logo
Swedish punks Viagra Boys: ‘It's freeing for people to see a dude let his gut hang out'

Swedish punks Viagra Boys: ‘It's freeing for people to see a dude let his gut hang out'

The Guardian21-04-2025

Slouched on a sofa in a former cement factory in Stockholm, Viagra Boys' Swedish-American frontman and lyricist Sebastian Murphy is recalling a low point in his life, several years ago. He points to a tattoo on his heavily inked torso that sums it up. 'It says 'You need me',' he explains in a tobacco-stained California burr. 'When I did this tattoo, I was such a piece-of-shit drug addict who only cared about himself. I thought it was funny. I don't need you guys – you need me.' It inspired You N33d Me, one of the best tracks on the sax-blasting post-punk band's electrifying, sort-of-self-titled fourth album Viagr Aboys. Hooked on amphetamines, pills and Valium at various points in his past, Murphy has been, by his own admission, the last person anybody needed around.
But the strongest thing Murphy is consuming when we meet on a recent Thursday afternoon is black coffee. We're in the lair of Shrimptech Enterprises, the independent label and umbrella company for the Swedish band's increasingly hectic operations: they've gradually climbed out of the toilet circuit over the last decade, and business is booming. This is where Viagra Boys write and record, design merch and poster art, all six members punching in for regular hours most weekdays. Our chat is soundtracked by the insistent chime of a piano being tuned. Here, Murphy is a cog in an increasingly smooth-running machine.
Born in the small city of San Rafael, California, to an American father and a Swedish mother, Murphy's upbringing was strict. 'They were very obsessed with healthy foods,' he says. 'I never drank soda, didn't watch TV, all that stuff was kind of banned.' Would it be fair to say the rest of his life has been a reaction against that? 'It really has.'
A bored, unruly skater kid in his teens, Murphy began drinking and stealing from his parents to buy whatever drugs he could get his hands on. He was arrested for the first time aged 15 and was in rehab for drug addiction by 17. In an initially successful bid to get sober, Murphy then moved to Stockholm to live with his aunt and ended up staying. He dropped out of high school and became a tattooist, but sobriety didn't last, especially after rock'n'roll, he says, 'swept me off my feet'.
The other Viagra Boys, Stockholm punk scene veterans, recruited Murphy after seeing him sing a Mariah Carey song drunk at karaoke. He had never been in a proper band and felt out of his depth, but he pressed on with the attitude of: 'OK, rock'n'roll, let's go. Let's do this until we're dead. I maybe thought that would come sooner than later.'
Viagra Boys' 2018 debut single Sports was an addictively funny satire of hypermasculinity (their name drew from similar inspiration); their debut album Street Worms, released that year, railed against Sweden's growing rightwing populism with wit and muscle. But the band's steady rise has been built chiefly on relentless, riotous touring. Murphy, shirtless and tracksuit-trousered, stokes the crowd into rising levels of derangement – at their 2023 Glastonbury set, someone in the crowd was tossing their toddler into the air – as saxophone player Oskar Carls writhes around the stage in outrageously short shorts.
In an uptight world, a group dedicated to getting loose like this – so loose Murphy has the word tattooed on his forehead in Swedish – has major appeal: last year Viagra Boys played US arenas supporting Queens of the Stone Age. Their biggest world tour yet began this month at Coachella and will end 60 dates later at London's Alexandra Palace. Murphy surmises that a lot of the fans 'are just freaks, you know. Freaks recognise freaks. It's freeing for a lot of people to see some dude that has clearly no muscles and is just letting his gut hang out have a good time.'
There was a time when Murphy wouldn't get on stage without taking amphetamines first. But as his bandmates started having kids and settling down, the pace had to slow to remain sustainable. Murphy credits bassist and de facto bandleader Henrik 'Benke' Höckert with gradually tightening things up. 'I would always be so pissed off at him if he decided to stay sober for a tour,' Murphy says. 'I was busy with doing drugs and thinking about myself; he was busy planning shit. Making it work as a viable source of income. Which would not be possible if we were fucked up every day.'
At the same time, the crippling hangovers and attendant anxiety started to become too much. 'I still know how to party for sure,' says Murphy. 'But I definitely know my limits now.' Drugs will never be entirely off the menu – 'I can't really help it when I'm on tour,' he admits – but these days he mostly sticks to beer (just the 30 or so a week). He goes to the gym and plays squash to try to stay in shape. He's even stopped getting tattoos because he says he can't take the pain any more. 'These days if I stub my toe I'll be crying for a week.'
In 2021, the band's founding guitarist Benjamin Vallé died aged 47, shaking them all hard. They supported each other through the loss: where some men struggle to discuss difficult emotions, Viagra Boys have no such problem. 'We talk to each other about everything,' says Murphy. I ask him if a newfound respect for death prompting him to change his lifestyle. He prefers to think of it as not wasting a good thing. 'I've got a great fiancee, I've got an apartment,' he says. 'I can afford things. Life is really easy and really good. I don't want to fuck it up.'
His visual artist fiancee Moa Romanova, who did the artwork for their third album, 2022's Cave World, has a studio next door to Shrimptech. At one point she drops in with their dog Uno – both are subjects of songs on Viagr Aboys. Uno II is a strange tale of conspiratorial anxiety seen through the eyes of an Italian greyhound with chronic dental problems. River King is a piano ballad in which Murphy croons with charming imperfection about Chinese takeaways and calming domesticity. It's a disarmingly gentle end to the album: have Viagra Boys finally gone soft? Murphy smiles a gold-toothed grin. 'We've always been soft. That's been the problem all along.'
Viagr Aboys is released via Shrimptech Enterprises on 25 April

