About Us
Sniglaband was formed in Reykjavík in 1985 and has been going on strong ever since. They are incredibly versatile and enjoy unexpected challenges.
The Sniglaband was formed in Reykjavík in 1985 and has been playing ever since.
The band is incredibly versatile and enjoys challenging the unexpected. It has enjoyed success beyond our wildest expectations. The band had a weekly show on the national radio most summers from 1992 until 2015 where listeners could call in and ask for their favorite song. The show was a huge success and ranked second in popularity after the news.
Creativity and versatility
The Sniglaband was established from it's motorcycle-related background, but has evolved into a multi-faceted and extremely versatile band of many colors. It boasts members that are among the nations finest rock musicians.
The band had weekly radio shows on the Icelandic National Radio (RUV) almost every summer from 1992 until 2015, where listeners could call in and ask for their favorite song. The show was therefore mostly improvised and enjoyed a huge success, ranking second in audience numbers only to the news.
The Journey of the Sniglaband
The Sniglaband was formed in Reykjavík in 1985 as a motorcycle-rock collaboration between three musicians with motorcycle and musical backgrounds. It quickly evolved into a six-piece band, starting touring and doing studio work. The first album was released in 1986 and received appraisal as Iceland's brightest hope and some untraditional awards. Singer Stefán Hilmarsson became a star and left the band to pursue a carreer on his own, but the rest continued as a five-piece band, whereas all the remaining members were decent singers, especially drummer Björgvin Ploder.
The band made an adventurous journey to the Soviet Union in 1989, which story has now been published in a book.
Upon return, there were some personnel changes as well as changes in the Icelandic music scene, mainly caused by the lifting of the decades-long beer ban. By 1992 we see the same line-up as is active today.
Meet The Members
The Sniglaband is shaped by six musicians, each bringing a distinct role to the band’s sound. Skúli Gautason is the front man, singing and playing acoustic guitar and percussion, drummer Björgvin Ploder is the band's main singer, pianist Pálmi Sigurhjartarson is the main songwriter, organist Einar Rúnarsson adds theatrics and humor to the mix, bassist Fridthofur Isfeld is a sought-after producer and guitarist Thorgils Björgvinsson is second to none in versatility.
Awards & Achievements
Upon releasing their first album, Fjöllin falla í hauga, the Sniglaband was voted the Brightest hope and received a steel record, a more appropriate version of the gold record as the band was originally formed from a motorcycle background.
Sice then the band has gained independence and has enjoyed a wide audience and popular success for decades.
