Radiofantomene

with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra & P.I.L.S.

The gentlemen Kurt Foss and Reidar Bøe, perhaps best known as the duo Radiofantomene (The Radio Phantoms), were everywhere in Norway in the '50s and '60s. The dynamic pair was behind songs like 'Det ringer, det ringer' (It’s Ringing, It’s Ringing), 'De nære ting' (The Simple Things), and 'Blåveispiken' (The Hepatica Girl), selling an estimated 1.5 million records.

'They were rock stars before the term even existed. Their music is part of our DNA,' says NRK's Bård Ose.

Together with his radio partner Finn Tokvam from P.I.L.S – Populærmusikk Ispedd Litt Sladder (Popular Music Sprinkled with Some Gossip), Ose will host this concert where the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, KORK, will honor Radiofantomene together with a selection of guest artists at Grieghallen.

For Kurt Foss and Reidar Bøe, the journey went from Dragefjellet Public School, via an improvised rehearsal room in a public urinal at Nøstebodskaien, to the stage, recording studios, and NRK broadcasts. Musical comedy, a lighthearted demeanor, and catchy, beautiful melodies—often set to poems by Jakob Sande and Arne Paasche Aasen—made the duo superstars in the post-war period, creating radio and TV history in Norway. Not bad for two street kids who couldn’t read sheet music.

'From the deep musical treasure chest of Kurt Foss and Reidar Bøe, there are connections to Lars Vaular and Bjørn Tomren, through the Bergen rock band Radiofantomene, and many other paths. The original Radiofantomene is a significant part of Norway's cultural heritage, which I knew far too little about before moving to Bergen,' says Festival director Lars Petter Hagen.

Video: NRK

Contributors

• The Norwegian Radio Orchestra – KORK

• Nick Davies conductor

• P.I.LS. – Bård Ose, Finn Tokvam hosts

• Åse Britt Reme Jacobsen, Bjørn Tomren voice

• More guests to be announced