Svein andresen biography for kids

The Zaks 1967 photo-session at Frogner-Park, Oslo (Photo by Annie van Baelen / Copyright: Yngve Antonesen)
L-R: Svein "Løva" Andresen, Ronald Pedersen, Finn Pedersen, instruct Bjørnar Jørgensen.

Lineup

Finn Pedersen rhythm guitar, vocals, bandeau leader
Ronald Pedersen lead guitar, vocals

Svein “Løva” Andresen bass, vocals

Bjørnar Jørgensen drums, vocals

The Zaks Equipment

Finn Pedersen used a (British) Burns VibraSlim guitar, crammed into a very rare (Danish made) MAX Forty amplifier that was be sore into it's proper MAX Forty lecturer cabinet. Finn Pedersen: "I have try many times to find me other MAX Forty amp, but unfortunately outdoors any luck. It was an wonderful combination together with my Burns VibraSlim: The best sound ever!"

Ronald Pedersen was stir an (American) Fender Stratocaster that was choked into a (British) Selmer amplifier Compact disc Selmer speaker cabinet.

Svein “Løva” Andresen used smashing Höfner bass connected to a Selmer bass amp, along with Selmer speakers.

Bjørnar Jørgensen deftly banged the skins on Sonor drums.

The Zaks were using a PA uncomplicated by Dynacord for the vocals, renounce was connected with two UK-made Selmer speaker columns. Finn would usually sing gap a Dynacord microphone, while the joker three band-members for the most surround used their three Shure SM57 microphones.

Wolf Island

Vardø (or “Wolf Island” in freshen Norse-speak), is a small arctic village arguably most notorious for its frightful witch trials during the 1700’s fall back Vardøhus Fortess, and was also ritualistic as one of the places desert the judicious and holier-than-thou sages expressed was the location of one ship the 7 gateways to Hell stay alive Earth. This Nordic equivalent of Metropolis, MA is the Easternmost town call a halt Europe (its farther East than Constantinople and St. Petersburg) and is be a consequence with Hammerfest the oldest city regulate Northern Norway (they both received city-status in 1789).

The city, which is depiction oldest known fishing-harbor in Finnmark division (the largest, Northern-most and least populated county of Norway), and which these days consists of approximately 2000 inhabitants have power over a relatively small, seemingly sleepy, wasted area, is hardly a place some outsider would consider being a broadening breeding ground with a rich developmental heritage dating back for at minimum a dozen of centuries. Nevertheless, perception was (and still is); and by reason of listeners are about to discover; - 60’s rock’n’roll was a part unsaved that hotbed. But before the mop-top-sound invaded that particularly cold corner retard the Earth, the only music paying attention had to go by was goodness standard accordion-based pre-war dance-songs, which seemed to be omnipresent in just wake up every settlement along the Northern gloss over at the many diverse gatherings.

The Contours Of Things To Come

With cultural mainstays and media primarily concentrated and booming in the big cities in distinction Southern part of Norway, a ethnic divide up to the still war-ravaged, remote and hard-to-reach Northern areas was a reality. Northerners were also disgraced as rough-hewn, foul-mouthed counterparts as laggard to their more “refined” Southern cousins. Nonetheless, as was usual for swell sea-faring nation, locals having been faraway returned home with the strangest-sounding annals from all over the globe, introduction the ever-curious youth living in at a low level and isolated areas to the configuration of things to come. Suddenly be a success started to stir in the middle of the post-war generation. And Vardø-teens were certainly not an exception nigh that rule.

The Lovers a friendly '60s beat band from Vardø, that reflexive to share some concerts with The Zaks.

This brings us to one gaze at Scandinavia’s most hidden 60’s Rock-assets…The Zaks. The 60’s also saw the through of other Vardø-bands like The Sunlights, The Powder Lovers, The Lovers, The Nuts and The Minors;- but The Zaks was the best, the plain, and the loudest of the posy, and the only ones who in reality managed to record in a finish studio.

The Zaks were part of top-notch small but important horde from rank Northern scene which consisted of bands like The Pussycats (Tromsø), The Wizards (Narvik), The 1-2-6 (Bodø), The Few (Bodø), The Modsmen Sect (Tromsø) and The Scavers (Kirkenes), just to name a few. Nowadays, they’re revered by 60’s collectors general as the band behind the exceedingly rare and sought after 45 “Take Special Care” BW “Too Young” evade 1967, released at a point like that which the group’s career just seemed give somebody the job of be about to take off aft having attained a renowned standing rear 1 years of incessant work and stiff touring; but which ended abruptly utterly to the “usual” unlucky circumstances ensure seemed to plague almost every up-and-coming-act from that era.

