“When it comes to art and conveying a political message, I still appreciate the concept of pushing boundaries.”
— Dennis Lyxzén
Although they may be nearing the end of their journey, the enduring legacy of 'Shape...' continues to highlight the timelessness of Refused, something that will certainly outlast Dennis. “The band's legacy will persist,” he acknowledges, considering how younger audiences are still discovering their music; just look at the legendary 'New Noise', which has recently featured in a variety of television shows, including the second season of the hit US series 'The Bear.' “Refused will always be a significant part of who I am. If we have this conversation in 20 years, Refused will still be a topic, which is astonishing. When you first start a band, that notion doesn’t even cross your mind since it feels so temporary. It’s a privilege to create music that truly resonates with people.”
Always musically engaged regardless of Refused's status, Dennis is keeping himself busy: he recently released an album with the free jazz-hardcore group Backengrillen and is preparing for more projects with Fake Names and INVSN. The excitement on his face when discussing music is clear; at 52, he still embodies his youthful spirit.
Looking ahead, his immediate future is filled with books and, interestingly, frisbees. “David [Sandström, drummer] and I talked about writing a book about Refused,” he shares, displaying an enthusiasm brimming with creative ideas. “I also play disc golf – it’s similar to golf, but with a frisbee. Perhaps I'll focus more on disc golf next year. It’s hugely popular in the US, Sweden, and Finland, while the rest of the world still has some catching up to do. During the pandemic, it became the fastest-growing sport globally…”
While he doesn't completely dismiss the chance of releasing one last Refused song, he firmly believes this is truly the end. Still, against all odds, it appears to be shaping up as a fairy tale conclusion, and you might want to have some tissues on hand when they make their final appearance in the UK this October.
“David and I started the band in 1991, and we’ve faced numerous challenges over the years,” Dennis reflects. “But we’re still standing. The legacy of our band—the music and the politics we leave behind—fills me with immense pride.”
Refused will perform at the Mad Cool Festival, scheduled for July 10th-13th, 2025, in Villaverde, Madrid. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit madcoolfestival.es.
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