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Love Island first look as pair face the wrath of their actions and an explosive re-coupling
Love Island first look as pair face the wrath of their actions and an explosive re-coupling

Daily Record

timean hour ago

  • Daily Record

Love Island first look as pair face the wrath of their actions and an explosive re-coupling

Get ready for tonight's explosive episode of Love Island, packed with steamy kisses, shocking confessions and a game changing recoupling. Here's your exclusive first look... Following a drama-packed episode of Love Island last night which saw Islander Ben lose his temper with American bombshell Toni, admitting she'd given him the 'ick' and a saucy game of dares featuring kisses, lap dances and jaw-dropping confessions, it's clear the drama inside the Mallorcan villa is only just heating up. Kisses were flying in every direction, with signs of major couple shake-ups on the horizon. But the real shock came at the end, as Shakira and Blu secretly slipped into the hideaway for a surprise snog - leaving viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to see the fallout. ‌ But as we wait for the drama to unfold, here is your sneak peek into tonight's episode of the hit ITV show. ‌ There is no hiding in the Hideaway on this season of Love Island, as the episode begins with Blu and Shakira leaving the private suite and the other Islanders have plenty of questions for them, wasting no time in grilling them. Blu heads straight for a group of Islanders and fills them in on the fact they shared a sneaky kiss. When Dejon asks Blu: "What did you do in there? A chat?", Blu bluntly replies: "No, we had a kiss, I went in for her." Megan's responded in shock "I love the messiness!" Elsewhere, Harry and Helena are getting cosy by the mini fire-pit. Harry asks: "Are we still on for the Hideaway?" But before they can sneak away, Dejon interrupts to spill the tea, saying: "You know he (Blue) kissed her (Shakira)?" Stunned, Harry says: "No he didn't…I don't believe what I'm hearing." ‌ Meanwhile Shakira fills in Toni: "Blu pulled me for a chat and he went, 'I didn't kiss you in the challenge 'cause I wanted to do it now' and he just leaned in…it was a good kiss but it says a statement, I feel like Ben won't be happy and Harry especially." Confronting the conversation, Harry tells Shakira: "All that matters is I want to pursue things with you." But Blu doesn't back down, later telling Harry: "We had two kisses, where's your head at? It seems to me your with Helena more and flirting?" ‌ Harry drops a shocking confession, telling Blu: "I think it's more flirty, but I think Shakira's got more substance." Later that night, Harry and Helena finally attempt to sneak off to the Hideaway, hoping no one will see them - but their plan doesn't go unnoticed... The next morning, the Islander's have questions after Harry and Helena's not so secret trip to the Hideaway. Helena pulls Shakira aside: "I wanted to speak to you 'cause I don't want you to think it was done in a malicious way." But how will Shakira react to Helena's confession? ‌ Shakira doesn't seem to be buying it, telling Harry when he pulls her for a chat: "Don't act like you went to the Hideaway cause I kissed someone, you wanted to go…" Things take another twist when Shakira has a chat with Ben that might just reignite an old flame. ‌ The day's drama reaches an all time high when Meg receives a text announcing: "Islanders, tonight there will be a recoupling in which the girls will choose which boy they want to couple up with #SpoiltForChoice #VillaVibesAreShifting." Toni sums it up best: "Tables have turned," and the boys are left to wonder if they've done enough. As the Islanders gather at the fire pit and the girls prepare their speeches, everyone is wondering - will they stick or twist? But that's not all for this re-coupling, just as the Islanders thing its over, another surprise text arrives that none of the Islanders had seen coming…

