Tonight on The Artist Hour, we shine the spotlight on one of the most electrifying live bands of the past two decades, The Hives.

Hailing from Fagersta, Sweden, The Hives burst onto the international stage in the early 2000s with their sharp suits, chaotic energy, and a string of garage-rock anthems that cemented their reputation as a must-see act. Their breakthrough album Veni Vidi Vicious gave us tracks like Hate to Say I Told You So, a song that still sounds as urgent and unstoppable today as it did when it first tore through speakers in 2000.

What sets The Hives apart isn’t just the music — it’s the performance. Frontman Pelle Almqvist has long been one of rock’s great showmen, strutting, shouting, and bantering his way through sets that feel part concert, part comedy routine, and pure adrenaline. Behind him, Nicholaus Arson, Vigilante Carlstroem, Dr. Matt Destruction (later replaced by The Johan and Only), and Chris Dangerous lay down a relentless barrage of riffs, rhythm, and swagger.

After a quieter spell, The Hives roared back with their 2023 album The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons, proving they’re still masters of high-octane garage rock. Songs like Bogus Operandi show the band hasn’t lost a step, it’s loud, brash, and a reminder of why The Hives became household names in the first place.

More: “My advice to new bands is not to quit. As soon as you quit you don’t exist anymore and there is no chance to redeem yourself” - Howlin' Pelle Almqvist

Whether you first discovered them in the heyday of indie rock or are just tuning in now, The Hives are a band built to be experienced at full volume.

On The Artist Hour (Today Radio 8pm), we’ll take you through their career highlights, the new material, and of course, plenty of their biggest tracks.