Dr matt destruction hives illness wellness

The Hives… on a creative hiatus… surely not? Yet, while it has been over ten years since the Swedish band’s last album, ’s Lex Hives, anyone fearing they have fallen into the ageing rock cliche of an act touring on past glories can rest easy.

Yes, The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons is The Hives first full album in over a decade, but as its macabre title hints, the reason for the band’s absence from the studio has been uniquely and suitably The Hives.

There is less ecstasy going on: you feel less greatness.

The Hives are a tribute to the power of self-promotion, 'idiot concepts' and shoes with white soles.

Matt Destruction left the band due to health problems.

Experience: Costa · Education: Marcus Oldham College · Location: Greater Melbourne Area · connections on LinkedIn.

“We wanted to be really annoying punks and we thought a disease name would fit that,” says Hives rhythm guitarist Mike “Vigilante” Carlstroem.

Of course, the group did not disappeared since their last long player. Along with several singles – including ’s double a-side I&#;m Alive/Good Samaritan – a live album and a series of global tours, to the outside world The Hives were still setting the pace.

Yet inside the band, the lack of a new record was concerning… as was the increasingly long absence of The Hives’ founder, mentor and songwriter, the limelight-shunning Randy Fitzsimmons. As the title of the new record tells you, there was a problem… though possibly not the one you think