MISTRESS: A Rock Story

Formed in the early 1980s, Mistress faced the same struggles that many rock bands of the era experienced. From old industrial buildings and damp basements to village halls and small studios, the band rehearsed wherever they could. Its members had previously played in groups such as Breaker, Leather ‘N Lace, Lord Hamilton Band, and Loudness. At a time when the internet and social media didn’t exist, reaching a wider audience was a challenge—and finding gigs was even harder.

Mistress organized tours on their own and shared the stage with ambitious bands like Excess. Their concerts were made more spectacular with smoke machines, magnesium bombs, and firecrackers, though these effects sometimes became dangerously excessive—nearly setting fire to an old cinema and a historic park in Tidaholm.

In 1982–83, the band recorded a demo in a small studio in Falköping, but unfortunately never completed the mixing process. Just as they were on the brink of something bigger, Mistress disbanded in the late ’80s, with members continuing in other hard rock and metal projects.

Unforgettable Memories

Guitarist Lars Tholin recalls those years with these anecdotes:

• Nearly burning down the Saga Cinema in Tidaholm with oversized magnesium bombs,

• Triggering the Skara fire department when a smoke machine filled much of the cathedral school with smoke,

• Short-circuiting the entire Helena School in Skövde with a homemade pyrotechnic device,

• Playing a marathon concert at Folkets Park in 1983 after an all-afternoon pre-party.

Interest Rekindled 40 Years Later

Decades later, thanks to the efforts of Daniel Hernström, the band’s old recordings resurfaced online. One of the songs reached more than 55,000 plays, catching the attention of record labels and paving the way for a new record deal—over 40 years after the songs were first written by teenagers with big dreams.

The band gives special thanks to Daniel Hernström, Emil Öhman, Aron Thom, and Janne Stark for making this revival possible. At a potential reunion show, Morgan Carlström’s son, Fredrik Carlström—currently bassist for the well-known band Screemer—has already expressed his enthusiasm to join.

The story of Mistress is one of passion, adventure, and unforgettable memories—a true rock tale that continues to resonate.