The Contenders (band)
The Contenders were one of the most popular Norwegian roots rock bands of the early 1990s, playing more than 200 gigs and releasing three albums. Band members Bjørn Kulseth – vocals & guitars Stein Kulseth – vocals, piano, accordion, guitar & mandolin Odd Eirik Fleischer – bass & vocals Per Ivar Stræte – drums Arnfinn Tørrisen – guitars (1991– present) Former members Stein Ramberg – guitars (1988–1989) Bjørn Gulliksen – vocals & guitars (1987–88) History In the fall of 1987, Bjørn Kulseth was waiting for the release of his first solo album Away, recorded in England that summer and due for release under the "project name" Hi-Yo Silver! in March 1988 . Having broken up The Act in January 1987 after four years of regular gig playing, he was now yearning to get back on stage. So initially just to have some fun and play a few gigs, Kulseth rounded up his younger brother Stein and the rhythm section they had played with while growing up in Flisa, a rural village close to the deep forests by the Swedish border. The last recruit was Bjørn Gulliksen, the front man of The Ramblers from Kongsberg who were also handled by Kulseth's