Can it really be five years???

I was just looking at the calendar and remembered that five years ago this weekend, we were in Gothenburg to see Salem play an unforgettable concert with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra at the Konserthuset (review at http://planetsalem.blogspot.co.uk/2010/03/my-review-salem-al-fakir-gothenburg.html)

I can't believe that those five years have passed so quickly...

Södertälje: this Saturday night on P4

I previously mentioned that the Södertälje gig would be broadcast on SR P3 next Thursday night. Well, if you can't wait that long, then you only have to wait till this Saturday night, 23rd April. The concert will be broadcast on Sveriges Radio P4 Live from 20:05-20:58 Swedish time (19:05-19:58 UK time). Check out http://sverigesradio.se/sida/default.aspx?programid=488 for more info.

Of course you can still listen to the same show on P3 next Thursday night (see previous post http://planetsalem.blogspot.com/2011/04/thursday-28th-april-salems-klubb-molto.html)

Thursday 28th April: Salem's Klubb Molto gig on P3!

(picture courtesy of Calle Jansson for http://moltolive.nu/) If you remember this post from December 2010: http://planetsalem.blogspot.com/2010/12/klubb-molto-gig-this-saturday.html - well we finally have news about when that Klubb Molto show from Södertälje is going to be broadcast!

Make a note in your diaries for Thursday 28th April from 22:00-23:00 Swedish time (21:00-22:00 here in the UK) when you can hear the full hour-long show on Swedish Radio P3's Musikguiden. I'm sure it will bring back many fond memories of Salem and the band's autumn/winter club tour and give those of us who weren't there a chance to enjoy all the hits and more.

There is also a fine interview on Klubb Molto's website at http://moltolive.nu/i-hissen-med-salem-al-fakir/ - of course we would all like to be stuck in a lift with Salem ;)

In other news, don't forget that you can still watch "Kusin Al Fakir" at SVT Play until 24th April. http://svtplay.se/v/2367731/k_special/kusin_al_fakir It really is a fascinating documentary and even if I couldn't really understand most of what was being said, I still managed to get the "feel" of the film and the intensity of Peter's belief and passion in his music. I hope that he doesn't give up on his dream and that he "keeps on rocking on the freeway with a wheel of rock".

UNT's interview with Damien Adore / Uppsala tonight and tomorrow

The "mystery man" with the moustache is supporting Salem at his gigs tonight and tomorrow at Katalin, Uppsala. Damien has given what he says is his first and last interview, to Uppsala Nya Tidning, and you can find it at http://www.unt.se/kultur/damien-adore-avslutar-forbandsturn-1173762.aspx along with a nice picture of the man himself. I love that costume! ;)

The interview took place in Gothenburg last month when Damien supported Salem at the Sticky Fingers club. He said that he's been involved in the music industry for 10 years, but mostly as a producer. It wasn't until the P3 Guldgalan back in January 2010, when he revealed himself "...I have not had any need to be visible externally". He said that his musical inspiration comes from "himself"!

Damien said there will be a debut album "when the time is right." Hoping we won't have to wait too long!!

As I mentioned earlier, Salem and Damien are playing their final shows of 2010 tonight and tomorrow at Katalin in Uppsala. I'm sure that all the "regulars" will be there and as ever, I'd love to hear what you thought of the shows - remember to leave your comments here!

Berwaldhallen concert on P2 right now....

The Lucia concert by the Nacka music class and Salem is being broadcast right now on Swedish Radio's P2 channel - http://sverigesradio.se/p2/

Of course I'm sitting in front of the computer and enjoying this beautiful choral music...and looking forward to hearing Salem!

EDIT 19:45 (UK time): what a wonderful concert!

Set list - songs played by Salem and the band:

1. Good Song
2. It's Only You
3. Brooklyn Sun
4. Astronaut
5. Hymn
6. Keep On Walking

Salem began with a more jazzy interpretation of "Good Song" where he was successfully accompanied by the choir - is there any musical setting where this man's music doesn't work??? - and what a stunning piano solo too.

Next was "It's Only You" - Salem's vocals on this were so sweet and tender that I was reduced to a quivering wreck ;) and it was, in my opinion, one of the best versions of this song that I've ever heard him do.

