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Easy Action

Easy Action is a Swedish glam metal and hard rock band formed in Stockholm in 1981, renowned for blending punk-influenced energy with melodic AOR elements and achieving notoriety through a high-profile plagiarism lawsuit against the American band Poison. The band originally emerged from the local punk scene and was reformed as a glam metal act in 1982 by guitarist Kee Marcello and bassist Peo Thyrén, with key early members including vocalist Zinny J. Zan (born Bo Stagman) who joined in 1983, and guitarist Chris Lind who joined in 1984, releasing their self-titled debut album Easy Action in 1983 on the independent Tandan Records label, which featured raw glam rock tracks like "We Go Rocking" but garnered limited commercial success. By their sophomore effort, 1986's That Makes One on Epic Records, the lineup shifted with Zan replaced by powerhouse vocalist Tommy Nilsson, delivering polished melodic rock anthems such as "Talk of the Town" and "Rosie" that showcased the band's evolution toward mainstream hard rock appeal. Following the album's release, departed in November 1986 to join the rising supergroup , contributing to their blockbuster The Final Countdown era, which effectively led to Easy Action's initial disbandment in 1988 amid lineup instability and shifting musical trends. The band's legacy was bolstered in the late 1980s when sued on their behalf, alleging that Poison's 1987 hit "I Want Action" plagiarized the chorus of Easy Action's 1983 single "We Go Rocking"; the case settled out of court with Poison paying a substantial undisclosed sum, reportedly in the millions, allowing the Swedish group to claim a rare victory for lesser-known acts against major label stars. Easy Action reformed in 2006 for live performances, including a reunion of the 1986 lineup with and Tommy Nilsson at . The band has continued intermittent activity, with a new studio album featuring Marcello and Nilsson announced in August 2025. In October 2025, former vocalist Zinny J. Zan discussed the Poison plagiarism case in an interview. Over the decades, members have pursued prominent solo and collaborative careers—Nilsson as a chart-topping Swedish pop-rock artist and Marcello as a mainstay—cementing Easy Action's influence on the Nordic scene despite their intermittent activity.

Background and development

Album conception

Easy Action emerged from Stockholm's vibrant and scene in the early 1980s, initially forming in 1981 as a raw rock outfit influenced by the glam and attitudes of bands like the and the . The original lineup consisted of vocalist Pelle Almgren (ex-Warheads), guitarist Henrik "2 meter" Jermsten (ex-Stoodes), drummer Bosse Belsen (later known as Zinny J. Zan), and bassist Björne Fröberg, focusing on energetic, rebellious tracks that blended aggression with emerging elements.) After releasing two singles—"Honcho Bongo" and "Om jag vore kung"—in 1982 on the independent Punktjafs label, which achieved limited local success but failed to gain broader traction, the band disbanded due to internal changes and poor sales. This period highlighted the Swedish rock scene's shift toward more polished and sounds, prompting a in late 1982 by guitarist (born Kjell Hilding Lövbom) and bassist Peo Thyrén (aka Alex Tyrone), who recruited Zinny J. Zan on vocals, drummer Fredrik Von Gerber (ex-Noice), and guitarist Danny Wilde to create a more glam-oriented group aimed at international appeal. The reformed Easy Action signed with in 1983, becoming the first Swedish rock band to secure a worldwide major-label deal, which fueled their vision for a self-titled debut that captured their punk-infused energy while incorporating melodic hooks and theatrical flair to target the growing market. This conception was driven by the band's relocation to professional studios and intensified live shows in clubs, where they honed a harder, more accessible sound to differentiate from their roots and attract U.S. and European audiences.

Song selection and writing

Songwriting for Easy Action's debut album was a collaborative effort among the reformed lineup—Zinny J. Zan (vocals), (guitar), Peo Thyrén (bass), Danny Wilde (guitar), and Fredrik Von Gerber (drums)—drawing from the punk scene's DIY ethos but emphasizing concise, riff-driven structures inspired by British like and T. Rex, as well as American influences such as . Sessions in 1982-1983 typically involved group jamming in rehearsal spaces to develop raw ideas, with and Thyrén contributing key riffs and Zan adding lyrical themes of rebellion, nightlife, and rock 'n' roll excess.) From an initial pool of over a dozen demos, including leftovers from the band's early singles, the group selected ten tracks for the album, prioritizing shorter, high-energy songs like "We Go Rocking" and "Rock 'n' Roll Is Dead" to showcase their evolution toward commercial while retaining edge. Standouts such as "We Go Rocking," primarily penned by and Zan, featured an anthemic chorus reflecting urban , while tracks like "No Easy Action" highlighted Wilde's guitar leads and the band's focus on hooky, radio-friendly arrangements. Several experimental or overly punk-leaning demos were excluded to align with Sire's expectations for a polished debut, allowing the final tracklist to balance raw energy with melodic accessibility and setting the stage for the album's release on Tandan Records (a affiliate) in October 1983.

