Biography
Viagra Boys are a Swedish post-punk band formed in Stockholm in 2015, known for their raw, chaotic sound and satirical take on masculinity and modern society. The group was founded after a night out at a karaoke bar, where American vocalist Sebastian Murphy impressed tattoo artist Henrik Höckert with his unique rendition of Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together." This encounter led to the formation of the band, with Murphy on vocals and Höckert on bass, soon joined by guitarist Benjamin Vallé, drummer Tor Sjödén, saxophonist Oscar Carls, and keyboardist Elias Jungqvist[1][2][5][6]. Murphy, originally from San Francisco, brought a distinctive presence to the band, both visually and vocally, often performing in tracksuits and sunglasses, channeling a persona that lampoons hypermasculinity[4].
Viagra Boys quickly gained a cult following in Sweden for their uncompromising fusion of pounding hard rock grooves, minimalist melodies, discordant guitar and sax, and howling vocals. Their debut EP, "Consistency of Energy" (2016), set the creative template, followed by the critically acclaimed full-length "Street Worms" (2018), which expanded their audience across Europe and North America[1][2]. Their sophomore album "Welfare Jazz" (2021) and third album "Cave World" (2022) further refined their sound, earning them the Rock of the Year award at the Swedish Grammis in 2023[2]. The band's lyrics often explore themes of drugs, anger, and the failures of male privilege, delivered with a mix of self-loathing and dark humor[4].
Viagra Boys have become renowned for their unpredictable and energetic live shows, as well as their ability to blend punk, funk, and satirical commentary. Their legacy lies in their subversive approach to post-punk, challenging societal norms while maintaining an irreverent, escapist spirit. The band's influence continues to grow, inspiring a new wave of punk acts with their fearless attitude and genre-defying sound[1][2][4].
Fun Facts
- The band's name was chosen as a crude joke about modern masculinity, intended to lampoon hypermasculine stereotypes[2][4].
- Sebastian Murphy, the lead singer, is a tattoo artist originally from San Francisco who moved to Stockholm[1][4].
- Viagra Boys won the prestigious Rock of the Year award at the Swedish Grammis in 2023 for their album 'Cave World'[2].
- Their unpredictable live shows have become legendary, with Murphy often performing in tracksuits and sunglasses, embodying a satirical 'gangster' persona[4].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Butthole Surfers - Stylistic influence on Sebastian Murphy's vocal delivery and stage persona (General influence, especially on live performance style) [2015–present]
- Dead Kennedys - Influence on band's punk ethos and Murphy's vocal style (General influence) [2015–present]
Key Collaborators
- Sebastian Murphy - Lead vocalist and co-founder (All albums and live performances) [2015–present]
- Henrik Höckert - Bass guitarist and co-founder (All albums and live performances) [2015–present]
- Benjamin Vallé - Original guitarist, contributed to early sound (Consistency of Energy, Street Worms) [2015–2021]
- Elias Jungqvist - Keyboardist (All albums) [2015–present]
- Oscar Carls - Saxophonist (All albums) [2015–present]
- Tor Sjödén - Drummer (All albums) [2015–present]
- Linus Hillborg - Guitarist, joined after Vallé (Cave World) [2021–present]
Artists Influenced
- Yung Lean - Labelmate on Year0001, cited as part of the same Swedish alternative scene (No direct collaborations, but shared label and scene) [2018–2024]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Street Worms | 2018-09-28 | Album |
| Cave World | 2022-07-08 | Album |
| Welfare Jazz | 2021-01-08 | Album |
| Cave World (Deluxe) | 2023-01-13 | Album |
| Street Worms (Deluxe Edition) | 2019-03-22 | Album |
| Welfare Jazz (Deluxe) | 2022-07-22 | Album |
| Welfare Jazz (Deluxe) | 2021-01-08 | Album |
| Shrimp Sessions 2 (Live) | 2021-12-16 | Album |
| Shrimp Sessions 2 | 2021-12-16 | Album |
| Welfare Jazz | 2021-01-08 | Album |
| viagr aboys | 2025-04-25 | Album |
| Shrimp Sessions 2 (Live) | 2021-12-16 | Album |
| Welfare Jazz | 2021-01-08 | Album |
| Welfare Jazz (Deluxe) | 2021-01-08 | Album |
| Street Worms (Deluxe Edition) | 2019-03-22 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Uno II (Uno II)
- Man Made of Meat (Man Made of Meat)
- Sports (Street Worms)
- Slow Learner (Street Worms)
- Punk Rock Loser (Cave World)
- Worms (Street Worms)
- The Bog Body
- Troglodyte (Cave World)
- Ain't Nice (Welfare Jazz)
- Research Chemicals
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Viagra Boys has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 17, 2025 | 23:50 | Wormsfrom Street Worms | Kitchen Sinkw/ A.J. Rodrigue and A.A. | |
| Nov 5, 2025 | 23:34 | Wormsfrom Street Worms | Kitchen Sinkw/ A.J. Rodrigue and A.A. | |
| Oct 29, 2025 | 22:55 | Sportsfrom Street Worms | Kitchen Sinkw/ A.J. Rodrigue and A.A. |