LAVA The Scandinavian Tour 2026
About the show
One of Scandinavia's most respected bands, Lava, still stands as one of the most influential and trendsetting groups in Nordic jazz rock and pop rock. With nearly five decades behind them, the band continues to create and perform with the same energy, precision, and joy of playing that has made them an institution in Norwegian music.
From Årdal to the world
Lava was founded by Svein Dag Hauge (guitar) and Per Hillestad (drums), together with Kjell Hestetun (bass) and Stein Eriksen (keyboard). The band's debut came at Vossajazz 1978, and the following year they made a big breakthrough after a concert at Konsertpaleet in Bergen – an event that led to a ten-year collaboration with soul star Randy Crawford, where Lava was her regular backing band.
The debut album Lava was released in 1980 with Geir Langslet on keyboards and Olav Stedje as singer. With the follow-up Cruisin (1981), Lava had their breakthrough – especially with the song “Take Your Time,” which became a hit both in Norway and in Europe.
The band's tenth album, X (2023), marked yet another milestone, while Norske Albumklassikere released a collector's box with Lava's ten albums and a bonus CD with alternative versions of their most famous songs.
Lava today
Over the years, Lava has collaborated with a number of prominent artists, including Randy Crawford, Marius Müller, Olav Stedje, Sigurd Køhn, and Per Kolstad. In the 1980s and 90s, the members were also active as producers and studio musicians on a number of classic Norwegian albums.
– “We have always had the same drive – to play music with quality, warmth, and energy. Lava has grown and changed over the years, but the core has always been the same: strong songs, skilled musicians, and the joy of being on stage together,” says Svein Dag Hauge, guitarist and founder of Lava.
LAVA 2025 consists of:
Svein Dag Hauge – guitar
Leif Anders Wentzel – vocals
Jonny Sjo – bass
Kåre Kolve – saxophone
Jens Petter Antonsen – trumpet
Ole Petter Hansen Chylie – drums
Johannes Hetland – keyboards
Wheelchair space can be booked via info@cirkus.se
