Biography
In 1965 a Swedish quartet initially known as Steampacket emerged, fusing soul elements with their own spin on the British Invasion in an effort to refresh and reshape the nation's rock & roll landscape. That distinctive blend helped the group differentiate itself from other local acts and positioned it among the earliest Swedish rock bands to perform in England. While touring there, the musicians encountered the Rod Stewart/Brian Auger ensemble that shared the name Steampacket, prompting them to adopt Steampacket II domestically and perform as the Longboatmen across the Channel to sidestep any overlap. The band issued several singles, among them the standout 1966 Longboatmen release "Take Her Anytime" as well as Swedish-language covers of "Happy Together" and the Lovin' Spoonful's 1967 hit "Nashville Cats," along with additional tracks. Steampacket II dissolved in 1968 once its members grew disillusioned with typical musician earnings, concluding their run through a raucous, instrument-smashing finale modeled on The Who's stage-destroying style.