The Sandmen

For other uses, see Sandman (disambiguation)

The Sandmen is a Danish rock band that was formed in Copenhagen in 1985. The band broke up in 1995, but was reunited in 2003 on the occasion of the release of the compilation album Beauties and Beasts. In 2006 they revived releasing their a studio album, the first in over a decade called White Trash Red Front, their biggest success. In 2014, the band has become a trio formation of Allan Vegenfeldt, Michael Illo Rasmussen and Stefan Moulvad with a new release Den Bedste dag and a new departure for the band in its first album in Danish after 8 albums in English.^[1]

Original phase

Originally The Sandmen consisted of Allan Vegenfeldt on vocals, Stefan Jensen, Ole Wennike and Michael Rasmussen Illo. They released their materials on Garden Records. Guitarist Sam Mitchell joined The Sandmen in 1988 releasing the album Western Blood. In 1989, the group had a hit with the song "House in the Country" from the American version of Western Blood released a year later.

The Sandmen were included in record label A & M Records with a promotional tour in the United States. Gimme Gimme, the band's third album was recorded in place in Malmö, Sweden and shelving of materials recorded earlier in London. The album became one of the first examples of classic rock fused with the twisted late-80s Manchester-wave in the style of Happy Mondays.

Stefan Jensen left the band in 1992 just before signing with EMI and recording of Sleepyhead. The album helped the band to be an established name in Denmark. The 1994 album In The House of Secrets added a "jazzy" side with improvisations. "Slave Song" from that album has become a huge live favourite tune. The band broke up in 1995.

Reunion and revival

Release of the compilation album Beauties and Beasts in 2003 was an occasion for reuniting. In 2006, White Trash Red Front became their highest charting album and a first album after a break for a full decade. The ballad "Would Not Mind at All" became a big radio hit. Influences included pop, garage rock and psychedelic / improvisational rock.

In May 2008, the band recorded in Gothenburg the critically acclaimedalbum Shine. The band toured until mid-2009, when members decided to take time off for personal projects. In 2011, bassist Ole Wennike said he did not want to continue in The Sandmen. Allan Vegenfeldt, Michael Illo Rasmussen and Stefan Moulvad decided to continue cooperation. Bassist Jens Fences and keyboard player Palle Hjorth were added subsequently for live gigs and were part of the most recent release, the 2014 album Den bedste dag.^[2][3]

Members

Original line-up (1985)

• Allan Vegenfeldt (born 1964) - vocals
• Stefan Jensen (born 1962) - guitar (left in 1992)
• Ole Wennike (born 1958) - bass, harmonica
• Michael Illo Rasmussen (born 1959) - drummer

Others

• Sam Mitchell (1950-2006) - guitar (joined in 1988)
• Stefan Moulvad (born 1968) - guitar (joined in 2003)

Present line-up

• Stefan Jensen
• Michael Illo Rasmussen
• Allan Vegenfeldt
• Stefan Moulvad

Discography

Live albums

Compilation albums

References

External links

• Official website
• Discogs