Johan Frandsen (born 9 September 1982 in Stockholm, Sweden), is the

frontman The lead vocalist in popular music is typically the member of a group or band whose voice is the most prominent melody in a performance where multiple voices may be heard. The lead singer sets their voice against the accompaniment parts of the ...

guitarist A guitarist (or a guitar player) is a person who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of guitar family instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselve ...

, main songwriter and

lead vocalist The lead vocalist in popular music is typically the member of a group or band whose voice is the most prominent melody in a performance where multiple voices may be heard. The lead singer sets their voice against the accompaniment parts of t ...

in the Swedish

rock Rock most often refers to: * Rock (geology), a naturally occurring solid aggregate of minerals or mineraloids * Rock music, a genre of popular music Rock or Rocks may also refer to: Places United Kingdom * Rock, Caerphilly, a location in Wale ...

band, The Knockouts. His trademark guitar is a

Gretsch White Falcon The Gretsch White Falcon is an electric hollow-body guitar introduced in 1954 by Gretsch. This guitar was created as a "showpiece" to exhibit the craft of Gretsch's luthiers, sales, and demonstration representative, Jimmie Webster, who created ...

. Frandsen is an endorsed artist by Gretsch Guitars, TV Jones, Fender and Peerless.

Biography

Music career

Frandsen started playing guitar at the age of six and began his music career forming The Knockouts in 1996 in

Stockholm Stockholm (; ) is the Capital city, capital and List of urban areas in Sweden by population, most populous city of Sweden, as well as the List of urban areas in the Nordic countries, largest urban area in the Nordic countries. Approximately ...

, Sweden. The Knockouts have developed a cult following in Scandinavia and is now considered to be one of Sweden's hardest touring bands. As well as being the main songwriter and frontman of The Knockouts – from 2004 Frandsen was the lead guitarist with internationally respected Swedish rockabilly band, The GoGetters, having toured over 300 dates with shows all over Europe and the USA. His guitar playing gave them an extra injection energy worldwide - one of the highlights was headlining the Viva Las Vegas and playing with members of the

Stray Cats Stray Cats are an American rockabilly band formed in 1979 by guitarist and vocalist Brian Setzer, double bassist Lee Rocker, and drummer Slim Jim Phantom in the Long Island town of Massapequa, New York. The group had numerous hit singles in ...

Guana Batz The Guana Batz are an English psychobilly band who formed in 1982 in Feltham, West London, England. The band are most well known for their frequent appearances at the Klub Foot, an early psychobilly club. History The original group members w ...

and

Mad Sin Mad Sin is a German psychobilly group that began in 1987. Style Mad Sin, formed in 1987, have been inspired by horror punk and B-movies, with a theatrical style which they describe as not "...constrained by the psychobilly tag but veer nginto ...

Frandsen started Diamond Prime Music with The Knockouts' manager Coco Rosenfeld in early 2009. Diamond Prime is a Music and Management company based in Stockholm. Diamond Prime is the record label and management for The Knockouts.

The Knockouts

The Knockouts are a Swedish rock band from

, formed in 1996. The current lineup consists of Frandsen (vocals, guitar), Kennet Stone (

double bass The double bass (), also known as the upright bass, the acoustic bass, the bull fiddle, or simply the bass, is the largest and lowest-pitched string instrument, chordophone in the modern orchestra, symphony orchestra (excluding rare additions ...

, vocals) and Ted Jergelind (

drums The drum is a member of the percussion instrument, percussion group of musical instruments. In the Hornbostel–Sachs classification system, it is a membranophones, membranophone. Drums consist of at least one Acoustic membrane, membrane, c ...

). The band has risen to fame in 2010 after the release of the album '' Among the Vultures''. They have released three studio albums and one EP compilation in Sweden and throughout Europe. The album ''Among the Vultures'' was nominated for Best Punk Rock Album at the 2011 Independent Music Awards, and two singles from the album were nominated for best punk song "Heat for the Hunted" and best alternative country song "Ever Been Hurt". The Knockouts added BEST Punk Rock Album to their collection as voted by the industry panel including Joe Perry,

Aerosmith Aerosmith is an American Rock music, rock band formed in Boston in 1970. The group consists of lead vocalist Steven Tyler, bassist Tom Hamilton (musician), Tom Hamilton, drummer Joey Kramer, and guitarists Joe Perry (musician), Joe Perry and B ...

