Gasolin Lecture with Thomas Ulrik Larsen at Simgolf Amager

"Masser af succes" - A concert lecture about Gasolin'. The Christianshavn natives who became national treasures and defined Danish rock over seven years take centre stage when musician and rock expert Thomas Ulrik Larsen explores the band with affection in a two-hour concert lecture.

Thomas Ulrik Larsen tells the story of the band through narrative and song - a group that set the standard for rock songwriting, idol worship, and record sales in the 1970s. Gasolin' achieved massive success by combining folk-hymn tradition with Jimi Hendrix. They were folk, edgy, profound, and playful - Gasolin' was all of it. And they were generous with their gifts, because ultimately it was about giving "the best to me and my friends".

The band started as an underground "environmental band" in Copenhagen but signed with a multinational record label, and all of Denmark came to know Kim, Wili, Franz, and Søren by their first names - Larsen, Jönsson, Beckerlee, and Berlev. Their success run was unbroken from 1971-78, and only a failed ambition to break through in the USA showed that Gasolin' were, after all, human and could fail.

Thomas Ulrik Larsen does not trace Gas-history chronologically, but through songs and stories he highlights important points, themes, and events - not only in Gasolin's universe but in Danish popular music history. He performs several examples from Gasolin's evergreen songbook. Some songs are played in their original recorded versions; others Thomas performs himself with lyrics on a large screen so everyone can sing along.

Audience feedback: "Entertainment that touched the mind, heart, and everything in between."

Thomas Ulrik Larsen holds a master's degree in musicology and pedagogy and is, besides being one of Denmark's most sought-after music educators, also a music teacher, guitarist, and songwriter.