Dizzy Mizz Lizzy

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Biography

Dizzy Mizz Lizzy was an alternative rock band from Denmark that started in 1988. Between 1994 and 1997, they were highly successful in Denmark and Japan , heading the early 1990s rock revival in Denmark.Elsnab, Peter (2000). (Golden bird has landed on both feet). Gaffa (magazine)|GAFFA , 2000(10), 19–20. Vollertsen, Arne (1993). (Energy rock is coming). Gaffa (magazine)|GAFFA , 1993(12), 12. The trio consisted of Tim Christensen (vocals, guitar, songwriter), Martin Nielsen (bassist)|Martin Nielsen (bass guitar) and Søren Friis (drummer)|Søren Friis (drums). Christensen would later describe the band's success as: "The Dizzy records were a mild version of what took place in Seattle with a delay of two years, and therefore perfect for Denmark,"Tuxen, Henrik (1999). (Progressive retro heart). Gaffa (magazine)|GAFFA , 1999(11), 4. referring to the grunge movement. Together with bands such as Kashmir (band)|Kashmir they revived rock in Denmark, but lacked an entrance to the United Kingdom|UK and United States|US like the modern Danish rock bands do.Winther, Anne (2003). (Tim Christensen: Give him a million and he will invest it in a new kitchen). Gaffa (magazine)|GAFFA , 2003(9), 58. The group had disbanded in 1998, but went on a reunion tour from 18 March through to 29 September 2010 in Denmark and Japan. After the last show of this tour, they definitely quit.Christensen, Tim (29 September 2010). . Facebook . Since 2000, Christensen is also an accomplished solo artist.

History

Formation and early years (1988–1994)

Dizzy Mizz Lizzy was founded after Christensen's family moved from Espergærde to Valby , a suburb of Copenhagen ,Skaaning, Jesper (1994). . Gaffa (magazine)|GAFFA , 1994(3), 8. and Christensen became classmates with Nielsen at the Hanssted Skole, where they already cared more about music than about their school work.Molin, Theis (2010). . Documentary. Nielsen picked up the bass because Christensen already played the guitar, and a friend recommended Friis to them. Christensen received his first Fender Stratocaster as a gift. For a while they did search for another band member, as they would later explain: "We previously did try to expand to a quartet with an extra guitarist. But that didn't work at all, so we stayed a trio." As critics explain: "From the outset it was clear that Tim Christensen was the group's undisputed center, but the band benefited significantly from the collective dynamics."Tuxen, Henrik (1998). (Stop at the top: Dizzy dissolved). Gaffa (magazine)|GAFFA , 1998(4), 8. They practiced in a cheap youth club in Hvidovre in search of their own style, making " glam rock|porn rock with nauseating choruses," inspired by poodle rock bands such as Europe (band)|Europe , Bon Jovi and Def Leppard . They won the competition "Rock Træf" in 1990, using the 5,000 Danish krone|kr (about Euro|€ 700, or United States dollar|US$ 1,000) prize money to record a demo. Facebook . . Retrieved on 22 October 2010. The band entered Denmark's largest music championship Gaffa (magazine)|GAFFA pedia (2010). . Retrieved on 22 October 2010. DM i Rock in 1991 and came in fourth.