Production

Recording process

The debut Easy Action was recorded in 1983 and released on the independent label Tandan Records, marking the band's entry into the scene. Specific details on the recording sessions, such as exact dates and studio location, are not widely documented. The band, consisting of vocalist Zinny J. Zan, guitarist , rhythm guitarist Danny Wilde, bassist Alex Tyrone, and drummer Fredrik Von Gerber, captured their raw glam rock sound during this period.) Following the Scandinavian release, the band signed with , becoming the first Swedish act to secure a worldwide deal with a major label, leading to an international edition in 1984 with bonus tracks.)

Technical aspects and production choices

and mixing for the were handled by Ollie Larsson, with additional mixing on tracks 4 and 10 by . The production emphasized the band's punk-influenced energy and melodic elements, resulting in a raw, energetic sound across the 10-track , clocking in at approximately 33 minutes. Tracks like "We Go Rocking" highlighted Kee Marcello's guitar work and the group's style. No dedicated producer is credited, suggesting the band and engineers took a hands-on approach. The 's straightforward rock production contrasted with more polished later works, aligning with its independent label origins.)

Musical content

Style and influences

Easy Action's music blends and with punk-influenced energy and melodic elements, evolving across their discography from raw, attitude-driven glam on their 1983 self-titled debut to polished and anthems on 1986's That Makes One. The debut features concise, riff-heavy tracks with a punk-metal edge, drawing from 1970s glam influences like and the , as well as Swedish punk acts such as , from which founders and Zinny J. Zan emerged. By That Makes One, the band's sound shifted toward mainstream hard rock appeal, emphasizing soaring vocals, driving guitar riffs, and catchy choruses, influenced by the melodic rock trends of the mid-1980s. Songs like "Talk of the Town" and "Rosie" showcase tight verse-chorus structures and harmony vocals, averaging 3-5 minutes in length, totaling around 40 minutes for the album. This evolution reflects the lineup change to vocalist Tommy Nilsson, adding a powerhouse delivery suited to AOR radio formats. The band's reunion albums, such as 2007's Freeway and 2013's Friends of Rock 'n' Roll, revived their signature mix of glam attitude and melodic hard rock, incorporating modern production while retaining punky energy and riff-based compositions. Compared to contemporaries like Europe (which included ex-member Marcello), Easy Action maintained a rawer, less arena-oriented edge, distinguishing their glam-punk roots from broader 1980s hair metal.

Themes and lyrical analysis

Easy Action's lyrics typically explore themes of youthful rebellion, rock 'n' roll lifestyle, romance, and , aligning with glam rock's hedonistic ethos and the focus on personal freedom. On the debut album, tracks like "We Go Rocking" celebrate high-energy partying and the thrill of live music, with choruses evoking non-stop action and camaraderie among rockers, reflecting the band's punk-glam origins and desire to capture the excitement of the scene. In That Makes One, the themes shift toward more accessible narratives of love and small-town dreams, as in "Rosie," which portrays a encounter with upbeat, flirtatious energy, and "Talk of the Town," addressing and social buzz through witty, conversational lines. These songs use simple, direct phrasing to convey optimism and defiance against mundane life, enhanced by Nilsson's emotive vocals that add a layer of to the rebellious undertones. Later works like Freeway continue this tradition, blending introspective reflections on and loyalty with anthemic calls to , prioritizing fun and over darker . Overall, the band's lyrical approach remains straightforward and celebratory, avoiding complex in favor of relatable, high-spirited content that complements their energetic sound.

Release and promotion

Distribution and marketing

The Swedish band Easy Action's self-titled debut album was released in 1983 on the independent label Tandan Records in . Distribution was primarily domestic, with limited international availability through affiliates, reflecting the band's emergence from the local and scenes. The lead single "We Go Rocking" was issued the same year, promoted via underground radio and performances in venues to build a niche following.) The sophomore album That Makes One followed in 1986 on Epic Records, enabling broader distribution across Europe and select international markets. Marketing emphasized the band's shift to polished melodic hard rock, with singles like "Talk of the Town" and "Rosie" supported by press in rock magazines and touring as openers for established acts. Following the band's 2006 reformation, the 2007 comeback album Freeway was released on small independent labels such as Lion Music, with promotion centered on reunions of key members and festival appearances. The 2013 release Friends of Rock 'n' Roll similarly relied on niche distribution through melodic rock specialists, marketed via online platforms and fan events to sustain their cult audience.

