The Vikings are a Swedish dansband that was founded in Arvika in 1958 under the name Jicco & the Vikings. In 1961, the band changed its name to Vikings, and from 1973 the group performed under the name Vikingarna. Since 2000, the band has been active in German-speaking countries under the name Vikinger. The line-up most recently included Christer Sjögren (born April 6, 1950 in Hagfors, Sweden) as singer and rhythm guitarist, Kenth Andersson (bass, vocals), Lasse Westmann (guitar, vocals), Klas Anderhell (drums), Tony Eriksson (saxophone, keyboard) and Erik Lihm (keyboard). Stefan Borsch, who was the singer until 1979, is also one of the former members. The band's repertoire includes hits, pop and country in the style of the Nordic dansband tradition. Vikingarna achieved numerous successes in Sweden, including several number one albums and platinum awards. The group also achieved great popularity in Germany under the name Vikinger. In 2000, the album Kuschel dich in meine Arme was released and reached number 24 in the German album charts. The single of the same name "Kuschel dich in meine Arme" becomes a radio hit. The album Tanz mit mir followed in 2001, reaching number 16 in the German charts and selling over 150,000 copies. The single of the same name, "Tanz mit mir", is particularly successful and becomes one of the band's best-known songs. 2002 sees the release of the album Romantica, which reaches number 11 in Germany and Austria. This is followed in 2003 by Best Of, a compilation that reaches number 26 in the German album charts. With over seven million records sold worldwide, the band is one of the most successful Scandinavian music groups of its kind. In 2004, the Vikings bid farewell to the stage, with their farewell concert taking place on July 3 in Arvika. The band received several awards, including the Swedish music prize Grammis as "Dansband of the Year" in 1988 and 1991.
