Sad news today to learn of the passing of Oslo Hardcore legend Peter Amdam. Peter was the frontman for 90s hardcore bands Onward and Sportswear and more recently was fronting For Pete's Sake, an amazing hardcore band who released the classic "In Faith And Loyalty" on React Records last year. Tributes for Peter have been flowing in from all corners of the globe.
We'd like to sincerely pass on our condolences and encourage you to download a copy of "In Faith And Loyalty" below and mosh around your bedroom for Peter.
From For Pete's Sake...
"As so many of you have already heard Peter is no longer with us.
Whilst we mourn and grieve over this incomprehensible loss, our thoughts and prayers goes out to his family, all who loved him, who were touched by him, who knew him, and who befriended him.
None of us can even try to explain in full what Peter meant to us.
We feel privileged to have walked beside him over the years – over decades.
We are grateful and feel blessed for having known Peter.
We are in deep thankfulness to all who are helping us through this with their words, thoughts, and hearts.
“They would say: lovers in those days, alone, they created
Their secret world that only the gods knew. For who
Cares only for things that will die the earth will have them, but
Nearer the light, into the clarities come
Those keeping faith with the heart's love and holy spirit who were
Hopeful, patient, still, and got the better of fate»
‘Once there were gods’ – Friederich Hölderlin (English translation)
In remembrance and mourning - and much love for all of you,
Arne, Espen, Kim, and Øyvind"
From Tim McMahon...
"Shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Peter Amdam's passing. The guy was a legit friend and a genuinely good person. Peter might have also been the first European hardcore guy I was ever in contact with. I vividly recall him writing me back in 1989 when I was doing Common Sense Fanzine and we stayed in touch ever since. There was even a time during the mid 90's when Peter and I discussed plans of him coming to the US and him and I doing a heavily BOLD influenced band together.
He and I shared a lot of the same visions, he was like a Norwegian brother to me. We saw each other many times throughout the 90's and even as recently as the past few years. He's stayed at my house, Hands Tied did a stretch of shows together with Sportswear in Europe (I shot this photo back stage on that tour), I was with Sportswear when they were in NYC recording their LP at Don Fury's, the list just goes on and on, the point is, I've shared a lot of great memories with the guy and this is a tough one to swallow. It doesn't feel real and I keep waiting to hear someone say that it was all a mistake or a misunderstanding. We'll miss you greatly Peter, you left a forever lasting impact on many. Maybe we'll do that BOLD band together in the next life. Rest well American Damage."
From Mike Judge...
"This hurts. We had talked the last time we were together about how fun it was too play together whenever it was possible. He was a Brother and FPS and JUDGE were great together. When we finally made it out to the Oslo, he asked if we could do a song together at the end of our set. He said it would be a great memory for him and for others. So, that night, at the end of our set, we brought Pete out and dedicated BDtW's to Oslo for being so awesome to us.
It is a great memory.
I'll be thinking about you tonight
"Oslo City HardCore"
Sail on Brother"
From React Records...
Stick around long enough-- book a show, start a band, go on tour-- and you'll find yourself with a long list of casual acquaintances. Friendly, amicable, interesting people who share a common bond. Occasionally, rarely, you meet someone who inspires you, who through their music and a few brief interactions, you feel confident, fortunate and proud to call your friend. For me, Pete made that short list.
Peter Amdam was at first, a legend. His music held in high regard amongst myself and my close friends. Admittedly, I was hesitant at first to release the For Pete's Sake LP. Something about financial risk, reservations that seem very silly and shallow in hindsight. I was quickly swayed by Pete's enthusiasm, his confidence, and his energy. Rarely have I worked with anyone, young or old, who was more passionate about creating a record. I remember how excited he was about the cover art, how he emailed me almost daily for a week telling me how great it would be. When he finally sent it, I hated it. Aram and I both hated it, but we agreed without discussion that we didn't have the heart to tell Pete. Now, after some time to reflect, I love it. The colors and forms remind me of Pete.
I only met Peter once, in Germany, earlier this year. He was incredibly kind, generous, and sincere. He exceeded my high expectations. His energy was infectious. I remember how cool it was to see him interacting with Insist, people generations apart, the old guard and the new blood, and seeing the humility of his words and actions. Pete was a man of character and class. Pete is now, a legend.
If you have a moment, listen to the For Pete's Sake LP on our bandcamp. Download it, for free. Read the lyrics. Appreciate, for a moment, the power of the spirit of Peter Amdam.
"And if people should remember us, in years, in times to come / They will say that these lonely ones, with love, created a world, secret, and known to the gods alone"
Rest in Power, my friend, Peter Amdam."