- Niklas Almqvist
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Nicholaus Arson 
Nichoulas with The Hives at the Eurockéennes of 2007Background information Birth name Niklas Almqvist Also known as Nicholaus Arson Born 26 January 1977 Genres Alternative rock, garage punk, garage rock revival Occupations Musician, songwriter Instruments Guitar, backing vocals Years active 1989 - present Labels A&M/Octone, Interscope, Epitaph Records Associated acts The Hives Website The Hives Broadcastingservice Notable instruments Fender Telecaster Nicholaus Arson (born Niklas Almqvist, 26 January 1977) is a guitarist and backup vocalist of the Swedish Garage Rock band The Hives.
Contents
Career
Arson and his brother Per (Howlin' Pelle, lead singer) formed the band in 1993, and, according to a biography about the band, attracted the attention of promoter/manager/songwriter Randy Fitzsimmons (largely believed to be a fictional character), who propelled the band to fame.
It was revealed in NME that Randy Fitzsimmons is a registered pseudonym belonging to Arson. This has led many to believe that Randy Fitzsimmons is in fact a myth, and that it is Arson who writes the songs. Arson and the rest of the band deny this and insist on the existence of Randy Fitzsimmons as the band's songwriter.
Arson, as with the rest of The Hives, is known for his onstage antics. In particular, his beady eye stares, constant spitting, blowing on his finger tips, and wild animation in playing the guitar, such as the way he is perceived to dance and other such antics as spinning the guitar with the strap over his shoulder, greatly contributing to the presentation of the band. While performing this move, his guitar strap has broken several times, Sending the guitar flying and almost hitting drummer Chris Dangerous in one case.[citation needed] He also rarely plays the keyboard.
Musical equipment
Nicholaus uses almost exclusively Fender Telecaster, Esquire or Telecaster Deluxe style guitars. He also plays "The Arsonette" a custombuilt guitar by Sundberg Guitars, with tone chambers and a Firebird style bridge to give it a short, dead tone. His guitars often reflect the outfits of the band with different combos of black and white finishes and pickguards. Along with the Vigilante Carlstroem and Dr. Matt Destruction, Arson uses white Hiwatt amplifiers.
Discography
Main article: The Hives discography- Barely Legal (1997)
- Veni Vidi Vicious (2000)
- Tyrannosaurus Hives (2004)
- The Black and White Album (2007)
External links
The Hives Howlin' Pelle Almqvist • Nicholaus Arson • Vigilante Carlstroem • Dr. Matt Destruction • Chris DangerousStudio albums Compilation/demo albums EPs Videos Singles "Hate to Say I Told You So" • "Main Offender" • "Supply and Demand" • "Die, All Right!" • "Die, All Right! / Supply and Demand" • "Walk Idiot Walk" • "Two-Timing Touch and Broken Bones" • "Abra Cadaver" • "A Little More for Little You" • "Throw It on Me" • "Tick Tick Boom" • "T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S." • "Won't Be Long" • "A Christmas Duel"Related articles Categories:- 1977 births
- Living people
- People from Västmanland
- Swedish rock guitarists
- The Hives members
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