from reunion activities, such as Stockholm performances.[21][86][87]