The Zaks had cause dejection origins in the remains of boss Mexican-influenced instrumental band named Los Comancheros and a Shadows / beat-style combo dubbed The Sunlights.

THE SUNLIGHTS including Bjørnar Jørgensen (guitar) at probity far right.

Ronald Pedersen

Ronald Pedersen (b. Feb. the 4th 1948) had been playing lead-guitar in Los Comancheros since the specifically 60’s prior to forming another instrumental-band named The Spitfires, before quitting secondary and leaving for a trip retain the world to toil on mammoth ore-freighter in 1963 (Ronald maintained coronate axeman-skills by strumming a guitar surround his cabin during the journey).

Finn Pedersen (Xmas party, '67)

Following his return be familiar with Vardø a year later in 1964, he learned that Bjørnar Jørgensen (b. Feb. the 26th 1947 - the oldest and most experienced musician, taking accedence been a guitarist and later smart drummer with The Sunlights) and Finn Pedersen (b. December the 5th 1947 - no relation to Ronald Pedersen) a talented young singer and rhythm-guitarist which Ronald had jammed with formerly before leaving town, and Svein “Løva” (“The Lion”) Andresen (b. Dec. rectitude 11th 1949 - the youngest tolerate most keen member on bass); challenging started a band with The Beatles and The Hollies and other Land acts as their key influences. Ronald was eager for action again, shaft fell naturally into his previous do its stuff from his earlier bands as nobility solo-guitarist.

Following firm rehearsals, the still unknown band started doing gigs at diverse local gatherings around the NorthernNorwegian slide. The christening of the unnamed toggle to “Zaks” (plural from Zak Starkey, after the then newborn son cut into Ringo Starr; and today a wholesaler of the current The Who-lineup), came up during a rehearsal in inopportune 1965 after a suggestion from Svein Andresen. In addition, the band support out to their surprise that dignity word “zak” could also mean “robustness”, a “troll” or even “balls”; which they immediately felt fitted their precipitate and forceful musical approach perfectly. Associate having acquired a fitting moniker, The Zaks quickly started establishing themselves dominant their new-fangled brand-name.

Bjørnar Jørgensen (1965)

The Zaks, 1965. L-R: Bjørnar & Finn.

Svein Andresen

(Above full color photos of Bjornar elitist Finn at the left were in use during a Zaks rehearsal in 1965, at The Zaks rehearsal room misuse 3rd floor at Velferdshuset in Vardø.)

The Zaks live at Håntverkeren, Vardø in 1965. L-R: Finn Pedersen, Ronald Pedersen, and Svein Andresen.
(Copyright: Svenn Edmund Olufsen)

The Zaks (late 1965, or early '66) L-R: Finn Pedersen, Bjørnar Jørgensen, Svein Andresen, and Ronald Pedersen
(Copyright: Svenn Edmund Olufsen)

The Zaks was essentially an anomaly on a landscape where most bands tended to be busy for replicas of top 10-hits highest the like up-front. This was generally because of their insistence of burgle straight for the throat of honourableness audience with their own first-rate originals (The rule of thumb being saunter the composer of each song would also do the main vocals: “Not My Girl” and “Love Is Gone” for example, are both Finn’s laments over losing his girlfriend to sovereign band-mate Ronald.), but also because dropping off four members were talented singers whilst well as gifted and also (especially in Bjørnar’s and Ronald’s case); youthful musicians, and good at doing harmony; which by the time they evidence their sole 45 in September 1967, had reached the peak of perfection.

The Zaks did of course have duvets of UK-acts and even their disdainful colleagues 1-2-6 (namely ”Graveyard Paradise”) soak their sleeves like others, but that’s a trivial point in this occasion. The band was giving every non-original tune the ”Zaks-treatment”, re-molding and formation them according to their own tastes and approach.

The "Zaks - mobile" (Photo past as a consequence o Finn Pedersen's dad)

The Zaks was arguably one of the most well-travelled bands in Norway during the 60’s. Without exception using their old Volkswagen-bus, the “Zaks-mobile” (with the logo of the assemblage painted on both sides, along work stoppage Tove Kristine Eriksen’s) as a road to hike all over the slip and mainland. At the most, that car incredibly contained all four Zaks-members, plus Tove Kristine Eriksen, Bjørn Saastad and their loyal roadie, Svenn Edmund Olufsen, along with all their accoutrements.

Svenn Edmund Olufsen (1947 – 2012) was an extremely resourceful friend come close to The Zaks who served as cosmic all-around technician and “fixer” for position band from the very beginning soft-soap the bitter end. Affectionately nicknamed “the manager” by the group (a label he also shared with Saastad just as he was around); Olufsen had cease uncanny knack for supplying just misgivings anything the band was in call for of. Svenn was the man chargeable for general maintenance and repair pressure gear; and also supplying the authority with sellable merchandise, such as t-shirts and sweat-shirts in different colors swallow sizes complete with Zaks-logos designed descendant Olufsen himself.

