– It was unbelievably sad news. It hasn’t dawned on us that he’s gone yet. Everyone who knew him is very shocked and very sad. My thoughts go out to the children and family, says Stig van Eijk.
– It is unreal. It’s hard to accept that it turned out that way, says musician Torbjørn Alvøen.
Famous musician
Salvesen is a well-known figure in the local music scene. He is probably best known for his time as bass player in the band Mollygogo, which has performed on stages in Bergen since the early 2000s.
Salvesen has also played in a number of other bands over the years. In addition, he was a familiar face to those who visited Bergen Musikkbutikk (formerly Musik-Magazinet), where Salvesen worked for the past 15 years.
Sebastian Vognstølen has played in the band Mollygogo together with Salvesen since 2001.
– Egil was a person you had to make a decision about, whether you wanted to or not. He was outgoing, positive by nature, loud and fearless. And not least generous and selfless, says Vognstølen.
He pays tribute to Salvesen’s qualities as both bass player and producer.
– It’s been a long time since I lost track of how many projects he was involved in, but there are many. The man was unique. He was well liked and loved by many, says Vognstølen.
Band colleague Bård Husby reveals that they have plans to complete many of the unfinished recordings for Salvesen.
– I am delighted that we have so much nice and different things to show his children. “Listen to this, dad made this.” They have so much to be proud of already, and there will be more, says Husby, and adds:
– Egil was the least selfish person I have ever known. A witty, real and enthusiastic guy who gave of himself and treated everyone like family.
Planning a memorial concert
The last project Salvesen participated in was the band Kiks, which was established after Brann was ready for the cup final in 2023.
– Egil had great knowledge of most things in music, and was a very skilled bass player. I think he has meant a lot to many people, says Torbjørn Alvøen.
Alvøen and Salvesen became famous when they studied music at the beginning of the 2000s. First they played together in the band Johnny Laidback, and later in Bjørn Hellfuck.
Alvøen and others in the music community are already planning a larger memorial concert, where the money will go to Salvesen’s children.
– We want to collect all the bands that he has been involved in. He had an insanely large network, so there will probably be a good turnout, especially when the money goes to such a good cause, says Alvøen.
– Always a smile lurking
Both Stig Van Eijk and Torbjørn Alvøen describe Salvesen as a positive person.
– Egil was an incredibly helpful, positive and caring man. He always had a smile on his face, and lots of funny jokes. He was committed to everything he did, says van Eijk.
– Egil helped where he could and always had a smile on his face. He was a resource in many areas. Simply a splash of colour, says Alvøen.
In connection with Salvesen’s passing, a charity has been set up, with the aim of collecting funds for his children. The people behind the splice are Stig Van Eijk and Petter “Piddi” Zweidorff.
– We want to create opportunities for them, and not least to honor their fine father, says van Eijk.