Paul McCartney says ‘musical genius' Brian Wilson was ‘bright shining light'
Paul McCartney says ‘musical genius' Brian Wilson was ‘bright shining light'

Wales Online

timean hour ago

  • Wales Online

Paul McCartney says ‘musical genius' Brian Wilson was ‘bright shining light'

Paul McCartney says 'musical genius' Brian Wilson was 'bright shining light' The 82-year-old Beatles bass player has previously cited Wilson's work as an inspiration for his own Brian Wilson from the Beach Boys performed at the Liverpool Summer Pops on May, 27 2005 (Image: Jason Roberts/Liverpool ECHO ) Sir Paul McCartney has said The Beach Boys star Brian Wilson was a "musical genius" and a "bright shining light" after his death aged 82. The 82-year-old Beatles bass player has previously cited Wilson's work as an inspiration for his own, and collaborated with him on Wilson's 2014 solo album Gettin' In Over My Head. ‌ He also took part in his induction into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame in 2000. ‌ "The notes he heard in his head and passed to us were simple and brilliant at the same time. In a post on Instagram, Sir Paul said: "Brian had that mysterious sense of musical genius that made his songs so achingly special. "I loved him, and was privileged to be around his bright shining light for a little while. How we will continue without Brian Wilson, 'God Only Knows'. Thank you, Brian." Article continues below His tribute comes after the surviving original members of The Beach Boys honoured the "genius" of Wilson. His cousin Mike Love, 84, said Wilson's "musical gifts were unmatched" while Al Jardine described his bandmate as "my brother in spirit". Wilson was the eldest and last surviving of the three brothers who formed the American rock band with Love and school friend Jardine in 1961. ‌ "The melodies he dreamed up, the emotions he poured into every note – Brian changed the course of music forever," Love wrote in a lengthy post on Facebook, saying there was "something otherworldly" about Wilson. "Like all families, we had our ups and downs. But through it all, we never stopped loving each other, and I never stopped being in awe of what he could do when he sat at a piano or his spontaneity in the studio." Describing Wilson as "fragile, intense, funny" and "one of a kind", he said his music "allowed us to show the world what vulnerability and brilliance sound like in harmony". ‌ "Brian, you once asked 'Wouldn't it be nice if we were older?'. Now you are timeless," he wrote. Posting a picture of himself with Wilson on Facebook, Jardine, 82, said: "I will always feel blessed that you were in our lives as long as you were." "You were a humble giant who always made me laugh and we will celebrate your music forever." ‌ On Wednesday, Wilson's family said in a statement to his website: "We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving." Sir Elton John posted on Instagram, saying Wilson was "always so kind to me" and "the biggest influence on my songwriting ever". "He was a musical genius and revolutionary," he wrote. ‌ "He changed the goalposts when it came to writing songs and changed music forever. A true giant." Bob Dylan was among other musical stars to pay tribute, with the 84-year-old posting on X that he was thinking "about all the years I've been listening to him and admiring his genius". Fellow singer-songwriter Carole King, 83, described Wilson as "my friend and my brother in songwriting" while former Velvet Underground member John Cale said on X he was "a true musical genius toiling away at melding POP into startling sophistication". ‌ Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, 78, paid tribute to Wilson and US musician Sly Stone, who died earlier this week, in a social media post, saying: "Oh no Brian Wilson and Sly Stone in one week – my world is in mourning, so sad." His bandmate Keith Richards, 81, posted an extract of his 2010 memoir, Life, on Instagram recalling hearing The Beach Boys for the first time on the radio and his reaction to their 1966 album Pet Sounds. The extract reads: "When we first got to American and to LA, there was a lot of Beach Boys on the radio, which was pretty funny to us – it was before Pet Sounds – it was hot rod songs and surfing songs, pretty lousily played, familiar Chuck Berry licks going on... ‌ "It was later on, listening to Pet Sounds, well, it's a little bit overproduced for me, but Brian Wilson had something." Sean Ono Lennon, the son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, described Wilson as "our American Mozart" in a post on X while The Monkees drummer Micky Dolenz said "his melodies shaped generations, and his soul resonated in every note". Wilson was born on June 20 1942, and began to play the piano and teach his brothers to sing harmony as a young boy. ‌ The Beach Boys started as a neighbourhood act, rehearsing in Wilson's bedroom and in the garage of their house in suburban Hawthorne, California with Wilson playing bass alongside his brothers Dennis as the drummer and Carl on lead guitar. The band were managed by the trio's father, Murry Wilson, but by mid-decade he had been displaced and Brian, who had been running the band's recording sessions almost from the start, was in charge. They released their most recognised album, Pet Sounds, in May 1966 which included the well known songs Wouldn't It Be Nice and God Only Knows. ‌ Wilson married singer Marilyn Rovell in 1964 and the couple welcomed daughters Carnie and Wendy, whom he became estranged from following their divorce. He later reconciled with them and they sang together on the 1997 album The Wilsons, which was also the name of a music group formed by Carnie and Wendy following the break-up of pop vocal group Wilson Phillips. Wilson, who had dealt with mental health and drug problems, got his life back on track in the 1990s and married talent manager Melinda Ledbetter. ‌ When Ledbetter died last year, Wilson said their five children, Daria, Delanie, Dylan, Dash and Dakota, were "in tears". Wilson was also embroiled in multiple lawsuits some of which followed from the release of his 1991 autobiography, Wouldn't It Be Nice: My Own Story. The Beach Boys were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 2001. Article continues below Wilson's brother Dennis died in 1983 while Carl died in 1998.