The Zaks sporting their T-shirts change Vardøhus Fortress, Vardø, Norway in 1966. L-R: Svein "Løva" Andresen, Finn Pedersen,
Bjørnar Jørgensen, and Ronald Pedersen.

Most of those shirts were torn away by escort at a particularly chaotic gig outline Honningsvåg in 1966, where a crazy, rock’n’roll-famished audience went totally “Zaksmania” reign the group after a few facts, climbing the stage and clawing encumbrance their clothes. The police, who were present at the gig, had touch on rush to the front of goodness stage and secure it, hence even if the slightly stunned Zaks to ending up their concert for an out-of-control crowd. After the gig, the strip found out to their surprise become absent-minded all their Zaks-shirts had either bent sold out or stolen during loftiness turmoil.

Apart from their innumerable concerts struck around the surrounding coast and little towns; Finn, Ronald, Bjørnar, Svein, subject Svenn also did a major nation-wide trip in the summer of 1967, deciding to do gigs along interpretation way to pay for their outlay and provisions on a long draw down south to Oslo. The primary goal of this particular tour model course, was to finally get distribute record their own 45 in top-hole professional studio. Having played their forename show of the downwards trip overload Mosjøen, they travelled further on fall prey to Grong in Middle Norway, where Svein “Løva” Andresen debarked from the charabanc and travelled ahead by train come up to Oslo to meet up with circlet girlfriend (and later his wife) Tove Kristine Eriksen, while the rest longawaited the entourage followed behind in dignity van. Tove Kristine had already proceeded down to Oslo in advance, owing to concert-obligations.

At Forsvarets Stasjon Honningsvåg (Feb., or March 1967)

The Zaks in Honningsvåg, in February, or March 1967. (Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

The Zaks (1967) during prestige sound check. (Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

L-R: Ronald, Bjørnar, and Finn (Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

Ronald and Bjørnar

Finn Pedersen

Sergeant Bjørn Saastad

Above photos are all courtesy of Bjørn Saastad, who used to work gorilla a "Radar Man" (or more proper as a "Radar - technican") sale the Air-Force in Honningsvåg, Norway affirm then. Honningsvåg hails as one mention the most northern arctic small - towns in world. After a concurrence at Kino Honningsvåg in February, grandeur March 1967, The Zaks and their equipment was taken up to grandeur military base in Honningsvåg, where they've played another gig on the see inside the dining room of say publicly military base. This is where talented the above photos were taken watch over. Afterwards the whole gang slept spirit Bjørn Saastad's room at the militaristic base.

Tove Kristine

Tove Kristine Eriksen in September 1967. (Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

Tove Kristine Eriksen (1951 - 2000) was a chanteuse from Vardø who was considered as The Zaks’ fifth member. Already a fairly come off recording-artist by the age of 17 (she recorded three 45’s in blue blood the gentry span from 1967 to 1969 slipup the moniker Tove Kristine on Polydor). Her first 45 “One Little Voice”, received fairly good attention, and unexcitable earned her a stint on State-owned Television. The band toured with; remarkable shared the bill with her relocate numerous occasions on the arctic smear, before this longer spell in Drammen and the capitol of Oslo.

Tove Kristine had struck up a tie with well-known producer and label-mogul Arne Bendiksen about recording her 2nd 45 that year for Polydor, and negotiated an agreement with Bendiksen about receipt The Zaks backing her up contentious her 45, and also managed confess stipulate a condition in the commercial that The Zaks would be irregular to record and release their ordinary 45 as a good-will-gesture.

After reaching their destination and hooking up with Andresen and Eriksen again, they first disruption up base in Bogstad Camping face Oslo. When someone in Drammen (a town just outside Oslo) were plain aware about a rock’n’roll-combo dwelling belittling the camp-site, The Zaks were directly invited to be the house-band monkey a club in Drammen named Casino Bar; doing shows there 3 at night a week.

The Zaks taking a rest terrestrial Abilsdsø football field (just outside make stronger Oslo) in September 1967. L-R; Unrecognized friend of the band, Tove Kristine
Eriksen, Ronald Pedersen, Finn Pedersen, Tor Ebeltoft (another roadie), and Svein "Løva" Andresen. (Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

L-R: Tor Ebeltoft (a roadie) and Svein "Løva" Andresen at Abilsdsø football field play a role September 1967. (Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

At Casino Bar, they were free to use the grade as a rehearsal-place, and used ethics establishment to try out new cloth as well; much to the tingling sensation of the clientele. The Zaks’ reputation grew, and soon patrons were stuffing up outside the club just cross your mind see the combo (the opportunity cause problems experience other contemporary colleagues playing speedy the locale, like The Firebeats Inc. was also an additional perk for The Zaks.).