Benji Madden Benjamin Levi Madden (né Combs; born March 11, 1979) is an American musician. He is the lead guitarist and backing vocalist for the rock band Good Charlottefor which he has received various awardsas well as pop rock collaboration the Madden Br ...

Joel Madden Joel Rueben Madden (né Combs; born March 11, 1979) is an American singer, best known as the lead vocalist for the rock band Good Charlotte. He is also part of the pop rock collaboration the Madden Brothers with his identical twin brother Ben ...

Good Charlotte Good Charlotte is an American rock band formed in Waldorf, Maryland, in 1995. Since 2005, the band's lineup has consisted of Joel Madden (lead vocals), Benji Madden (guitar, vocals), Paul Thomas (bass), Billy Martin (guitar, keyboards), and ...

, and

Ozzy Osbourne John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne (born 3 December 1948) is an English singer, songwriter, and media personality. He rose to prominence during the 1970s as the lead singer of the heavy metal music, heavy metal band Black Sabbath, during which per ...

. Performing hundreds of jam-packed and sold-out shows, The Knockouts have respectively gained a reputation of delivering, what is now described as a ''“cocky punk rock”'' sound with an aggressive

rockabilly Rockabilly is one of the earliest styles of rock and roll music. It dates back to the early 1950s in the United States, especially the Southern United States, South. As a genre, it blends the sound of Western music (North America), Western musi ...

technique.

The Knockouts - recent activity

In 2013 and 2014, ''The Knockouts'' have worked to rehearse, record and release the newest studio album ‘’’5000 Miles from Louisville’’, having signed with Swedish Booking Agency MTA Production AB, ''The Knockouts'' are back on the road and hitting stages throughout Scandinavia with the newest release in their usual high energy gigs! 2012 saw the Knockouts working on new material for the upcoming album. During this time touring schedules were kept to a minimum and work was directed to the songs for the new release (Due early 2013). A special event was held in September 2012 at Debaser Slussen Stockholm, Sweden.

Slim Jim Phantom James McDonnell, known by the stage name Slim Jim Phantom, is an American musician, best known as the drummer for the band Stray Cats. Alongside bandmates Brian Setzer and Lee Rocker, he is considered a pioneer of the neo-rockabilly movemen ...

from the world-famous

and Jonny Bowler from the

flew from Los Angeles to join the Knockouts on stage in a once only special event to a soldout show, celebrating Frandsen's 30th birthday. In 2011, the Knockouts supported rock and roll icon and

front man

Brian Setzer Brian Robert Setzer (born April 10, 1959) is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He found widespread success in the early 1980s with the 1950s-style rockabilly group Stray Cats, and returned to the music scene in the early 1990s with ...

, on the 'Brian Setzer's Rockabilly Riot tour 2011' They started the European summer with a performance with Brian Sezter on the premiere night of his tour at the 10 year celebration of the Azkena Rock Festival on the June 25,

Vitoria-Gasteiz Vitoria-Gasteiz (; ; also historically spelled Vittoria in English) is the seat of government and the capital city of the Basque Country (autonomous community), Basque Country and of the provinces of Spain, province of Álava in northern Spain. I ...

, Spain to crowds of over 50,000 people, then onto sold out dates throughout Germany in Berlin,

Hamburg Hamburg (, ; ), officially the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg,. is the List of cities in Germany by population, second-largest city in Germany after Berlin and List of cities in the European Union by population within city limits, 7th-lar ...

and

Cologne Cologne ( ; ; ) is the largest city of the States of Germany, German state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the List of cities in Germany by population, fourth-most populous city of Germany with nearly 1.1 million inhabitants in the city pr ...

. The tour continued to be sold out through Scandinavia with dates in

Copenhagen Copenhagen ( ) is the capital and most populous city of Denmark, with a population of 1.4 million in the Urban area of Copenhagen, urban area. The city is situated on the islands of Zealand and Amager, separated from Malmö, Sweden, by the ...

, Denmark,

, Sweden and

Helsinki Helsinki () is the Capital city, capital and most populous List of cities and towns in Finland, city in Finland. It is on the shore of the Gulf of Finland and is the seat of southern Finland's Uusimaa region. About people live in the municipali ...

