Backyard Babies: A Timeline Of Their Iconic Career
Formed in the 80s, established in the late 90s, and exploding in the 2000s, Backyard Babies represent one of the leading bands of the so-called Scandinavian punk-rock bonanza that emerged from the far North of Europe. Blending sleaze with punk rock and adding a touch of glam, they developed a unique style and appeal that never waned among their loyal fans, even during the band’s many hiatuses. Much has happened for Dregen, Nicke, and company over the last 35 years, so let’s dive into the history and timeline of Backyard Babies’ iconic and respected career.
— Want more news and stories from Junkyard as it happens? Follow us on WhatsApp or Telegram.—
1987: Backyard Babies formed in Nässjö, Sweden, originally under the name Tyrant. The initial lineup consisted of Tobbe (Tobias Fischer) on vocals/bass, Dregen on guitar, Johan Blomqvist on guitar, and Peder CaDrlsson on drums.
1989-1990: The band changed their name to Backyard Babies. Nicke Borg replaced Tobbe as frontman, taking on vocals and guitar duties. Blomqvist switched to bass. They record two demos and toured Sweden.
1991: The band self-released their debut EP “Something to Swallow” that consisted of five sogns. The songs “Strange Kind of Attitude” and “Kickin’ Up Dust” later appeared on the band’s debut album.
1993: Backyard Babies signed with Swedish label Megarock Records.
1994: Released their debut album “Diesel & Power”. This album showcased their raw rock ‘n’ roll style layered with sleaze and blues, and was a critical success in the underground rock scene. Most notable songs are: “Electric Suzy” which was a single, “Bad To The Bone” and “Diesel And Power.” The B-side of the single “Electric Suzy” had a Hanoi Rocks cover “Taxi Driver”.
1995: The band went on hiatus after touring with Demolition 23 (a former Hanoi Rocks members new group), as guitarist Dregen formed The Hellacopters. He appeared on two The Hellacopters’ albums from that period Supershitty to the Max! (1996) and Payin’ the Dues (1997).
1997: Backyard Babies reunited and signed with MVG Records and started working on new album.
1998:They released their critically acclaimed album “Total 13”. This album marked their breakthrough, gaining international recognition and solidifying their place in the rock scene. The album is noted for its glam punk style, blending elements of rock and roll, hard rock, and punk. It featured singles like “Highlights” and “Look at You.” Most notable songs are: “Made Me A Madman”, “U.F.O Romeo”, “Get Dead”, “Ghetto You” and more. The single “Bombed” is released with a B-side song “Rocker” featuring Michael Monroe of Hanoi Rocks.
1998: The band toured the UK, supporting Alice Cooper and standalone single “Is It Still Alright to Smile?” is released with a B-side song “Babylon” which was a Faster Pussycat cover. This song featured Ginger from The Wildhearts and Nicke Andersson from The Hellacopters.
1999: Backyard Babies toured extensively in Europe, expanding their fanbase and building a strong following. Dregen participates in the side project Supershit 666 with Ginger (The Wildhearts) and Nicke Andersson.
2001: The band released the follow-up album “Making Enemies Is Good” which has been described by some critics as a more “controlled chaos” approach than their previous effort. Some of the tracks on the album were co-written by Ginger of The Wildhearts. Two of the singles from it were hits “The Clash” and “Brand New Hate“, the latter of which was co-written with Ginger. The band toured with Motorhead to support this album. Most notable songs are: “The Clash”, “Brand New Hate”, “Colours”, “Ex-Files”, “Star Wars” and more. The album peaked at number 1 spot on Swedish Album Charts.
2002: Guitarist Dregen is assaulted, robbed and suffers a broken jaw, making national news in Sweden.
2003: Fourth album called “Stockholm Syndrome” is released. It was viewed by some fans as a return towards a more energetic and raw sound. The album won them a Swedish Grammy. “Stockholm Syndrome” includes some of the band’s well-known songs, such as mega-hit song “Minus Celsius”. Other notable songs are “Everybody Ready”, “A Song for the Outcast”, “Year by Year”, “Say When”. The song “Friends” featured a long list of musicians from Ramones, Hanoi Rocks, Danko Jones, The Dogs D’Amour, Turbnonegro, The Cardigans and more.
2005: First live CD called “Live Live In Paris” was released. The band tours the US and Europe with Social Distortion.
2006: Fifth album People Like People Like People Like Us is released. The album continues Backyard Babies’ signature blend of punk rock and hard rock, featuring energetic and catchy tracks. It includes a mix of high-octane rock songs and more melodic tunes, showcasing the band’s versatility. Most notable songs are: “Dysfunctional Professional”, “Roads”, “I Got Spades”, “People Like People Like People Like Us” and more.
2007: The song “Minus Celsius” from “Stockholm Syndrome” album is featured as a playable bonus track in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.
2008: Self-titled album “Backyard Babies” is released on 13 August 2008 , reaching number 1 on the Swedish albums chart and debuted at number 29 on the UK rock chart. Singles “Fuck Off and Die” and “Degenerated” are released. The album was recorded in the beginning of 2008 during 90 intensive days. The album contained three singles “Fuck Off and Die” , “Degenerated” and “Nomadic” which is to this day one of the biggest hits by Backyard Babies. Other notable songs are: “Come Undone”, “Abandon”, “Back on the Juice” and “Zoe Is a Weirdo”.
2009: The compilation album Them XX was released in 2009 to honor the band’s 20th anniversary. The accompanying tour was rumored to be their last as the bend went on hiatus.
2010-2014: During the hiatus period some band members went on releasing solo records. Nicke Borg released three albums with most notable 2013 release of “Ruins Of A Riot”. Guitarist Dregen released his first solo record “Dregen” in 2013 and played with Michael Monroe on the 2013 “Horns And Halos album”.
May 2014: In May 2014 the band announced their comeback with the original line-up after a several years of hiatus.
2015: Seventh studio album “Four by Four” album is released on 28 August 2015 . It was the band’s first studio album in seven years, following a five-year hiatus that ended in 2014. The album reached number 2 on the Swedish albums chart. The title “Four By Four” symbolizes the band’s unity and resilience, likening the group to a four-wheel drive vehicle that can navigate tough terrain. The album features a blend of hard rock and punk influences, characteristic of Backyard Babies’ energetic sound. It includes a mix of catchy hooks and powerful riffs. Notable songs are: “Th1rt3en or Nothing”, “White Light District”, Wasted Years” and more.
2016: The band toured extensively in support of “Four by Four,” playing festivals and headlining shows across Europe and beyond.
2018: The band performs at the Hard Rock Hell Sleaze festival in Sheffield, England as the headliner of the second night. L.A. Guns were the headliners of the first night of the festival.
2019: Backyard Babies released “Sliver & Gold” on March 1, 2019, which was their eighth studio album. The last one to this day. The band cite it as their most cohesive record to date. On the Internet, many references mangle the name of the album by changing the first word to “Silver”. Most notable songs are: “Good Morning Midnight”, “Yes To All No”, “44 Undead” and “Shovin’ Rocks”.
2020-2021: As for many other bands, The COVID-19 pandemic affected Backyard Babies’ touring plans.
2020: In the summer of 2020, Dregen entered the beverage industry with his Riff – Lager By Dregen. The beer took the market by storm!
2021: Dregen returns to The Hellacopters. He released a new album with the band called “Eyes Of Oblivion” (2022) and re-released “Grande Rock” from 1998. in 2023.
2022: In 2022, in an interview with The Sound Lab, Dregen confirmed Backyard Babies were on hiatus due to commitments with The Hellacopters but there were plans to create more music in the future.
