Mads Eriksen (musician)
A Norwegian guitar virtuoso who blends technical fluency with melodic rock sensibilities, building a respected solo career and potent collaborations.
Born 1962 (age 64)·Norwegian guitarist·Birthday: October 12·Baby Boomers
Biography
Mads Eriksen speaks through his guitar. From his base in Norway, he has carved out a niche as a player's player, respected for his clean technique, compositional skill, and seamless fusion of rock, blues, and jazz influences. While details of his early life are kept private, his musical output tells the story of a dedicated craftsman. He first gained wider attention through his work with vocalist Chris Thompson, known for the Manfred Mann's Earth Band hit 'Blinded by the Light,' a partnership that highlighted Eriksen's ability to complement a powerful rock voice with both driving riffs and subtle textures. As a solo artist, his albums are instrumental journeys that prioritize melody and mood over sheer shredding. His playing is characterized by a singing tone and thoughtful phrasing, making complex ideas sound effortless and inviting. In the world of instrumental guitar, Eriksen stands out for his focus on songcraft and emotional resonance.
Baby Boomers
1946–1964
The largest generation in history at the time. Shaped by postwar prosperity, the Vietnam War, the sexual revolution, and Watergate. They questioned every institution their parents built — then ran them.
Mads was born in 1962, placing them squarely in the Baby Boomers. The events that shaped this generation — postwar prosperity, civil rights, Vietnam, and the counterculture — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Mads Was Born
The biggest hits of 1962
#1 Movie
Lawrence of Arabia
Best Picture
Lawrence of Arabia
#1 TV Show
Beverly Hillbillies
Mads's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1962Born
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1967Started school
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1975Became a teenager
Fall of Saigon ends the Vietnam War
Gas: $0.57/galHome: $27,600Min wage: $2.10/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Love Will Keep Us Together" — Captain & TennilleBest Picture: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
1978Could drive
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1980Could vote
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1983Turned 21
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1992Turned 30
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2002Turned 40
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2012Turned 50
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 60
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 64 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Released multiple solo instrumental albums that showcase his melodic rock and blues guitar style.
- Forged a long-term creative partnership with singer Chris Thompson, contributing guitar work and co-writing.
- Built an international reputation as a guitarist, performing and recording with various artists across Europe.
Did You Know?
He is known for using and endorsing Vigier guitars, a French brand favored by many virtuoso players.
Eriksen's music has been featured on instructional DVDs and in guitar magazines, aimed at aspiring musicians.
He maintains a relatively low public profile, letting his guitar work serve as his primary voice.
“My guitar is my voice; I speak through the strings and the spaces between them.”