"Brooklyn Sun" - a very special song, and even more special when played in the piano-version. We all know that Salem is a terrific singer, but his vocals keep getting better and better!

"Astronaut" - yet another faultless version of a perfect song.

"Hymn" - this song always makes me cry, and it did again tonight. Salem has rarely played this song live, so it was a particular highlight to hear such a beautiful, moving song which seemed to fit the mood of this type of concert.

Salem then introduced his always-wonderful band - Nisse, Jakob and Adam - then they launched into their final song, which of course was "Keep On Walking" which began with a jazzy, reggae feel and brought the set to a triumphant end before the Nacka choir returned for the final part of a beautiful and very emotional concert.

If you missed the show, or if you just want to listen to it over and over again like I do, go to http://sverigesradio.se/sida/default.aspx?programid=2482 and click on the link 'P3 Live Klassiskt - Luciakonsert från Berwaldhallen'.

Södertälje and Stockholm....

If you were at Salem's show at Klubb Molto on Saturday night, remember that you can leave your comments, views and set lists here! Let me know if you enjoyed the show.

And I would also like to hear from you, if you are going to Berwaldhallen on Sunday. Of course I'll be sitting at the computer on Monday night, listening to P2's broadcast of tomorrow's concert. If you are going - enjoy the show!

P3 on Saturday, Berwaldhallen on Sunday, P2 on Monday!

There's a lot going on over the next few days :)

On Saturday 11th December, tune into P3 Star (between 14:00 and 16:00 Swedish time) for a special programme devoted to the P3 Guld award nominees. Salem will be one of the stars interviewed - others include Daniel Adams-Ray and Johnossi.

Check out http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=2907&artikel=4229533 for more information about the show. Here's a picture of Salem and the show's host Cissi (picture courtesy of Sveriges Radio).

The following day, Sunday 12th December, it will be time for Salem's return to Berwaldhallen, this time as special guest at two concerts (16:00 and 18:00) by the Nacka music class. These are special concerts for Lucia Day.

What is even more special is that one of the concerts will be transmitted the following evening on P2 from 19:30 - 21:00 Swedish time (18:30 - 20:00 British time). You can also read a feature about the concerts at http://www.nvp.se/Kultur--Noje/Salem-Al-Fakir--sjunger-in-julen-med-Nacka-musikklasser/ and if you go to http://sverigesradio.se/sida/default.aspx?programid=3985 you'll find more information about the concerts and ticket booking.

The concert is in three parts; Salem will appear with the Nacka music class in the first part, then he will perform his own live set in part two. This should be a brilliant show as Salem always shines in an orchestral/choral setting and I can't wait to hear the concert.

Salem and Sjung Nu, singing in Stockholm!

Last night Salem made a guest appearance with the Sjung Nu choir at the Filadelfiakyrkan in Stockholm. Here is a clip (which someone has very kindly posted on YouTube) of Salem and the choir singing a brilliant version of "Keep On Walking". Enjoy!



By the way, if any Planet Salem readers were in the choir I'd love to hear from you - you did a fantastic job. Did Salem sing any more songs or was it just "Keep On Walking"?

Salem guest appearance tonight?

I'm not 100% sure about this but I think Salem may be making a guest appearance at a concert tonight in Filadelfiakyrkan in Stockholm, by the 1000-member Sjung Nu choir?
http://gaffa.se/live/event/40516

Gothenburg tonight!

It's strange, writing about Salem playing a show in Gothenburg and I'm not there to see it... :(

Tonight Salem and the band will be at the Sticky Fingers club in Gbg so if you're going, enjoy the show and remember to leave your comments and reviews. Hope you all have a great night - I'm sure it will be yet another amazing show.

The Tivoli, Helsingborg 12.11.10: review by Kjell Gullberg

Here is a very nice review of Friday night's show by my good friend Kjell - thanks again for sharing it with us :)

The show began 45 minutes late, but perhaps that's the usual Tivoli style... I'd never been there before! Nisse, Adam and Jacob entered the stage first. We were then all just waiting for a few minutes, while the intro to "Part Of It" started... and the crowd got going when Salem entered the stage.