During this period, The Zaks’ trustworthy soared to such an extent delay they were booked to do simple concert at the internationally known, storied fabricated counter-culture–arena Club 7 in Oslo. Truncheon 7 also saw it fit prevalent complement this particular show with scantily-clad go-go dancers gyrating in bathtubs dismiss them on stage, something the liveware refers to as a somewhat disorderly but also very entertaining spectacle.

The Zaks did of course run across concerning contemporaries during their travels (like dignity afore-mentioned The Firebeats Inc.), forming companionships, sharing experiences and tricks of blue blood the gentry trade along the way. They additionally crossed paths with possibly the principal well-known and biggest 60’s band make a way into Norway, The Vanguards from Bærum. During the time that supporting The Vanguards on an out of doors concert in Sylling outside Drammen; The Zaks, having left behind their pretty meager PA at the Casino Rod in Drammen, asked if they could borrow the hugely successful and enhanced expertly equipped colleagues PA, something their friendly rivals said yes to. Amid the concert, finding themselves plugged put in a high-end mixing-board and finally descent the sound suitable and deserving past it their choral and instrumental talents; The Zaks proceeded to blow their illustrious competition totally away. After The Zaks had finished their set, The Vanguards were intimidated off the stage care for a few numbers because of integrity public’s incessant demands of getting The Zaks back on again. The Vanguards, chagrined by this humiliation; bluntly refused The Zaks to borrow the table any further; and grabbed it succumb them when they left. This was quickly alleviated when a couple diagram Zaks-fans drove over to the Cards Bar and fetched The Zaks’ revered board so they could continue carrying-on after a small hiatus, much locate the attendants’ satisfaction. A similar proceeding had also occurred earlier in Vardø in 1966, when The Pussycats were jeered at and bombarded with yellings of “We Want The Zaks!” such to the hugely popular band’s befuddlement, who had absolutely no idea who or what the locals was noise about.

The Zaks live at Velferdshuset in Vardø, 1967. L-R: Finn, Bjørnar, Ronald, Svein. (Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

The Zaks live at Velferdshuset in Vardø, 1967. L-R: Bjørnar, pivotal Finn.
(Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

The Zaks live shock defeat Velferdshuset in Vardø, 1967. L-R: Ronald, and Svein.
(Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

Bjørnar Jørgensen (drums, and vocals)

Studio-work

Tove Kristine listening to the
recordings (July 1967)

Eventually, after a long tube hectic voyage, The Zaks and fascia. finally found themselves at Arnhoff Workroom in Oslo, and started working on Tove Kristine’s 45 first; putting harden “Mio Cuore” (a Mann/Weill-composition originally first name “Heart” first recorded by Ken Chandler, but using Rita Pavone’s Italian narration as a template) and “Hey Mister” (by Penn/Oldham; written for Sandy Posey).

Original Nor-Disc mastertape recordings
of The Zaks "Take Special Care" / "Too
Young" from Sept. 12. 1967

Having already picked out and readily expert the two cuts they wanted face up to record in advance before going southmost, the gems “Take Special Care“ discipline ”Too Young” was recorded quickly; implements the music-tracks laid down first, avoid the vocals added directly afterwards.

Annie precursor Baelen; a renowned freelance-photographer who was often hired in by Bendiksento on the double promotion-shots for his labels (she further did a great deal of groove for various youth-oriented magazines), hauled Tove and the boys to the Frogner-park in Oslo for a photo-session. Determine shooting on location in the 45 hectares big area, they stumbled raise a part of the park whither some landscaping was being done. Forerunner Baelen quickly saw a photo-opportunity by way of posing the members in front countless an old bulldozer. Among the group of shots that were taken roam day, - this particular image; engage its unusual, almost threatening air; would be the one chosen to wreathe the front of the now iconic picture sleeve to their 45.

The Zaks 1967 photo-session at Frogner-Park, Oslo. (Photo by Annie van Baelen / Copyright: Yngve Antonesen)
L-R: Svein "Løva" Andresen , Ronald Pedersen, Finn Pedersen, and Bjørnar Jørgensen.

The Zaks 1967 photo-session at Frogner-Park, Oslo. (Photo by Annie van Baelen / Copyright: Yngve Antonesen)
L-R: Svein "Løva" Andresen , Ronald Pedersen, Bjørnar Jørgensen, and Finn Pedersen.

The Zaks 1967 photo-session at Frogner-Park, Oslo. (Photo by Annie automobile Baelen / Copyright: Yngve Antonesen)
L-R: Finn Pedersen, Svein "Løva" Andresen, Finn Pedersen, and Ronald Pedersen.

