All we have is the past

In the early 1970s, Norwegian Popol Vuh were on their way to international fame. Zappa himself was knocking on the door wanting to sign the band. Despite the fact that the big breakthrough never happened, the band remains one of the most exciting and innovative in the history of Norwegian rock music. The band consisted of Jahn Teigen on vocals, Arne Schulze on guitar, Pete Knutsen on guitar and keyboards, Terje Methi on bass and Thor Andreassen on drums.

When the Northern Lights Festival asked the academy of music if they would like to take a deep dive into the music of Popol Vuh, it didn't take long before we got a positive answer. The progressive rock genre that the band represents, borrows elements from both classical music, jazz and folk music. On the international stage progressive bands such as Genesis, Yes and King Crimson were having great success. Popol Vuh's missed international opportunities was not due to lack of skill and musical talent, but rather bad decisions made by the record company. They could play, and they could write songs. And we can't wait to hear those gems performed again by students from the academy, with Knut Marius Djupvik on vocals.

Perhaps we will also get to hear some stories from some old acquaintances...