I really like this song... the "ah-ah-aoah-aohahhh-ah-ah" part always make me think of Gregorian music, which is something quite different from pop! But not in Salem's world, of course...The next thing I noticed was that I've never heard Salem sing that well during a live concert before. Excellent!

The second song was "It's True"... in quite a different way, that I really liked. About the next thing Salem told us was in fact that this concert was going to be different... he told us that the autumn tour always consists of re-arranged versions of the songs, this time in a more "clubby" (electronica) way. Which is of course perfect at a club as The Tivoli... Salem even warned listeners about the different feeling compared to the summer shows!

Anyway, I can already tell you that I found this "club version" of Salem's music very good and creative during the entire concert... in fact, for me this was his best gig I've seen with Salem (although this was my first club experience).

At this point, I've lost the order of the set list (sorry, I'm getting too old I guess!).

Anyway, much of the material came from the "Ignore This" album. Some of the songs were "4 O'Clock", "This Is For", and "Split My Personality".

During "I'm So Happy" (if I'm not mistaken), Adam played a "loop" on his acoustic guitar that instantly reminded me of "I'm on Fire" with Bruce Springsteen. Quite amazing... and at the end of the song I got a U2 feeling. That's one of the things I really like with Salem's music: It is so diverse, with absolutely no borders in any musical direction. Anyway, we all sang along in the "la-la-la" part, with maximum joy (yes I know that the lyrics aren't really that positive, but still)!

"Bloody Breakfast" was (at least to me) another "goose pimpler". Those chords in the "oh-oh-oh" part are just amazing. It gives me the ultimate "club feeling"! In the end of this song (I think!) Salem played a wonderful solo on the keyboard, completely different from the CD version.

Salem also played "Astronaut" (he restarted it once in order to get the audience more alert - in his usual charming way with the words "Please enjoy this since it's for once a hit song!"). By this point, the crowd had belonged to Salem for a long time...

"Roxy" and "It's Only You (Part II)" were there as well. Both are favourites of mine. Oh, I forgot "Twelve Fingers".

On the negative side, there was some song in the middle of the concert that sounded a little uninspired... or perhaps it was just me that wasn't in the mood for it.

The final song was "Keep On Walking", another crowd-pleaser of course. Well, not really final... we managed to get two encores. Salem had a little discussion with us whether they should play something up-tempo or slow... and it turned out we got both! First, the wonderful "Virgin Mary" in its usual "rocket speed" pace. Nisse did a good job at the drums... Second, "Brooklyn Sun". We all sang along, once again...

As for Damien Adore, there was no "Backseat". Damien Adore is, as I understood it, the "electronica" part of Salem, the theme of this evening. Salem even claimed that all his music is in "club style", it's just "stripped" before it's released on CD (and played on TV). Well, I wouldn't agree about the "all his music" part, but never mind...

The review in Helsingborgs Dagblad was not as positive as this one... my only comments to it are that, first, "Dream girl" wasn't even played... and second, the synthesizer was not "self playing", Salem definitely played it for real (although some sound was pre-recorded, no-one pretended playing it).

Salem really seemed to enjoy the gig... he was jumping around now and then, and also forgot the lyrics a few times (which, by the way, made us in the audience love him even more). His talking and joking between the songs charmed us as usual.

After about one hour (a little short, if you ask me), my so far best Salem Al Fakir experience ended for this time. Over and out.

Malmö show cancelled

Via Alexandra on Salem's Facebook, some bad news - the Malmö show on 9th December at Babel is cancelled. (I don't know the reason for this). No alternative date has been announced yet, and refunds are available. http://babelmalmo.se/konsert/101209

Sunday in Stockholm!

Salem's back in Stockholm this Sunday, 14th November, for a long-awaited live show at Debaser Slussen. More info at http://www.debaser.se/kalender/5462/

To all of you who are going to the show - hope you enjoy it! It should be a great night.

Lund tonight

The next stop on Salem's tour is at Mejeriet in Lund tonight. If you're going - enjoy the show!

More info at http://www.kulturmejeriet.se/index.php/program/salem-al-fakir-damien-adore/

Salem's tour starts tomorrow!