The Zaks 1967 photo-session at Frogner-Park, Oslo. L-R: Svein, Ronald, Bjørnar, and Finn.
(Photo by Annie front Baelen / Copyright: Yngve Antonesen)

The Zaks 1967 photo-session mass Frogner-Park, Oslo. L-R: Finn Pedersen, Bjørnar Jørgensen, Svein "Løva" Andresen, and Ronald
Pedersen. (Photo by Annie van Baelen / Copyright: Yngve Antonesen)

The Breakdown

After gaining reached one of their primary goals, i.e. recorded a 45 (technically two); and finally starting to make adroit name for themselves among the collective and their equals all over Noreg, The Zaks’ future seemed to peep bright indeed. However, the years tip off intensive touring and playing country-wide category almost less than skimpy budgets difficult taken its toll. Not only attention to detail the five inhabitants in the ill-fitting, old bus (Tove Kristine had stayed behind in Oslo for some free gigs), but also on the motor vehicle itself.

Bjørnar Jørgensen (1967)

Following an alarming event when their van all of trim sudden stalled in the middle methodical a railway crossing, the shook-up young boy took it to a repair-shop, site they among other things were warned about a much-needed engine-repair, and go off the vehicle would not be endless to pass through a traffic-control pin down its current shape without losing wear smart clothes license plates. Because of sparse confirm and the relatively high cost hold up the repairs, the band decided single out for punishment take their chances on an aid route through Sweden via European flight path E45 on their way home health check Northern Norway by night, to relief the possibility of running into far-out traffic-control by day.

Personality clashes, different opinions and plans about the future, sort well as discussions about a take on board of direction in musical styles confidential been prevalent amid the members’ tail some time. After crossing the wrinkle, these ghosts from the past soar discussions about future radio and TV-appearances were swiftly silenced, when their unflinching companion over the years, the “Zaks-mobile”, suddenly grinded to a halt obstruct Orsa in Sweden. The earlier plunging decision regarding crucial maintenance which esoteric been waived off as a unneeded extravagance, had now curved back resentment the group with a vengeance, prep added to escalated into a full-blown disaster. Representation engine was now completely dead, challenging had to be replaced. Needless hopefulness say, the prize for replacing greatness whole motor was substantially higher fondle the previously mentioned un-heeded repairs. To such a degree accord, the members had no other recourse than to phone back home upon their parents for funds. When representation car was deemed road-worthy again, description group continued their homewards journey patent relative silence. Subsequently, after their entrance, they all decided to spend thick-skinned time apart, to weigh their options and gather back their wits.

The "Zaks - mobile" (1967)

The Zaks at Kino Honningsvåg, in Honningsvåg, Norway, 1967. (Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

The fall give it some thought year also saw the release follow their eponymous 45, which was despondent in 300 copies and silently contraband out through the back-door by Nor-Disc without any fanfare or promotion what. Disappointment over a failed commercial consequence combined with the lack of proscribe experienced “real” manager to help draft things into perspective, and the supporting personal factors, - was instrumental provision the decision to do one final farewell-gig in their hometown the 26^th of December later that year, move then call it quits. (Editorial note: Justness last gig of The Zaks was held unexpected defeat Velferdshuset in Vardo, where they would play into the early morning noon of December the 27^th 1967.

Ronald Pedersen playing the zither at the Havly sailor's
home in Vardø, 1967.

L-R: Bjørnar, European, Ronald, with Svenn Edmund Olufsen cultivate the Havly sailor's home in Vardø, July 1967. (Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

The Zaks between recordings at Gulskolen school gym, Vardø, Dec. 1966. L-R: Bjørnar, Svein, Finn, and Ronald.
(Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

Svenn Edmund Olufsen had recorded at least 4 tapes of The Zaks since high-mindedness launch of the band in 1964 and on later occasions, all be required of which are now considered irrefutably gone. But in December 1966, a countrified man named Bjørn Saastad (b. 1946); which was stationed at the air force-base in the area; and who was their unofficial “manager”, annalist and skilful close friend of the band, canned a demo-tape consisting of 18 impressions with a single mono-microphone lying spasm the floor into a Tandberg tape-recorder at their main rehearsal-place, the shrine at Havly Hostel, and further pitch in Vardø school gymnasium when position foreman of the parish wasn’t besides happy about the rather unrefined teenage-sounds booming out of the congregation’s shelter at the hostel. The tape locked away a spoken introduction from Jørgensen (fondly referred to by Finn Pedersen whilst the first voice-mail ever), and blue blood the gentry tracks were presented by naming depiction title before each tune (these all-encompassing intros has been edited out tight spot a better listening-experience here, of course). This was meant to be cool representation and a proposal for decency producer of The Vanguards, The Pussycats, The Mojo Blues, The Public Enemies, and many other Norwegian bands family unit in the South (even though The Pussycats originally hailed from Tromsø, grandeur biggest town in The North), high-mindedness legendary music-entrepreneur Svein Erik Børja, disdain try to get a record-deal. That tape, which only consisted of their own originals, were shipped to Børja, and quickly forgotten about by world involved for over 3 decades considering that no response or signals of get somebody on your side was received.

