Rocket was a short lived Swedish music magazine that tried to compete with the extremely popular OKEJ magazine. They lasted for about 3 years (1984-1986). Here’s a short article about Crystal Pride that only released one album in 1984, translated to English.
CRYSTAL PRIDE
A REAL GEM!
As is well known, Miss Universe came from Sweden in 1984, more specifically Yvonne Ryding from Eskilstuna. Judging by the editorial team's reaction, there is another candidate for the title in the same city, namely Susanne Christensson, singer of CRYSTAL PRIDE.
The band was formed the same year as the cousins Torch, in 1981, and also consists of Michael Lumberg and Krister Taimi guitar, Peter Quick bass and Johnny Mattsson. (Judging by the undersigned's reaction, there is nothing wrong with the boys either...he, he.)
The story began in 1980 when Susanne and drummer "Bongo" formed the band Woodoo. At that time, Susanne only played keyboards, but "Bongo" eventually forced her to start singing.
In 1981, the band changed its name to CRYSTAL PRIDE and the current members joined. "Bongo's" final replacement was Johnny.
The following year, the group released a single, which they unfortunately do not talk about today. But for fans of controversial hard rock I would highly recommend it and the song "Song for Jeanne D'Arc"
Today they have changed their style to straighter hard rock with a melodious undertone.
Foreign newspapers have compared Susanne to both Wendy O'Williams and Lita Ford and her voice has received high marks.
CRYSTAL PRIDE got the record deal without much effort by sending around a demo tape. Five labels were interested, but Mill Records got the band in their stable.
Today only two of the members are gainfully employed
Peter Quick (a very fitting name) did so until last fall. And when he left his workplace, he did so with aplomb!
He rented a tailcoat, hat and walking stick and stood on the workshop floor waiting, when a rented limousine slid up next to him. The rest of the band was in the car to take him away from the hated "working life"
The group now has a booking company and there will probably be a folk park tour for CRYSTAL PRIDE this summer. It will cost 15,000 kronor (about $1500, my comment) for the organizers who want to book the gang. Of that amount, each band member gets 300 kronor (about $30, my comment)
It is disgustingly expensive to have a cool sound and lighting system, rowers, technicians, hotel rooms and food.
Sometime in the spring they will do TV together with Heavy Load and Lazy. And they are probably looking towards the USA a bit too. CRYSTAL PRIDE has Def Leppard in mind and they get a dreamy look in their eyes when they think about their success.
Just think, eight million records sold...