Inspired by Nirvana (band)|Nirvana 's 1991 album Nevermind , and especially their breakthrough hit " Smells Like Teen Spirit ", their style swayed to grunge-inspired music. As the band would explain, "Suddenly there was something about playing rock music the old-fashined way," and they would throw themselves onto " Hey Joe " by the Jimi Hendrix Experience , " Rock and Roll (Led Zeppelin song)|Rock and Roll " by Led Zeppelin , and The Beatles ' cover of the Larry Williams song " Dizzy Miss Lizzie|Dizzy Miss Lizzy ", from which the band's name was derived. They started writing some potential songs and decided to dedicate themselves to a career in music. Christensen received a Marshall Amplification|Marshall 4x12 G1275 loudspeaker|amplifier from his parents for his 18th birthday, which helped him writing heavier music and would shortly thereafter result in the riff to the hit song "Waterline". Their style would frequently be linked to Led Zeppelin and Pearl Jam ,Grau, Christian (1993). (The three grunge musketeers). Gaffa (magazine)|GAFFA , 1993(12), 14. Poulsen, Jan Opstrup (1994). . Gaffa (magazine)|GAFFA , 1994(4), 18. even though critics admitted that "the trio wants, and inexplicably even manages it, to create their own musical identity;" a style that would become known as power metal|power rock , which the band would later also use to describe themselves and were more comfortable with than the term grunge: "We are not so wild about the descriptor grunge, as it has become a predicate for a variety of dimensions. We focus on the music, not the descriptions. What we play is genuine, vivid, and with the energy in high gear." As a reviewer would put it: " 'Grunge light' perhaps - but well-composed, well-acted, engaging and above all different and personal. Dizzy Mizz Lizzy had the pedal to the metal, and it did something." Christensen explains: "It's like The Police who came out of the punk rock|punk -wave without being punk, and still did well. It's the same with us. We came out of the grunge-wave, without being grunge."

Their new-found sound took them to the "DM i Rock" semifinals in 1992, where they were beaten by Passion Orange. With their third attempt on 30 April 1993, the trio won because of "their obvious talent and charisma," beating such bands as Kashmir (band)|Kashmir , who came in second, Inside the Whale (band)|Inside the Whale , and Impotators ,Poulsen, Jan (February 2010). Dizzcography (complimentary booklet). who all have had a significant place in the 1990s revival and further development of rock in Denmark, but of which Dizzy Mizz Lizzy has been the most successful. They have all become friends, which is also evident from Christensen's later contributions to Kashmir albums, his songwriting with Inside the Whale frontman Marcus Winther-John which continues until today, and having Inside the Whale guitarist Lars Skjærbæk as his lead guitarist ever since he went solo in 2000. Part of the grand prize was a recording session for a 4-track Demo (music)|demo at Sweet Silence Studios , which spawned the songs "Waterline" and "Silverflame" that became huge hits on DR P3 and DR P4 . The grand prize also contained a spot in the travelling Rock Show '93 and performances at the L'Europe d'Art d'Art festival in Niort , France , the Nordic Rock '93 competition that they also won, and all the major Danish summer festivals. A reviewer from that time remarked, "They are not quite as extroverted as one might have expected, but in return they play much better than one might dare hope for. Dense and energetic, making one wonder why there are only three men on stage. One is tempted to look into the back room to see where the rest of the band is hiding." They would also entertain with ironic covers of among others " Stayin' Alive " by the Bee Gees .

Dizzy Mizz Lizzy (1994–1996)

The high expectations set by the demo put enormous pressure on the band, especially as the demo was in limited circulation and demand grew as the band took a long time to release their debut album. Dizzy Mizz Lizzy had declined various offers from foreign labels, waiting for a Danish label to come forward. They "quite literally felt on home soil" when they were contacted by Nick Foss , head of artists and repertoire|A& R at EMI -Medley, and known by the band as the record producer|producer of several albums by D-A-D and The Sandmen . He signed them to the labelPoulsen, Jan (February 2010). "Dizzy Mizz Lizzy - Dizzy Mizz Lizzy" (foreword in reissued Dizzy Mizz Lizzy CD booklet, part of the Dizzcography box set). and went into the studio with them for three months. At long last, the eponymous debut album Dizzy Mizz Lizzy (album)|Dizzy Mizz Lizzy was released on 4 March 1994. It was a huge success in Denmark, selling 220,000 copies,. making it the best selling rock album ever in Denmark. This record still stands, while it has by now has sold over 250,000 copies. One notable fan is Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark|Crown Prince Frederik ,Tuxen, Henrik (2004). (The year that went: Tim Christensen). Gaffa (magazine)|GAFFA , 2004(1), 22. who is an outspoken lover of rock music,Tuxen, Henrik (2005). (The year that went: Tim Christensen). Gaffa (magazine)|GAFFA , 2005(1), 22& ndash;23. and who has attended many of their concerts. By accident the CD ended up with Hans Otto Bisgård of EMI's Japanese division, who was excited about the album and had it released in Japan where it sold about 100,000 copies. Five singles were released from the album and all got much radio play: "Silverflame", "Barbedwired Baby's Dream", "Love Is a Loser's Game", "Glory" and "Waterline".

