Rock Legend Bjørn Müller
Passes Away at 64
Bjørn Müller, the iconic vocalist of the Backstreet Girls, passed away at 64. The band announced this heartbreaking news on their Facebook page, expressing their deep shock and grief.
“We are devastated by the terrible news we woke up to. Our thoughts are with his family, children, friends, and fans. We love you, Bjørn!” the band wrote, mourning the loss of their frontman.
Müller’s Journey with Backstreet Girls
Hailing from Fredrikstad, Bjørn Müller became the lead vocalist of the boogie rock band Backstreet Girls in 1986, just two years after the band was formed. Despite some breaks over the years, he remained the face of the band, which holds a legendary status in Norwegian rock history. This year marked the band’s 40th anniversary, with plans for concerts in Oslo and Trondheim later in December.
Earlier in 2024, Müller and fellow bandmate Petter Baarli received the Music Publishers' Honorary Award, a testament to their impact on music. The Backstreet Girls have earned acclaim both in Norway and abroad, achieving a cult following for their electrifying live performances. A special LP box to commemorate the band's 40th anniversary is also slated for release in December.
A Life Lived Rock 'n' Roll Style
Bjørn Müller was renowned not just for his powerful stage presence but for living life to the fullest in true rock star fashion. With Petter Baarli and other bandmates, Müller often embodied the rebellious spirit of rock music—beer for breakfast, vodka and juice for lunch. Towering at two meters with his signature black attire, big hair, and Converse shoes, Müller might have seemed imposing at first glance. But those who knew him discovered a man with a warm smile and a kind heart.
Remembering Bjørn Müller
Tributes have poured in from across the music world. Alex Rosén, radio host and rock vocalist, paid his respects on social media, writing, “RIP legend Bjørn Müller. Known you since the 80s. Frontman of Backstreet Girls. Rest in peace, dear friend.” Musician Petter Taranger, also known as Petter Pogo, shared his memories of Müller on Facebook.
Müller’s influence and energy will be remembered by fans and peers alike. His contributions to rock music and the legacy he left with the Backstreet Girls ensure he will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, Bjørn Müller—you will always be a legend in rock history.
Bjørn Müller's Contributions and Key Dates in His Career with Backstreet Girls and Beyond
Bjørn Müller, renowned for his contributions to rock music, played a significant role in Norwegian music history with his band, Backstreet Girls. Here’s a timeline of key dates and contributions that highlight Müller's impactful career:
Albums and Releases with Backstreet Girls:
- 1988: Boogie Till You Puke (Polygram)
- Remastered and re-released with bonus content in 2004 by FaceFront.
- 1989: Party on Elm Street (Polygram)
- Also remastered and re-released in 2004 with bonus material by FaceFront.
- 1990: Coming Down Hard (Vertigo)
- Remastered in 2004 with bonus content by FaceFront.
- 1999: Hellway to High (FaceFront)
- 2001: Tough Tough Tough (FaceFront)
- 2002: Black Boogie Death Rock'n'Roll (FaceFront)
- 2003: Sick My Duck (FaceFront)
- 2007: Shake Your Stimulator (FaceFront)
- 2009: Just When You Thought Things Couldn't Get Any Worse... Here's the Backstreet Girls (VME)
- Released by Action Records with a bonus edition in 2010.
- 2012: Release of a new album (unnamed).
Live Releases and Special Editions:
- 2010: Let the Boogie Do the Talking (VME) DVD
- A live concert DVD capturing Backstreet Girls' performances.
- 2004: Another live concert DVD was recorded but not released.
Vinyl Releases and Special Editions:
- 1988-1990: LP releases including Boogie Till You Puke, Party on Elm Street, and Coming Down Hard.
- 2008-2009: Re-releases and special edition vinyls of Hellway to High, Sick My Duck, Tuff Tuff Tuff, and others, featuring limited edition colors such as black, red, blue, and green vinyls.
Singles and EP Contributions:
- 1987: Christmas Boogie/A Merry Jingle (7" single)
- 1989: Singles like Gimme Just a Second and Blame It On Suzie/Suzie & Suzie (unreleased).
- 1990: Party EP (Unreleased) and singles like Awright Awright Awright.
- 1997: Monster In My Cadillac (400 black and 100 pink vinyl).
- 2007: Hey Ho Let's Quo (100 with picture cover/400 without).
Special Awards:
- 2024: Müller and bandmate Petter Baarli were honored with the Music Publishers' Honorary Award for their contributions to music.
Film and Media Contributions:
- 2005: Featured music in Izzat DVD, including the song "Walking Downtown".
- 2006: Contributed music to The Art of Negative Thinking DVD, featuring "See and Be Seen".
Miscellaneous Contributions:
- Participated in numerous compilations, tributes, and special projects such as A Norwegian Tribute to the Ramones and Oslo's Pride - Tribute to Vålerenga.
Personal Tributes and Recognitions:
- Müller's iconic persona in the Norwegian rock scene was remembered fondly by friends and colleagues like Alex Rosén and Petter Taranger, who paid tribute to his legacy and contributions to rock music.
This timeline and list of contributions reflect Müller's extensive impact and dedication to the music industry, especially through his work with Backstreet Girls. His influence and energy continue to resonate with fans and the music community.