Wig Wam
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2001 in Halden, Norway |
| Headquarters | Halden , Norway |
Key people | Åge Sten Nilsen (Glam), Trond Holter (Teeny), Bernt Jansen (Flash), Øystein Andersen (Sporty) |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
| Website | www |
Wig Wam is a Norwegian glam metal group established in Halden in 2001. The original lineup—vocalist Glam (Åge Sten Nilsen), guitarist Teeny (Trond Holter), bassist Flash (Bernt Jansen), and drummer Sporty (Øystein Andersen)—has remained unchanged since the band's formation. Their sound combines elements of glam metal and hard rock, often featuring playful lyrics and theatrical visuals.
The band achieved global exposure in 2005 when they represented Norway at the Eurovision Song Contest 2005 held in Kyiv, finishing ninth with their song "In My Dreams". After disbanding in 2014, Wig Wam reunited in 2019. Their prominence was revitalized in 2022 when "Do Ya Wanna Taste It" was chosen as the opening theme for HBO Max’s Peacemaker, which also included "In My Dreams" on its soundtrack. By 2023, Wig Wam had released six studio albums. Their motto is: "Rock is the new schlager".
History
Initially formed as a session ensemble in 2001, Wig Wam started by performing covers from iconic rock acts of the 1970s and 1980s such as Van Halen, Kiss, and Led Zeppelin. Following a successful appearance at an ’80s-themed party, they embarked on extensive tours throughout southern Norway, cultivating a devoted fanbase known as Wig Wamaniacs. They shifted focus to original compositions with their debut album 667.. The Neighbour of the Beast released in 2004.
During the 2004 Norwegian Eurovision selection, they secured third place with "Crazy Things". The next year, their Eurovision entry "In My Dreams" became the first metal performance at the contest, finishing ninth overall and dominating Norway's singles chart for three consecutive weeks—achieving commercial success surpassing previous Norwegian victors—and gaining widespread acclaim across Scandinavia. Following Eurovision, they toured extensively across Europe and participated in a Kiss tribute album alongside Bruce Kulick.
Their sophomore album, Wig Wamania (2006), was supported by an intensive touring schedule. A live show at Tokyo’s Shibuya O-East was recorded and released as both the Live in Tokyo album and Made in Japan video. Subsequent releases include Non Stop Rock'n Roll (2010), during which they opened for KISS in Oslo, and Wall Street (2012). After thirteen years together, the band parted ways in 2014.
Wig Wam reunited in 2019 and issued Never Say Die in 2021; however, promotional activities were hindered by COVID-19 restrictions. The inclusion of their tracks in HBO Max’s Peacemaker sparked renewed interest despite prior challenges such as losing their booking agency. Post-pandemic, they resumed performing at festivals throughout Europe and Norway and planned their inaugural U.S. tour, which was postponed to 2023 due to visa complications.
In 2023, Wig Wam launched their sixth studio project, Out of the Dark, and commenced their first American tour, highlighted by a notable appearance at the legendary Whisky a Go Go venue.
Style and influences
Wig Wam’s musical approach fuses elements of classic rock, hard rock, and glam metal. Described by Billboard as "glitter-soaked, tongue-firmly-in-cheek hard rock," their sound and aesthetic are influenced by bands such as Kiss, Sweet, T. Rex, Slade, Queen, Aerosmith, alongside icons like Elvis Presley and the Beatles. The members adopt stage personas complete with glam-inspired makeup and costumes. The band's name pays homage to the Sweet track "Wig-Wam Bam."
Band members
- Glam (Åge Sten Nilsen) — lead vocals
- Teeny (Trond Holter) — guitarist
- Flash (Bernt Jansen) — bass guitar
- Sporty (Øystein Andersen) — drummer
- Lasse Finbråten — keyboardist (live performances)
Discography
Studio albums
- 667.. The Neighbour of the Beast (2004; re-released in 2005 as Hard to Be a Rock'n Roller)
- Wig Wamania (2006)
- Non Stop Rock'n Roll (2010)
- Wall Street (2012)
- Never Say Die (2021)
- Out of the Dark (2023)