Interviews paint a picture of rather well-behaved musicians; they kept living with their parents until their debut album and ensuing tour had earned them enough money to each buy their own homes in Copenhagen. The closest they ever came to typical rock star misbehavior was a backstage food fight in Aalborg with Inside the Whale, and thrashing a disappointing hotel room in Germany at a time they felt depressed and homesick. The band members rehearsed 3–4 times a week but also received choreography lessons since at that time they considered themselves "an incredibly boring band to watch," in terms of performance. They were the support act of the Spin Doctors on their October/November 1994 Concert tour|tour through Denmark, Sweden , Norway , Germany , the Netherlands , Belgium , Austria , and Switzerland . Facebook (2010). . Retrieved on 12 November 2010. before playing three sold-out shows in the Japan ese cities Sapporo , Osaka and Tokyo . The performance in Osaka on 16 July 1995 was recorded and released as Japan-only CD as ''One guitar, one bass and a drummer, that's really all it takes — Live in Japan''.Spirit of Metal Magazine (2010). . Retrieved on 22 October 2010. Dizzy Mizz Lizzy performed for four consecutive years at the Roskilde Festival , from 1993 through to 1996. The 1994 performance was on frontman Christensen's 20th birthday, when sales of their debut album had just crossed the 50,000 mark. In 2003, Christensen considered that particular performance a special highlight in his career. Dizzy Mizz Lizzy won the 1995 Danish Music Awards|Danish Grammys for "Danish group of the year", "Danish newcomer of the year", "Danish rock album of the year", and the "People's choice award" which included a fee of 25,000 kr (about € 3,350) to help cover travel expenses. In the time leading up to the release of the band's sophomore album, it was speculated the band would be changing their name to "Dizzy". Although this abbreviation is in widespread use among both band members and fans, it was never considered by the band to use it as an official name.

Rotator (1996–1998)

Nick Foss had made an agreement with Christensen that if their debut album won gold (equal to 40,000 copies at that time), the next would be recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London ,Poulsen, Jan (October 2004). "Live at Abbey Road Studios 2004" (complimentary booklet).Poulsen, Jan (February 2010). "Dizzy Mizz Lizzy - Rotator" (foreword in reissued Rotator CD booklet, part of the Dizzcography box set). which was Christensen's boyhood dream as he is an immense fan of The Beatles . As a result of the album having sold over four times that amount by 1996, the follow-up album Rotator (album)|Rotator was recorded at this place that breathes history. However, the other band members did not share Christensen's enthusiasm,Soundvenue (2004). (Tim Christensen: In The Beatles' footsteps). and did not appreciate the unique symbolism recording in these legendary studios, which meant Christensen had no one to share his palette of emotions with and as a result the recording sessions did not really fulfill all of his expectations. In retrospect, this period showed the first signs of the band members heading in different musical directions, and Christensen explained in 2000: "I needed change while the others wanted to continue in the same style, and that was actually the most important reason we split up." This can especially be heard in the song "Rise and Fall"; although songs were always a collaborative effort by the band, Christensen requested Nielsen and Friis to allow him to be in full control over this song, and as a result it is distinctly different from all other songs on the album.

