The Lollipops were a Danish pop and rock group formed in Copenhagen in 1960 by brothers Torben and Jørgen Lundgren alongside their uncle Poul Petersen. Beginning as a child act, the group gained widespread popularity in Denmark and Sweden during the 1960s beat boom. In 1965, they released Do You Know... The Lollipops, which became the first Danish rock album consisting entirely of original self-penned compositions.
History
Formation and early success (1960–1964) The group was formed in 1960 in Copenhagen by brothers Torben Lundgren (lead vocals, rhythm guitar; born 21 January 1950) and Jørgen Lundgren (lead vocals, lead guitar; born 15 April 1951), together with their uncle Poul Petersen (drums; born 30 October 1948). At the time of formation, the members were aged ten, nine, and twelve respectively. Before settling on the name The Lollipops, the trio performed briefly under the Danish names Trekløveret and Slikkepindene.
In 1960, the group won a talent competition hosted by the Pingklubben children's organization, leading to a residency at the Københavnerkroen venue in Copenhagen. Between 1961 and 1962, the trio toured Swedish folkparks and performed at United States military bases in Western Europe.
In 1963, the band signed with the Swedish record label Karusell Records. Their debut single, "Lollipop Lips" / "Movin' the Shoes", was released in October 1963 and became a major commercial hit in Sweden, which became popular among teenagers in Scandinavia. During this period, the group's musical style was influenced by The Beatles and other British beat music.
Pioneer album and garage rock era (1965–1971) In mid-1965, Karusell released the group's debut studio album, Do You Know... The Lollipops. The record is the first Danish rock album to consist entirely of original songs written by the band members. Between 1965 and 1967, the band maintained an official fan club with its own published magazine, Lolli-Posten.
In September 1966, original drummer Poul Petersen departed from the group and was replaced by Henrik Lund, formerly of Stoke Sect. The band utilised various guest and session bassists for live performances and studio recordings, including Stig Kreutzfeldt. Signing with Polydor Records in 1966, the band transitioned toward garage rock and psychedelic pop. Their 1966 single "Naked When You Come" achieved significant critical and commercial success in Scandinavia.
In 1967, the group released the single "Sussy Moore". The track has melodic and textual inspiration from Tim Hardin's "The Lady Came from Baltimore", resulting in copyright infringement litigation against the group.
By 1971, after declining commercial success, the group disbanded as the members sought formal education: Torben enrolled in business school, Jørgen attended the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, and Henrik Lund trained as a decorator.
Dansktop era, 1974 self-titled album, and Grand Prix (1973–1988) In March 1973, The Lollipops reformed to perform in the Cirkusrevyen summer revue. This reunion marked a transition toward Danish-language pop music and the Dansktop genre. Throughout the 1970s, the band scored several popular Danish-language hits, including "Lorna", "Ung Kærlighed", and "Jenny".
In 1974, the group released a self-titled studio album through EMI. Among its tracks was the English-language song "I Know", which decades later became the subject of an online search within the lostwave music community before being identified by researchers in 2026.
Henrik Lund left the group in 1977, after which the Lundgren brothers continued performing with temporary backing musicians. During the 1980s, the band entered Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, on three occasions: in 1980 ("Nu er det morgen"), 1984 ("60'erne"), and 1987 ("Helt normal"). Concurrently, the brothers engaged in external careers; Torben operated clothing stores in Valby, while Jørgen worked as a visual artist and gallery owner.
Later years and disbandment (1989–2004) In 1989, the Lundgren brothers attempted a comeback under the name The New Lollipops, forming a line-up with guitarist Kim Gutman, drummer Søren Berlev (formerly of Gasolin'), bassist Chris Paulsen, and guitarist Birdie Hurns. The project released one English-language album, Suzanna, before disbanding.
The original Lundgren brothers gave their final official farewell performance at Tivoli Gardens on 17 September 2003. On 13 March 2004, Jørgen Lundgren died from kidney disease at the age of 52. Following his brother's death, Torben Lundgren retired from business in Denmark and relocated to Hungary.