, Finland ending at the

Helsinki Ice Hall The Helsinki Ice Hall (, ), colloquially called Nordis, is an indoor arena located in the Taka-Töölö neighborhood of Helsinki, Finland. The arena has a seating capacity of 8,200. History Helsinki Ice Hall has been the home of HIFK of the L ...

(venue capacity of 8200) in Helsinki. Highlight of the tour was the encore performance at the

on the last night of the tour, when Frandsen joined Brian Setzer and

on stage with a special rendition of " Seven Nights to Rock". Setzer called Frandsen to the stage and handed his white Brian Setzer Hot Rod signature

Gretsch Gretsch is an American company that manufactures and markets musical instruments. The company was founded in 1883 in Brooklyn, New York by Friedrich Gretsch, a 27-year-old German immigrant, shortly after his arrival to the United States. Fri ...

guitar to Frandsen to conclude the tour in Scandinavia. The Knockouts' tours have included dates throughout Europe including countries such as, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Czech Republic and Spain. They have played at festivals such as the West Coast Riot and The Peace and Love Festival, alongside

Social Distortion Social Distortion is an American punk rock band formed in 1978 in Fullerton, California. It consists of Mike Ness (vocals, guitar), Jonny Wickersham (guitar), Brent Harding (bass), David Hidalgo Jr. (drums), and David Kalish (keyboards). Emerg ...

and

The Living End The Living End is an Australian punk rock band from Melbourne, formed in 1994. Since 2002, the line-up consists of Chris Cheney (vocals, guitar), Scott Owen (double bass, vocals), and Andy Strachan (drums). The band rose to fame in 1997 after ...

. They supported The Living End in 2009 on their first Scandinavian tour date for the 'Raise the Alarm World Tour' – in Stockholm.

The Knockouts' beginnings (1996–2002)

Formed by Frandsen in 1996. Their energetic and hard-fought beginnings were captured with the release of their 1998 self-titled debut 7 inch single ''The Knockouts'', produced by Thomas Skogsberg, (

The Hellacopters The Hellacopters are a Swedish garage rock band that was formed in 1994 by Nicke Andersson (vocals and guitar), Andreas Tyrone "Dregen" Svensson (guitar), Kenny Håkansson (bass) and Robert Eriksson (drums). Andersson (sometimes known as Nic ...

)
1999 to 2001 was spent touring, writing and preparing to record the full length promotional album ''Skyline Supernova'', recorded in Sunlight Studio, Sweden and released in summer 2000, and various compilation recordings, including ''A Fistfull of Rock'', Devil Doll Records. The success of their album scored them national support and the slot on the

Hultsfred Festival The Hultsfred Festival () was an annual music festival held in Hultsfred, Sweden. It took place at the lake Hulingen for three days in June or July, from Thursday to Saturday. Since the first festival in 1986, its attendance increased from 7,5 ...

, playing in the same year as bands such as

Iggy Pop James Newell Osterberg Jr. (born April 21, 1947), known professionally as Iggy Pop, is an American singer, musician, songwriter, actor and radio broadcaster. He was the vocalist and lyricist of proto-punk band the Stooges, who were formed in 1 ...

and

Rocket from the Crypt Rocket from the Crypt is an American punk rock band from San Diego, California, originally active from 1990 to 2005, then active during 2011 and again from 2013 to the present. The band gained critical praise and the attention of major record ...

''The Knockouts'' self titled EP (2003–2005)

After devouring two years' worth of gigs, and with a different way of looking at the Swedish punk rock scene, and following from the success of ''Skyline Supernova'', in 2003 the trio went onto solidify its sound with the introduction of longtime drummer Ted Jergelind. Early 2004 saw them head into the studio and record the 4 track EP self-titled ''The Knockouts''. While writing new material during 2004–2006 for their second album and touring Sweden, Germany, Spain, Frandsen (

lead vocals The lead vocalist in popular music is typically the member of a group or band whose voice is the most prominent melody in a performance where multiple voices may be heard. The lead singer sets their voice against the accompaniment parts of the ...

guitar The guitar is a stringed musical instrument that is usually fretted (with Fretless guitar, some exceptions) and typically has six or Twelve-string guitar, twelve strings. It is usually held flat against the player's body and played by strumming ...