Yes it's time for Salem's autumn tour, which kicks off at The Tivoli in Helsingborg tomorrow night. http://www.thetivoli.nu/module.asp?XModuleId=17238&page=detail&NewsId=22523

This also means that Planet Salem is back in action :) so if you are going to any of the upcoming shows I'd like you to send me your comments, reviews, gig pictures, YouTube links....and I will publish them so that they can be shared with all the other Salem fans out there.

I'm particularly interested to hear about Damien Adore's live set, and also if Salem will sing any new songs!

Good luck to Salem and the band for the tour :)))

Salem at Berwaldhallen - 12th December?

From http://sverigesradio.se/cgi-bin/berwaldhallen/program/index.asp?ProgramID=979

Söndag 12 december kl 16.00 och 18.00
LUCIAKONSERT Luciakonsert med Nacka musikklasser Gästsolist: Salem Al Fakir
Biljetter: 80-295 kr

According to Nacka Musikklasser's website http://www.musikklasser.nacka.se/ the concert will feature talented students from the school's 5th to 9th grades. Salem is billed as 'Gästsolist' - does anyone have any more information about this?

New tour starts next Friday!

Yes it won't be long till Salem's latest tour kicks off in Helsingborg on Friday 12th November! If you haven't got your tickets yet, go to http://www.thetivoli.nu/module.asp?XModuleId=17238&page=detail&NewsId=22523

Salem and the band then move on to Mejeriet in Lund next Saturday, 13th November.
Ticket info at http://www.kulturmejeriet.se/index.php/program/salem-al-fakir-damien-adore/

And then next Sunday, 14th November, there is Salem's long-awaited hometown gig at Debaser Slussen in Stockholm - remember this has been moved from Tyrol - more info and ticket booking link at http://www.debaser.se/kalender/5462/

Of course this will be a very special tour as the support act is the legendary Damien Adore, so don't forget to book your tickets if you haven't got them already :) I wonder if Salem (or Damien) will have any new songs in the live set?? We won't have too long to wait to have that question answered!

Stockholm concert 14th November: venue changed

Via www.salemalfakir.com: the venue for Salem's show on 14th November in Stockholm has been changed. It was scheduled to take place at Tyrol and will now take place at Debaser Slussen. Doors open at 20:00 and Salem will be on stage at 21:00. More information at Blixten & Co's website - http://www.blixten.se/musik/salem-al-fakir/spelningar/20101114-stockholm-debaser-slussen

Sorry for this information being late, I've been out of action with a very bad cold for most of the week so finally catching up!!

NorraSkåne review of Kristianstad Arena opening

NorraSkåne.se has a review of Friday night's opening concert from the Kristianstad Arena, which took place in front of 4700 fans. http://www.nsk.se/article/20101017/NOJE/710179921/0/*/*/kristianstad-arena-har-oppnat

Reviewer Patrick Leanderson on Salem: "A bearded, bespectacled Salem Al Fakir in a blue knitted hat tries in a somewhat whimsical way to get the crowd rocking. There is singing along in the very first song "Good Song" and a handclapping exercise in "4 O'Clock".We're also offered the rather neglected "All Day Love," which he sang at the festival concert before the royal wedding this summer. And he rounds off with a slightly sloppy version his big hit from Melodifestivalen, "Keep On Walking" where much of the song's orchestration and arrangement disappeared out of the mix."

If you were at the show, do you agree with the reviewer's comments? I thought that was a very good mix of songs old and new, and I'm very happy that he's started playing "All Day Love" which (I hope) will become a regular part of his live set.

And maybe some day, Salem may return to the Kristianstad Arena to play his own live show, if his popularity continues to grow :)

Kristianstad Arena opening - this Friday

Don't forget that Salem will be appearing at a gala concert for the official opening of the new Kristianstad Arena, this Friday, 15th October. Also on the bill are Tommy Körberg, Lena Philipsson, Måns Zelmerlöw, Olle Jönsson, and the fabulous 'drum circus' ConRytmo which can best be described as a Swedish variation on the Blue Man Group, only without the blue heads of course :) There is another Salem connection here of course - can anyone tell me if Nisse is still a member of ConRytmo?

There are still some tickets available, please go to https://event.webbiljett.se/kristianstad/step/chooseSection.aspx?edId=4 for more information and booking details.

If you're going, enjoy the show and remember to tell us all about it.