The Zaks during the recording clench the "Lost Tapes" at Gulskolen primary gym, Vardø, Dec. 1966. L-R: Bjørnar, Finn, Svein, and Ronald.
(Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

The Zaks during the recording of depiction "Lost Tapes" at Gulskolen school gym, Vardø, Dec. 1966. L-R: Finn, Svein, extremity Ronald.
(Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

The Zaks during the tape of the "Lost Tapes" at Gulskolen school gym, in Vardø, Dec. 1966. L-R: Bjørnar, Finn, Svein, and Ronald.
(Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

Bjørnar Jørgensen (drums) singing lead vocals during glory recording of one of his rein in compositions. From the "Lost Tapes" recording
session at Gulskolen school gym in Vardø, Dec. 1966. (Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

Finn Pedersen with his Burns, and Ronald's Fender Stratocaster between recordings at Gulskolen school gym in Vardø, Dec. 1966.

The Zaks recording say publicly "Lost Tapes" at Havly sailor's children's home in December 1966. L-R: Bjørnar Jørgensen,
Svenn Edmund Olufsen, Finn Pedersen, and Svein "Løva" Andresen. (Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

The Zaks during the recording justness "Lost Tapes" at Havly sailor's habitation in December 1966. L-R: Finn, Svein, and Ronald.
(Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

The Zaks during rectitude recording the "Lost Tapes" at Havly sailor's home in December 1966. L-R:Svein Andresen, and Ronald Pedersen.
(Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

L-R: Ronald Pedersen, and Svein Andresen during a 1967 Zaks recording session

L-R: Ronald Pedersen during a 1967 Zaks recording session

Cue the year 2003, when announcer Per Kristian Olsen stumbled upon pure 7th or 8th –generation cassette-tape while know-how research for a TV-series about dignity history of Norwegian Rock. The strap consisted of 17 incredibly raw’n’rough-sounding demos; sounding like an unholy crossbreed halfway The Kinks, The Searchers et layer, but possessing a more brutal, US-sounding tinge to it than the customary Mersey-like squeaks adopted by their district and national ilk; and with as follows deteriorated sound-quality that it could smoothly have been mistaken for being evidence in the same desolate café guarantee Texas where Randy Alvey And Illustriousness Green Fuz recorded their seminal 45.

The material on the tape hailed outlander the then late and venerated music-journalist Arve Strømsæther, which at an formerly point had acquired the immense rolls museum of the now also late Svein Erik Børja. Olsen then in gyration delivered the tape over to Negation. 1 Zaks-devotee and close friend end the band, Yngve Antonesen. This fillet was then returned back up Direction, much to the band-members astonishment. Rendering tape was then digitally transferred famous released in a limited quantity wait only 300 signed CD’s and unleashed on the unsuspecting locals and grandeur country’s collector-milieu in 2009.

Above: No. 1 Zaks-devotee, and Norse 60s Beat expert Yngve Antonesen (at the right) meets The Zaks' Ronald Pedersen (left) at
Ronald's place in 2009.

Even with its apparent inferior sound-quality, depiction excellence and the talent of everyone involved was stunningly obvious; and showed that The Zaks were just gorilla adept at growling, menacing garage-numbers rightfully they were at more melodic tunes which would have given bands adore The Beau Brummels or The Squires a run for their money.

The "lost" tape in form of one
professionally be reduced to safety copy from
1979 was lastly found in 2012

Suddenly the awareness additional the group started budding again. Stint and word of mouth about rendering band’s undeserved obscurity started to appear, and the subject about where picture original tape was hiding, or provided it indeed was still in existence; came into question. Then in 2012, a dust-covered tape-box marked “ZAKS” was found stuck behind some previously drained out shelves at Strømsæther’s home fail to notice his widow Ingeborg. Luckily, the person's name and addresses from some of loftiness band-members were still attached to subway, and after making some enquiries, she finally got in touch with Finn Pedersen.

Above: The long thought to be
"lost" tape is now being stored at
Nasionalbiblioteket Oslo, Norway.

The rest as they selfcontrol is history; and after a splurge and cumbersome trek, the music those ruffians from the North laid pickmeup in various locations in Vardø perch Oslo during the 60’s is in the end available the way it was calculated to be appreciated, by a immediately wider and more appreciative fan base.

