Apocalypse Now
Apocalypse Now
Major Parkinson haven’t had it easy since the release of their last album in 2022. At one point, a serious health scare ground things to an unexpected halt. But the free-thinking Norwegians are back with Valesa – Chapter II: Viva The Apocalypse!, and, as Prog finds out, there’s a renewed sense of gratitude for the little joys in life. We discover the story behind their sixth studio album and more.
Words: Chris Cope
Major Parkinson are very happy to be back.
Images: Vanessa & Matthias Kirsch
A t one point in Prog’s video interview with Major Parkinson, singer Jon Ivar Kollbotn grabs a pack of nappies from just behind the camera, with the doting dad quipping about their competitive price in Norway. But things could have been oh so different.
“You start with this Elvis character – an Elvis as a symbol of the death of the American dream. Part one [of the Valesa saga] is the Christmas comeback 1968 Elvis, and this is the Hawaii 1976 Elvis.”
Jon Ivar Kollbotn
Rewind to Oslo in 2022, shortly after the release of the Norwegian band’s last album, Valesa – Chapter I: Velvet Prison, and what was supposed to be a celebration nearly turned into tragedy. Kollbotn suffered a heart attack onstage, and passed out in the back.
“It was close,” the singer reflects with emotion. “My heart stopped for a couple of seconds.”