) toured over 300 dates with internationally respected Swedish rockabilly band, The GoGetters'. The energy and injection of Frandsen's rockabilly roots and unique "Knockouts" sound, bought a new edge to the GoGetters' and the tour included shows all over Europe and the USA; headlining the Viva Las Vegas, supporting

members, and playing with members from

and The Guana Batz''.

''El Fin de la Guerra'' (2006–2008)

In the midst of a relentless touring schedule between 2006–2008, new songs were bubbling to the surface in what would become ''El Fin De La Guerra''. Recorded in October 2007 and released February 1, 2008 this new album saw the band fly into a massive Europe and USA tour including planned dates in Sweden, Germany, Czech Republic, Finland and the West Coast of the United States. Endorsement deals sees a trademark white guitar appear on stage at the start of 2009 and Frandsen appearing at both National and International guitar conventions. They were busy on the festival circuit in the summer of 2009, including playing

Earth Hour Earth Hour is a worldwide movement organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature, World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The event is held annually, encouraging the individuals, communities, and businesses to give an hour for Earth, and additionally marked ...

in Stockholm, then with

and

at The Westcoast Riot festival and the Peace and Love Festival.

''Among the Vultures'' (2009–2011)

'' Among the Vultures'', was recorded and produced in six days at The Panic Room,

Skara Skara is a locality and the seat of Skara Municipality, Västra Götaland County, Sweden with 18,580 inhabitants in 2013. Despite its small size, it is one of the oldest cities in Sweden, and has a long educational and ecclesiastical history. O ...

, Sweden. This album received multiple accolades and reviews; ''...This album won't leave lovers of quality rock unmoved. It is just so tight, intense, messy, expressive, powerful, explosive...'' The official single, "Under the Light" is attracting radio play and reviews both in Scandinavia, USA and Europe. The song "Heat for the Hunted" was chosen 3rd on Sweden's National Radio Program - Håkan Persson's

Sveriges Radio P3 Sveriges Radio P3 (P3) is a Contemporary hit radio, semi-mainstream CHR/CHR Alternative-formatted station operated by Sweden's national publicly funded radio broadcasting organization Sveriges Radio. The P in P3 originally stood for Program (''Pro ...

as the best top ten songs for 2009

''5000 Miles From Louisville'' (2012–2014)

2012 to 2013 saw the band working on a new album. ''5000 Miles From Louisville'', was recorded and mixed in ten days in February 2013 at '' Park Studio''

, Sweden. It was produced by Stefan Boman, of '' Park Studio'' (owned by Swedish band

Kent Kent is a Ceremonial counties of England, ceremonial county in South East England. It is bordered by Essex across the Thames Estuary to the north, the Strait of Dover to the south-east, East Sussex to the south-west, Surrey to the west, and Gr ...

) and Frandsen of the Knockouts. This album received radio plays and reviews; ''... the catchiness of the beats and melodies grab you, the lyrics hold on tight and refuse to let you go ...'' The official single, ''...'Days Long Gone' hurtles out of the speakers with a confidence and energy that tells me everything I need to know about this record and that is it's going to compete and there's a strength in the outstanding playing and songwriting that places this Scandinavian three piece right at the top of the pack...'' The album also featured

Kevin McKendree Kevin Yates McKendree (born April 27, 1969) is an American electric blues pianist, keyboardist, guitarist, singer, and songwriter. In addition to having a lengthy and varied career as a session musician, McKendree has released two solo albums. Li ...

on piano on the song “Stars of Us”.

Awards and nominations

* 2011: The Knockouts' '' Among the Vultures'' was nominated for Best Punk Rock Album at the Independent Music Awards, and two singles from the album were nominated for best punk song ''Heat for the Hunted'' and best alternative country song ''Ever Been Hurt''. The Knockouts added BEST Punk Rock Album to their collection as voted by the industry panel including Joe Perry of

and

, and

. * 2010: The Knockouts were nominated as best upcoming act at the

Bandit Rock Bandit Rock is a Swedish radio station which plays rock, punk and heavy metal. The station, now a part of the Nordic Entertainment Group, was founded by American ex-pat Thomas McAlevey and began broadcasting in Stockholm in 1994. Under McAlevey ...