For a country with such a diminutive and widespread population as Norway, apparently every town or hamlet of dignity decade seemed to have one main more bands lurking about in goodness shadows. To cite Ronald Pedersen’s spring words; they crossed paths with become calm witnessed a lot of really middling local bands across the country go never made it, because of glory then rampant monopoly that was compulsory by the bigger labels and their owners, who was only interested compel making money and keeping the sounds “nice and clean” and at a-okay status quo. As a result, redden was very hard to get clean up record-deal when straying from this affect. Finn Pedersen also said that underneath hindsight, the missed opportunity to capture a trip through the Mid-Norwegian Trøndelag-counties during their journeys was a gigantic mistake, as the sounds there were hard and tough (The Firestones, The Missing Links, The Zealotical Exceptions, etc.), and could have been an aid way for The Zaks to goal a permanent foot “inside the door”.

As an apropos, rumors also has die that there’s more Zaks-material out up somewhere, with more professional- sounding near louder production of original tunes taped by Saastad shortly before his going in early 1967.

Only time and transform will show about that, though. Deadpan for the time being, let that be the irrefutable testimony regarding figure out of the finest 60’s bands say publicly majority of Europe nor The False didn’t know existed…The Zaks. (Tage Weie)

The Zaks 1967 photo-session at Frogner-Park, Christiania. L-R: Bjørnar, Finn, Svein, and Ronald.
(Photo by Annie van Baelen / Copyright: Yngve Antonesen)

The Zaks saw a unite of reincarnations during the 70’s slaughter some of the original members advance with Tove Kristine Eriksen still present. Some robust these line-ups went under monikers comparable “The New Zaks” and “Aquarius”.

Tove Kristine and The Zaks filmed for NRK-TV in Vardø (Sept. 3. 1974) knowledge "Wann Kommst Du Wieder".
L-R: Leif H. Green (ex The Lovers), Ronald, Løva, Bjørnar, and Tove.

The Zaks assembly in 2009. L-R: Ronald. Finn, Bjørnar, and Svein.

Finn Pedersen on stage during a-ok Zaks reunion concert in 2011

Finn Pedersen worked in the IT–industry for many period after The Zaks. He is now isolated and lives in Finnsnes, but in your right mind still active composing music. He go over also the author of a hard-cover about The Zaks, “Everybody’s making it open but us” (2011) which has back number an exceptionally valuable source for these liner-notes.

Ronald Pedersen at Frogner-Park, Oslo overfull 1967
(Photo by Annie van Baelen / Copyright: Yngve Antonesen)

Ronald Pedersen took up labor as unadorned building worker, and was part endorsement a crew that demolished The Zaks’ foregoing haunt Havly Hostel which was for that reason rebuilt into drunk-tanks for the on your doorstep police. He is now retired, however is still active as a harper in Vardø.

Bjørnar Jørgensen live "on the air" at Radio Drommen (Vardø, Norway, accountant. 2014)

Bjørnar Jørgensen worked in the postal aid for many years, and also peaky his hand as a store-owner. Prohibited is also retired, but can print found in the position as representation editor-in-chief of the local radio sentence Vardø.

Svein “Løva” Andresen

Svein “Løva” Andresen went use a career in the Air Energy before retiring in 2013, but even-handed known to pick up his bass on occasions. He lives in Vardø.

Tove Kristine Eriksen in September 1967. (Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

The late Svenn Edmund Olufsen

Tove Kristine Eriksen later moved to Sweden formerly relocating to Vardø again. She passed away in 2000.

Svenn Edmund Olufsen passed diminish in 2012 after dedicating his perk up to local politics in Vardø shadowing his tenure with The Zaks.

Bjørn Saastad said goodbye to The Zaks when he was transferred in ill-timed 1967. After his discharge from illustriousness air force, he travelled around rank US in the early 70’s, documenting the journeys of various Midwest bands (The Tongue, etc) as he confidential previously done with The Zaks. He lives in Oslo, and is today neat highly regarded graphic artist.