The record was less carefree than its predecessor, with a hint of bitterness especially in regard to the state of the music industry. The album reached gold status the very day it went on sale on 24 May 1996, and appeared to live up to the notorious expectations of creating a worthy sequel to their debut album. Reviews were generally positive and it sold 100,000 copies in Denmark, "which is exceptionally high for a guitar rock album in Denmark," but was not nearly as much as the debut album had sold. Another 100,000 copies were sold in Japan. The singles "11:07 PM" and "Rotator" became a hit, the album won the 1997 Danish Grammy for "Rock album of the year" and Nick Foss received the prize for "Best producer". They played on festivals in Denmark, Norway and Germany, and went to Japan in September 1996 for shows in Tokyo (2& times;), Sapporo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka . In Denmark, they played dozens of shows which fatigued both the band and the fans.

Disbanded (1998–2009)

After five years of non stop recording and touring and having lost touch with reality, the band decided to take a one-year break in 1997, but ultimately split up on 10 March 1998 amidst a wave of prominent Danish bands disbanding.Tuxen, Henrik (1998). "Stopper på toppen: Dizzy opløst" (Stop at the top: Dizzy dissolved). Gaffa (magazine)|GAFFA , 1998(4), 8. Critics would later explain their decision as the band having the courage to stop in time despite enormous success,Tuxen, Henrik (18 August 2006). (Dizzy Mizz Lizzy at Vega yesterday). Gaffa (magazine)|GAFFA . although it was largely due to fatigue that the trio could not bring themselves to continuing to play. Their tastes in music had also become less compatible, with Christensen wanting a more vintage Beatles-like sound and Nielsen and Friis preferring to make heavy metal music . In January 1998 they had worked on a few demos together, some of which would end up on Christensen's debut solo album Secrets on Parade (2000), released after a difficult time of coping with the breakup and finding his musical style, but it was a success (CDs along the road). Gaffa (magazine)|GAFFA , 2003(6), 8. and allowed him to further pursue a career in music. Nielsen and Friis initially also intended to continue in music. To walk off the extra weight he had gained from being at home for a long time, Nielsen took a job as a postman.Grand Teatret (2010). . Retrieved on 20 October 2010. Friis became a truck driver delivering gas containers. Christensen explained in a 2000 interview: "We meet occasionally and have great fun together. Of course we talk about the old days and amuse ourselves with it, because we experienced a lot of great things together and I simply can not remember anything bad from back then. (...) But we just developed ourselves in three different directions, and we kept growing further apart, so it was simply the time to stop."

Eighteen days after the breakup, the Japan-only release The Greatest was released.Rateyourmusic.com (2010). . Retrieved on 22 October 2010. The song "Waterline" was included on the 1999 charity record Grænseløs Greatest in support of refugee s of the Kosovo War . In 2000, the Danish dance-pop Duet|duo Infernal (Danish band)|Infernal used samples of the 1994 song "Silverflame" for the song " Sunrise (Infernal song)|Sunrise ". It was released as the second single from their second studio album, Waiting for Daylight (Infernal album)|Waiting for Daylight .

On 29 April 2002, the band released a The Best of Dizzy Mizz Lizzy|greatest hits collection including a live performance recorded in Aarhus on 11 May 1996. The band's only performance during their 1998& ndash;2009 break was a tribute concert called Brandalarm (Fire Alarm), held on 16 August 2006 in the Copenhagen venue VEGA for musicians whose studio had Arson|burned to the ground . Here, they played 5 songs in about 20 minutes ("Thorn in my Pride", "When the River Runs Dry", "Waterline", "Silverflame", and "Glory"). Christensen commented in 2008 that this was a one-off event, but that the band would be open to do a reunion tour at some point in the future for nostalgia's sake, but without the aim to go back into the studio to record a new album.Tuxen, Henrik (27 November 2008). (Tim Christensen – I believe in my talent). Gaffa (magazine)|GAFFA . Fogde, John (6 November 2008). (Dizzy Mizz Lizzy restored). Gaffa (magazine)|GAFFA .