Members Core members Torben Lundgren – lead vocals, rhythm guitar Jørgen Lundgren – lead vocals, lead guitar Poul Petersen – drums Henrik Lund – drums
Former touring and comeback members Stig Kreutzfeldt – bass Kim Gutman – lead guitar Søren Berlev – drums Chris Paulsen – bass Birdie Hurns – guitar
Discography
Studio albums Year Release Details Tracklist Personnel & Label Credits 1965 Do You Know... The Lollipops Label: Karusell Records Cat. Code: KALP 1016 Format: LP, Album, Gatefold Country: Sweden / Denmark Oh, Girl, I Love Her So It Took A Long Time Look Up At The Stars I've Got A Girl So Blue All I've Got To Say Two Chips And One Fish Are You Lonesome Just Like Me I Want Her Back The Boy With Freckles And Red Hair Lucky Guy Nobody Do You Know Torben Lundgren – lead vocals, rhythm guitar Jørgen Lundgren – lead vocals, lead guitar Poul Petersen – drums All tracks written by Torben & Jørgen Lundgren Photographers: Per Dalsgård, Staffan Andersson 1965 The Lollipops Label: Karusell Records Cat. Code: KP 3000 Format: LP, Album Country: Sweden I'll Stay By Your Side Lollipops Boogie That's All There Was A Time All My Loving Shakin' All Over I See It Now Don't Matter What You Do Little Bad Boy Speedy Gonzales Look At This Boy Lollipops Shake Torben Lundgren – lead vocals, rhythm guitar Jørgen Lundgren – lead vocals, lead guitar Poul Petersen – drums Cover Design: Lennart Saletti Printing: Alifa-Tryck 1966 The Lollipops Label: International Polydor Production Cat. Code: 623 028 Format: LP, Album, Mono/Stereo Country: Germany Another Girl I'm So Sad Little Cat Lost A Change Has Got To Come Put You On The Chart Run Run Run Summer Once Again Naked When You Come I'm A Flop I Need Fisherman You Don't Have To Go Rub Down Torben Lundgren – lead vocals, rhythm guitar Jørgen Lundgren – lead vocals, lead guitar 1974 Lollipops Label: EMI Cat. Code: KCLP 14 (TC-KCLP 14 for Cassette) Format: LP, Album, Gatefold Country: Denmark What A Day - What A Night Rich Man's Daughter Goodbye My Baby All I Have Walk Away Lorna Forever T. J. R. Living In The World Of Sorrow I Know (lostwave track identified in 2026) How Can I Live (Without You) Rock Around Torben Lundgren – lead vocals, guitar Jørgen Lundgren – lead vocals, guitar Henrik Lund – drums Producers: Per Sørensen, Tommy Seebach Cover Design: Knud Møller Nicolaisen Liner Notes: Jørgen Mylius Photographer: Mogens Frederiksen 1989 Suzanna (Released as The New Lollipops) Label: EMI Cat. Code: 7936871 (Alternative: D-1528) Format: LP, CD, Album Country: Denmark Suzanna Love Tonight You Hold Me Burning Always Young Friends Give Me (Love) Back On The Road Lost And Found Let Me Love You Lonely Nights Torben Lundgren – lead vocals, guitar Jørgen Lundgren – lead vocals, guitar Kim Gutman – lead guitar Søren Berlev – drums Chris Paulsen – bass Birdie Hurns – guitar
Compilations Pop Før (1974, Philips) Lollipops Bedste (1976, Philips) Naked When You Come (1998, Polydor) The Complete Recordings 1963–67 (2001) Dansk Pigtråd Vol. 4: The Complete 1963 – 31.8.1966 (2003, Karusell) Dansk Pigtråd Vol. 5: The Complete 1.9.1966 – 1971 (2003, Universal)