The Odyssey: The full cast for Christopher Nolan's Greek epic
The Odyssey: The full cast for Christopher Nolan's Greek epic

Scotsman

timean hour ago

  • Scotsman

The Odyssey: The full cast for Christopher Nolan's Greek epic

With filming for The Odyssey now well under way, it is clear that one way director Christopher Nolan is hoping to impress audiences is with its all star cast. As Odysseus, Matt Damon will lead the huge ensemble cast which Nolan has assembled to bring the Greek epic to life. The American actor, who has worked with the director twice before, will be joined by stars including Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya and many, many more. Considering Nolan's penchant for recruiting those he has previously worked with, several cast members have appeared in his earlier films such as Elliot Page and Robert Pattinson, as well as Josh Stewart whose role in The Odyssey marks his fourth time working with the director. Set for release next year, the fantasy film adapts Homer's epic poem which follows the tumultuous journey of Greek champion Odysseus as he returns home after the Trojan War. It is Nolan's first film since the release of Oppenheimer, which won Best Picture at the 96th Academy Awards, and reportedly his most expensive yet. Filming began earlier this year, with crews spotted at Findlater Castle in Moray earlier this month. The castle, which is located along the Moray Firth, will be closed to the public until July 25. Without further ado, here is The Odyssey cast in full – including who they are rumoured to play. 1 . Matt Damon — Odysseus Matt Damon will lead the all-star cast as Odysseus, the legendary Greek king of Ithaca. It is Damon's third time appearing in a Christopher Nolan film, though it will be his first leading role for the director. | AFP via Getty Images Photo Sales 2 . Anne Hathaway Rumoured to be playing Penelope, Odysseus' wife, Anne Hathaway's role in The Odyssey marks her third appearance in a Nolan film, having previously starred in The Dark Knight Rises and Interstellar. | Getty Images Photo Sales 3 . Tom Holland Spider-Man actor Tom Holland is also set to star and it is believed he will play Telemachus, Odysseus' son – though there has been no confirmation of this. Outside of the Marvel universe, Holland has appeared in films including The Impossible, The Lost City of Z, The Devil All the Time, Uncharted and more. | Getty Images Photo Sales 4 . Zendaya American actress Zendaya will also appear in The Odyssey in an unconfirmed role. Much like her real-life partner Holland, it will be her first time appearing in a Nolan film following her performances in projects such as Dune and Challengers. | Getty Images Photo Sales Related topics: FilmOppenheimerZendayaMoray

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store