Jan Persson

BASS PLAYER

“To play rock’n roll in Norrland in the 80’s was like trying to sell freezers in Antarctica”

In 1985 Jan Persson left the northern parts of Sweden to become a rock star in Stockholm. At first, Janne did all music related jobs, except playing himself; he managed lighting in concerts and worked in a music studio. Eventually he came to play Yngwie-Malsteen-influenced rock together with Jonas Åkerlund, who later became a very celebrated video producer.

In his hometown of Umeå, he played in many local bands, among others the hard rock band “Gotham City”. His older brother listened to Genesis, Led Zeppelin and Gentle Giant, which also became Jannes influences. Symphonic Rock has also been a great influence.

“Playing is more fun than ever”

— Jan Persson

In the latter parts of the 80’s, Janne played the bass in the Swedish band GRACE, known for the hit “Ingen kan älska som vi”. He thinks this was a great period in his life. Being on tour, playing to an audience was a great development.

When the GRACE-era ended in 1989, Janne felt he would like to develop himself further. He went to the US to study music. He took a one year bass education at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles.

Back in Sweden in 1991 the Swedish music scene was almost dead. He then entered a period of playing in different cover bands. From 1995 he played in “Plankat och klart”. In 2004 he started a demo with the neo-progressive band “Maze of Time”, and since then tree albums were made. Influenced by bands like Pink Floyd, Genesis and Yes.

When Janne then got a call from Mikael after almost 30 years, he felt it would be fun to play with the guys again. Janne describes Bad Radiator as “GRACE all grown up”.