Reunion (2009–2010)

On September 15, 2009, the band announced a Danish reunion tour taking place in Spring 2010 with concerts in Odense , Aarhus (2 shows), Aalborg , Esbjerg (2 shows) and Copenhagen (4 shows).Fogde, John (15 September 2009). (Dizzy Mizz Lizzy are back). Gaffa (magazine)|GAFFA . The idea was spawned while Christensen, Nielsen and Friis went bowling , which they often did when meeting up. EMI suggested the reunion to be paired with the release of a box set containing their collected works.Tuxen, Henrik (4 March 2010) (Dizzy Mizz Lizzy releases box set). Gaffa (magazine)|GAFFA . Although the band were sceptical about it at first, Dizzcography was released on March 29, 2010 as a 4-CD or 8- gramophone record|vinyl record box set, containing remaster s of all previously released material (the band's two studio albums Dizzy Mizz Lizzy and Rotator and the live album ''Live in Aarhus '96 ), and the compilation album The Rest of Dizzy Mizz Lizzy which comprises the original 1993 demo, two A-side and B-side|B-sides and the live album Live in Japan . Discogs (2010). . Retrieved on 20 October 2010. The renewed interest for Dizzy Mizz Lizzy inspired the Danish producer and disc jockey|DJ Morten Breum to release a remix of "Waterline" on 5 April 2010. iTunes (2010). . Retrieved on 22 December 2010.

Dizzy Mizz Lizzy were overwhelmed when the tour's first show on 9 April at the K.B. Hallen had sold out in less than 15 seconds on 20 September 2009,Larsen, Katrine Bøg (20 September 2009). (Dizzy Mizz Lizzy sold out in 15 sec). TV 2 (Denmark)|TV 2 . and less than 45 seconds for the other shows. They realized the demand for their shows was far greater than expected. The band subsequently expanded the tour to a total of 52 dates, including a Japanese leg to the tour in May and another in September, MySpace (28 December 2009). . Facebook (2010). . Retrieved on 28 October 2010. making this one of the most successful comebacks in the history of Danish music.Hansen, Thomas Søie (3 July 2010). (Dizzy's fine finale: Tim Christensen and co. receive smiles and nostalgia with 50,000 nostalgic Roskilde audience members). Berlingske Tidende / Alt om København. Their performance at the Roskilde Festival coincided with Christensen's 36th birthday. The band definitively quit after the tour's final show in Tokyo on 29 September 2010.

After the reunion (2010–current)

The documentary Lost Inside a Dream: The Story of Dizzy Mizz Lizzy Ritzau (27 September 2010). (Dizzy Mizz Lizzy release new record). Ibyen.dk . about the band's rise, break-up and return premiered at the Copenhagen International Documentary Festival on 4 November 2010. The band's last public appearance to date was at the film's second screening on 8 November 2010,Svidt, Ole Rosenstand (29 September 2010). (Dizzy Mizz Lizzy guests at CPH:DOX). Gaffa (magazine)|GAFFA . where they answered questions from the audience. For this documentary, Danish film maker Theis Molin received the Politiken Publikumspris (People's choice award). Copenhagen International Documentary Festival|CPH:DOX (2010). Retrieved on 13 November 2010. On the same day, the 2CD/DVD and 2CD/Blu-ray set Live in Concert 2010 was released, which includes the documentary and features a live recording of two concerts in the K.B. Hallen on 16& ndash;17 April 2010, making it the first Danish performance to be released in 1080p|Full HD .

On 12 November 2010, EMI released the compilation album Big-5: Dizzy Mizz Lizzy iTunes . . Retrieved on 21 December 2010. as part of their Big-5 series, containing their artists' five best tracks. In the case of Dizzy Mizz Lizzy, these were all taken from their eponymous debut album.