Chart performance and sales

Easy Action's albums achieved limited commercial success and did not enter major charts in or internationally, consistent with their status as a niche act in the and melodic rock genres. The 1983 debut sold modestly in the low thousands domestically, hampered by the independent label's reach. The 1986 That Makes One saw slightly better exposure via but still failed to chart significantly, with sales estimated in the tens of thousands across Europe. Later releases like Freeway and Friends of Rock 'n' Roll performed comparably in collector markets, bolstered by reissues and digital availability but without mainstream breakthrough. The band's notoriety from the 1980s plagiarism lawsuit against provided indirect promotion but no immediate sales uplift.

Critical reception

Contemporary reviews

The Swedish band Easy Action's self-titled debut album, released in 1983 on the independent Tandan Records, received limited contemporary attention due to its niche style and independent distribution, with critics noting its raw, punk-influenced energy but modest production values. Reviews at the time highlighted tracks like "We Go Rocking" for their energetic vibe, though the album struggled commercially and was seen as ahead of its time in the Swedish scene. Their 1986 sophomore album That Makes One, released on with new vocalist Tommy Nilsson, garnered more positive notices for its polished melodic shift, praised for anthemic songs like "Talk of the Town" and "Rosie" that appealed to audiences. Swedish rock press at the time viewed it as a significant improvement over the debut, emphasizing the band's evolution toward mainstream accessibility, though it still faced challenges from the influx.

Modern evaluations

Retrospective reviews in the and have reappraised Easy Action's early work, often highlighting the debut's proto-glam influence and That Makes One's role in melodic . A review on Hallowed.se described That Makes One (reissued by Heaven) as "impossible to dislike," praising its strong songs and Nilsson's vocals as a key upgrade from the "drab" debut. Similarly, Rockposer.com's retrospective called it a solid mid-80s effort with catchy choruses, though noting synth elements that evoke the era's pop- trends. The band's 2007 comeback album Freeway received favorable coverage in circles for reviving their driving riffs and harmonies, with Sleaze Roxx noting its blend of and melodic upon reissue discussions. The 2013 release Friends of Rock 'n' Roll was lauded for maintaining their pioneer status, with user ratings on sites like reflecting appreciation for its energetic tracks. Overall, views position Easy Action as an influential, if underappreciated, force in Nordic , bolstered by the Poison settlement's notoriety.

Legacy

Members' subsequent careers

Following the band's initial disbandment in 1988, key members pursued successful careers that amplified Easy Action's influence in the rock scene. Guitarist joined the supergroup , contributing to their 1986 album The Final Countdown, which sold over 15 million copies worldwide and established him as a prominent figure in melodic . Vocalist Tommy Nilsson transitioned to a solo career, becoming one of Sweden's top pop-rock artists with multiple chart-topping albums and hits like "Öppna din dörr" in 1988, earning him several Awards. Original vocalist Zinny J. Zan formed the band (later ), releasing albums in the late 1980s and early 1990s that blended with sleaze rock, further extending the band's punk-glam legacy. These individual achievements kept Easy Action's name relevant in Nordic rock circles. The band reformed in 2006 with Marcello and Nilsson, performing at the Sweden Rock Festival and releasing the album Freeway in 2007, followed by Friends of Rock 'n' Roll in 2013. As of 2025, they remain intermittently active, with occasional live shows maintaining their cult following.

Cultural impact and plagiarism lawsuit

Easy Action is recognized as a pioneer of Swedish glam metal, blending punk energy with melodic AOR and influencing the Nordic hard rock scene in the 1980s. Formed from Stockholm's punk roots, they were among the first Swedish acts to secure a worldwide deal with Sire Records in 1983, paving the way for bands like Europe and Shotgun Messiah. Their raw sound and theatrical style drew from Hanoi Rocks, contributing to the glam revival in Europe. The band's legacy gained international notoriety through a late-1980s plagiarism lawsuit against American band . Warner Chappell Music, on behalf of Easy Action, alleged that Poison's 1987 hit "I Want Action" copied the chorus of their 1983 single "We Go Rocking." The case settled out of court in 1989, with Poison paying an undisclosed sum—recently revealed by Zinny J. Zan in 2025 as several million dollars—marking a rare win for an independent act against a major label star. This controversy highlighted issues of musical originality in the hair metal era and boosted Easy Action's profile among rock historians. Reissues and digital availability have sustained interest, with albums like the 1983 debut remastered and available on platforms such as as of 2025, ensuring accessibility to new generations.

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