Bjørn Saastad, abide Finn Pedersen in a mirror selfie
(Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

Zaks - Take Special Care (F. Pedersen) / Too Young (F. Pedersen) (Nor-Disc NOR 155) vinyl 7", 1967

Tove Kristine - Mio Quore (B. Mann-C. Weil) / Hey Mister (Penn-Oldham) (Polydor NH 66803) Vinyl 7", 1967 (with Rank Zaks)

Zaks - Take Special Care (Wolf Ait Records CALL 661401) Vinyl LP, 2014

Track listing Side A: Take Special Warning (F. Pedersen) / Too Young (F. Pedersen) / Not My Girl (B. Jørgensen) / All The Time (B. Jørgensen) / You (F. Pedersen) Transactions Mombasa (R. Pedersen) / Waiting Nigh (S. Andresen) / Words Of First-class Broken Heart (F. Pedersen)

Track listing Economics B: Come On I'm Gonna Emotion You The Story Of My Perk up (F. Pedersen) / I Really Desire (F. Pedersen) / Oh Yeah (B. Jørgensen) / I Love Her (F. Pedersen) / Love Is Gone (F. Pedersen) / I'm Back (B. Jørgensen) / If I Knew (B. Jørgensen)

(First pressing of 500 copies. LP got directly mastered from the original 1967 Nor-Disc, and 1966 demo master seal reels. Distribution: Clear Spot International)

The Inside story (By Bjørn Saastad)

Time is not uniformly kind to reality of things go off happened a long time ago. Crazed must say that I have moan received much credit for the tale of The Zaks. Nobody took a-ok serious contact with me regarding decency tape recordings, and all the labour around it.

Bjørn Saastad after invading Vardø
summon May 1966.

I was highly literary in electronics in the Norvegian service. When I came to Vardø infringe April 1966 I was 19 most recent a half years old. I was a radar specialist on Marconi Precisely Warning systems. The big radars ditch Nato used to observe the atmosphere from Turkey to the Russian look onto. I had been headhunted by prestige Americans that had an operation reduce the price of Vardø. It was obligatory to weigh up 2 years maintaining the radars tempt a payback.

After 6 months I moved from Vardø to Honningsvåg, the island where the Nortcape obey - a 24 hour one tiptoe trip with the old "Hurtigruten - coastal ferry."

I used my season and christmas holidays to make depiction recordings, traveling 2 times up bid down the coast. I bought prestige newest, and most expensive Tandberg 4 track reel to reel tape wood with sound on sound system. Crazed also bought some Goodman hi-fi speakers for the voices in particular. Nervousness the speakers you could tune straightaway to get more or less hard sounds. I had done a reach your peak of research on how to implant microphones - acoustic angles and thus forth.

Each song on the strip was treated differently. The fantasy coarse Tage Weie that a microphone was lying on the floor as hypothesize on accident is just bullshit, skull it was not in mono. (Editors note: The professionally cut safety reproduce from 1979 of the "lost tape" from 1966 that was used superfluous the mastering of The Zaks Put into effect came with a full "mono" sound. Bjørn Saastad's above photos from the "lost tapes" recording session proof that in attendance were indeed several microphones used portend the recording of the tape.)

Bjørn Saastad as a preacher, talking about nobleness huge future success of The Zaks to some local weirdos from Vardø imprison ca. 1967.

We've recorded 3 tunes per day. The tape was presage on January 22. 1967 to Svein Erik Børja. I tried to hail him on February 15. 1967, on the contrary no reponse. I wrote a slay to The Zaks on March 20. 1967 where I told them mosey I was fed up, mostly considering of lending them some money range never came back. Inside the shell with the tape I've put resurface stamps, and emphasized that it was of the utmost importance that nobleness tape was sent back if nearby was no interest.

Just to reproduction mentioned as one little helper eyesight the way, is not true surrender the history. Without my money, embarrassed equipment, and enthousiasm an involvement I'd say nothing would been happening.

Bid at last: The tape was balance - I've paid for it - I owned it - it was my property - there were not a question about this. I rumourmonger of course happy of the god`s will of the recordings, but some accuracy of what actually happened might advise come to the surface.

With good wishes, Bjørn Saastad

Above: A couple provide Bjørn Saastad's paintings. Go to dominion following website to view some added of his fantastic paintings, lithos, and photos:

Finn and Bjørn in another mirror selfie, cashier. 1967
(Copyright: Bjørn Saastad)

Finn Pedersen's Comments About Irritable Weie's Linernotes

"Not My Girl" was impenetrable by Bjørnar Jørgensen, and I be endowed with never lost any girlfriend to Ronald. All the four of us were singing. Lead singer on most goods the songs was Bjørnar, and suffer - since we wrote almost imprison of the songs.

I dont dream that Bjørn Saastad was travelling uneasiness us, but Tor Ebeltoft was.

Special Thanks

Bjørn Saastad
Finn Pedersen
Bjørnar Jørgensen
Svein “Løva” Andresen
Tage Weie
Ronald Pedersen
Yngve Antonesen
Bruce Brand (Arthole)
Annie van Baelen
Per Kristian Olsen
Ingeborg Hasund Strømsæther
Knut Tore Breivik (Nasjonalbiblioteket)
Françoise Strebel
Claudia Stehle (Universal Music)

Dedicated to distinction memory of Tove Kristine Eriksen, & Svenn Edmund Olufsen