On 25 November 2011, Christensen released his fourth solo album, Tim Christensen and The Damn Crystals . Many interviews also asked him questions about Dizzy Mizz Lizzy. Christensen admits that one week after the last show, Dizzy Mizz Lizzy was already out of his system again.Svendsen, Emil Møller (23 November 2011). (Tim C. rises from slumber blanket). Urban (newspaper)|Urban . And on the question whether the people have stopped asking about a Dizzy-reunion, Christensen answered: "No, they haven't. Except that now, it's no longer: 'Will Dizzy ever reunite? ' but instead: 'Will you do it again? ' And I won't exclude the possibility, but it won't be any time soon. But I have stopped asking that question to myself."Gonzalez, Michael Jose (25 November 2011). (I have borrowed from Pantera). Gaffa (magazine)|GAFFA .

Equipment

For the 2010 reunion tour, Christensen and Rasmus Meyer of the Danish guitar pedal manufacturer Carl Martin designed his signature Dizzy Drive with knobs for level, tone, drive and edge.4Sound (2010). (Buy Carl Martin Dizzy Drive at 4Sound Music Store). Retrieved on 10 November 2010. Its production was limited to 250 pedals,4Sound (2010). (Meet'n'greet with Dizzy Mizz Lizzy). Retrieved on 6 December 2010. and went on sale on 16 May 2010. Christensen's effect pedal board during the reunion tour was quite small and only contained the following stomp box es:

Boss Corporation|Boss DD-20 Giga Delay

Boss RC-2 Loop Station

Carl Martin Dizzy Drive

Vox (musical equipment)|Vox Joe Satriani Big Bad Wah

Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner

Discography

Albums

Year	Album details	Peak chart positions	Sales	Certifications
Year	Album details	DK DanishCharts.com (2010). . Retrieved on 9 November 2010.	Sales	Certifications
1994	Dizzy Mizz Lizzy Released: 4 March 1994 Label: EMI -Medley Producer: Nick Foss, Dizzy Mizz Lizzy	?	align="left" DK: 250.000 JP: 100.000	align="left" DK: 4 Danish Music Awards\|Danish Grammys DK: 5× Platinum
1995	'One guitar, one bass and a drummer, that's really all it takes — Live in Japan Released: 13 December 1995 Label: EMI Japan-only	—	align="left"	align="left"
1996	Rotator Released: 24 May 1996 Label: EMI-Casadida Producer: Nick Foss, Dizzy Mizz Lizzy	?	align="left" DK: 100.000 JP: 100.000	align="left" DK: 2 Danish Music Awards\|Danish Grammys DK: 2× Platinum
1998	The Greatest Released: 28 March 1998 Label: EMI Japan-only	—	align="left"	align="left"
2002	The Best of Dizzy Mizz Lizzy Released: 29 April 2002 Label: EMI-Casadida Producer: Nick Foss, Lars Overgaard	4	align="left"	align="left"
2010	Dizzcography Released: 29 March 2010 Label: EMI Producer: Dizzy Mizz Lizzy, Nick Foss, Flemming Hansson	6	align="left"	align="left"

	Live in Concert 2010 Released: 8 November 2010 Label: EMI Producer: Theis Molin	4	align="left"	align="left"
Big-5: Dizzy Mizz Lizzy Released: 21 November 2010 Label: EMI	—	align="left"	align="left"

Singles

"Barbedwired Baby's Dream" (1994), EMI-Medley

"Waterline" (1994), EMI Europe

"Love Is a Loser's Game" (1994), EMI-Medley

"Silverflame" (1993), EMI Europe

"Glory" (1995), EMI-Medley

"Rotator" (1996), EMI

"Find My Way" (Japan, 1996), Toshiba-EMI

"11:07 PM" (1996), EMI-Medley

"When the River Runs Dry" (1996), EMI-Medley

Copyright Citations

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1. Tim Christensen

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