Awards (Sweden's biggest rock radio station). * 2009: "Heat for the Hunted" from the album ''Among the Vultures'' was chosen 3rd on Sweden's National Radio Program Håkan Persson's

as the best top ten songs for 2009.

Endorsements

Frandsen is currently endorsed artist with: *

Guitars * TV Jones Guitars * Fender * Tube Amp Doctor * Jam Gitarrer

Equipment

2010 saw Frandsen debut as an endorsed artist with TV Jones guitars as a featured artist on the website with

Chris Cheney Christopher John Cheney (born 2 January 1975) is an Australian rock musician, record producer, and studio owner. He is the founding mainstay guitarist, songwriter, and lead vocalist of the rockabilly band The Living End, which was formed in 199 ...

and

Billy Gibbons William Frederick Gibbons (born December 16, 1949) is an American rock musician, best known as the guitarist, primary vocalist, and only constant member of ZZ Top. He began his career in Moving Sidewalks, who recorded '' Flash'' (1969) and op ...

. This was soon followed up by support and endorsement from Fender and

. Frandsen is featured in a two-page spread in FUZZ Magazine June, 2011 issue #4 - The number one and only guitar magazine in Scandinavia. Talking about his inspiration. On tour, Frandsen uses four main guitars on tour, two

Guitars and two TV Jones Spectra Sonic Supremes’ and the rest are back-ups for the different tunings. Johan TV Jones

Guitars

Chris Cheney Signature G6126TCC *

Prototype GGP 6120 TM (Tiger Maple) *

Model 6120 Setzer Hot Rod Custom "Pinstripe" * TV Jones Spectra Sonic Supreme Guitar - Charcoal * TV Jones Spectra Sonic Supreme Guitar - Cherry Red * Various other

Guild A guild ( ) is an association of artisans and merchants who oversee the practice of their craft/trade in a particular territory. The earliest types of guild formed as organizations of tradespeople belonging to a professional association. They so ...

& Gibson Models Effects: * Roland Re-301 Chorus Echo Amplifiers: *

Fender Bassman The Fender Bassman is a series of bass amplifiers introduced by Fender during 1952. Initially intended to amplify bass guitars, musicians used the 5B6 Bassman to amplify other instruments, including electric guitars, harmonicas, and pedal steel ...

(Blonde) - 1963 * Fender Supersonic 60 head

Discography

Studio albums

* 2000: ''Skyline Supernova'' * 2004: ''The Knockouts EP'' Diamond Prime Music * 2007: ''El Fin de la Guerra'' * 2009: '' Among the Vultures'' Diamond Prime Music / Sound Pollution AB * 2013: ''5000 Miles From Louisville'' Diamond Prime Music / Sound Pollution AB

Singles

* 1998: "The Knockouts - Can I Look But Not Touch 7" Vinyl * 2009: "Under the Light" Diamond Prime Music / Sound Pollution AB * 2010: "Ever Been Hurt" Diamond Prime Music / Sound Pollution AB * 2011: "A lie like in Natalie" Diamond Prime Music / Sound Pollution AB * 2011: "I Want you to want me" Diamond Prime Music / Sound Pollution AB * 2013: ''Days Long Gone'' Diamond Prime Music / Sound Pollution AB

Compilations

* 1998: ''Fistful of Rock 'N' Roll vol. 9.'' The Knockouts (Stripshow A Go-Go / Devil Doll Records) * 2011: ''Dancing on Your Graves – A Rockabilly Tribute to The Hellacopters'', The Knockouts', ''Freeway To Hell'' (Wild Kingdom/Sound Pollution)

Other projects

* 2008: The GoGetters "Hot Rod Roadeo" Goofin Records, Title track from the album ''Hot Rod Roadeo''

References

External links

The Knockouts official website

The Knockouts support Brian Setzer's Rockabilly Riot
{{DEFAULTSORT:Frandsen, Johan 1982 births Living people Swedish guitarists Male guitarists Swedish rock musicians Swedish rock guitarists 21st-century Swedish singers 21st-century Swedish guitarists 21st-century Swedish male singers Singers from Stockholm