Singles & EPs Year Title & Release Details Tracks (Side A / Side B) Country & Notes 1963 "Lollipop Lips" / "Movin' the Shoes" Label: Karusell Cat. Code: KFF 533 / DP 1374 Side A: "Lollipop Lips" Side B: "Movin' the Shoes" Sweden / Denmark. Released in Japan (1964) via Polydor. 1963 "Lollipop Lips" (EP) Label: Karusell Cat. Code: KSEP 3313 4-track Extended Play (Mono) Sweden. First press on blue vinyl. 1963 "Lollipops Boogie" (EP) Label: Karusell Cat. Code: KSEP 3322 4-track Extended Play (Mono) Sweden. First press on blue vinyl. 1964 "Do You Know (How Much I Love You)" / "There Was a Time" Label: Karusell Cat. Code: KFF 573 Side A: "Do You Know (How Much I Love You)" Side B: "There Was a Time" Scandinavia-wide release (Sweden, Denmark, Finland). 1964 "Lollipops Shake" / "Look at This Boy" Label: Karusell Cat. Code: KFF 581 Side A: "Lollipops Shake" Side B: "Look at This Boy" Denmark / Sweden / Finland. 1965 "Little Bad Boy" / "Don't Matter What You Do" Label: Karusell Cat. Code: KFF 603 Side A: "Little Bad Boy" Side B: "Don't Matter What You Do" Denmark / Sweden. 1965 "I'll Stay By Your Side" / "That's All" Label: Karusell Cat. Code: KFF 607 Side A: "I'll Stay By Your Side" Side B: "That's All" Denmark / Sweden. 1965 "Oh, Girl" / "Are You Lonesome Just Like Me" Label: Karusell Cat. Code: KFF 630 Side A: "Oh, Girl" Side B: "Are You Lonesome Just Like Me" Sweden. 1965 "I See It Now" / "Oh Girl" Label: Karusell Cat. Code: KFF 642 Side A: "I See It Now" Side B: "Oh Girl" Sweden. 1966 "Words Ain't Enough" / "Who Cares About Me" Label: Polydor / Vault Cat. Code: NH 59711 / V-926 Side A: "Words Ain't Enough" Side B: "Who Cares About Me" Sweden / Finland / Germany. Released in the US via Vault Records. 1966 "Why Fly The Birds" (EP) Label: Polydor Cat. Code: EPH 10831 4-track Extended Play Denmark. 1966 "Naked When You Come" / "Little Cat Lost" Label: Polydor Cat. Code: NH 59724 Side A: "Naked When You Come" Side B: "Little Cat Lost" Major Scandinavian hit. 1966 "Bildjournalen GoGo Skiva 66" Label: Bildjournalen Cat. Code: SHOL 681 Split promo flexi-disc with The Lee Kings and The Namelosers Sweden. 1967 "I Can't Live Without Your Lovin'" / "Swing and Sway" Label: Polydor Cat. Code: NH 59739 Side A: "I Can't Live Without Your Lovin'" Side B: "Swing and Sway" Sweden. 1967 "Another Girl" / "You Don't Have to Go" Label: Polydor Cat. Code: NH 59732 Side A: "Another Girl" Side B: "You Don't Have to Go" Sweden. 1967 "Lies" / "Stop (Before You Break My Heart)" Label: Polydor Cat. Code: NH 59746 Side A: "Lies" Side B: "Stop (Before You Break My Heart)" Sweden. 1967 "Sussy Moore" / "Love Is a Game for Two" Label: Fontana Cat. Code: TF 271 603 Side A: "Sussy Moore" Side B: "Love Is a Game for Two" Subject of copyright litigation. 1968 "I Feel the Sun Up There" / "Love Me, Love Me" Label: CBS Cat. Code: CBS 3292 Side A: "I Feel the Sun Up There" Side B: "Love Me, Love Me" First single on CBS. 1968 "Ha Ha Ha - Hee Hee Hee" / "Marry Her Tonight" Label: CBS Cat. Code: CBS 3422 Side A: "Ha Ha Ha - Hee Hee Hee" Side B: "Marry Her Tonight" Denmark. 1968 "Sådan een som dig" / "Nu er det glemt" Label: CBS Cat. Code: CBS 3554 Side A: "Sådan een som dig" Side B: "Nu er det glemt" First Danish-language single attempt. 1968 "A Freight Train to Boston" / "Your Eyes Are Shining" Label: CBS Cat. Code: CBS 3673 Side A: "A Freight Train to Boston" Side B: "Your Eyes Are Shining" Denmark / Sweden. 1969 "Good Times Baby" / "On My Way" Label: CBS Cat. Code: CBS 4286 Side A: "Good Times Baby" Side B: "On My Way" Denmark / Netherlands. 1969 "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" / "Sussy Help Me" Label: CBS Cat. Code: CBS 4581 Side A: "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" Side B: "Sussy Help Me" The Beatles cover single. Released in Denmark, Netherlands, Norway. 1970 "Goody Goody Gum Drops" / "Laila" Label: Philips Cat. Code: PF 355 373 Side A: "Goody Goody Gum Drops" Side B: "Laila" Denmark. 1971 "Ra-ta-ta-ta" / "I'm a Workslave" Label: Philips