THE HIVES Forever: Swedish Rock Icons Return To Australia

Interview by Angela Croudace
Swedish rock juggernauts The Hives are currently storming stages
across Australia, kicking off a tour that feels like both a
celebration of their legacy and a fiery new beginning. Speaking
from his hotel in Perth with a view of “rivers and mountains,”
guitarist Niklas Arson exuded gratitude and excitement about being
back down under.
“This tour kind of feels like we’re both starting the new record
and finishing the last one,” Arson explained. The band’s latest
release, The Hives Forever Forever The Hives, is packed with
high-energy tracks—most brand new, with just a few songs like Paint
a Picture having existed in live form before. “We don’t just throw
songs together—we make albums,” he said, revealing their meticulous
approach to sequencing and flow."
Despite over 30 years as a band, The Hives show no signs of slowing
down. “It feels more like a beginning,” Arson insisted. “We like
doing The Hives more than not doing The Hives.” That passion
remains their driving force—and it shows. Each show is performed
with full-throttle intensity, something Arson says is crucial:
“Touring at 70% capacity would suck. You have to pour everything
into it.”
Australia holds a special place in the band’s heart, from mangoes
and surfboards to the rock-loving fans (after some confusion on
whether Sweden had mangoes, Nik kindly let me know they do in fact
have mangoes there, but not the trees!). “It's a country where
there’s rockers,” Arson said with a grin. The band’s first Aussie
visit in 2001 left such a mark that they continue returning with
enthusiasm.
Collaborations on the new record include industry heavyweights like
Mike D (Beastie Boys) and Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age),
both of whom brought unique energy to the studio. Yet, Arson
emphasises that the sound remains purely The Hives—tight,
explosive, and always crowd-focused.
As they gear up to support My Chemical Romance in South America
next year, The Hives are proving they’re not just survivors of the
rock ‘n’ roll era—they’re lifers. And right now, Australia is
getting the full force of their never-ending sonic assault.


Become a supporter of this podcast:
https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.