Backstreet Girls

Backstreet Girls return to the stage with a new vocalist and a new album. The album "Full Tilt Boogie" will be released on May 15. In the wake of the release, the band will embark on an extensive club tour. Tickets are selling like hotcakes. At the time of writing, Notodden Blues Festival is the only festival that has so far been prioritized in 2026. On Saturday, August 1, thousands of fans will stand in front of the main stage at Notodden and welcome them back.

When the band's legendary frontman Bjørn Müller passed away in November 2024, many believed that the story of the Backstreet Girls had reached its final chapter. But in true Backstreet spirit, guitarist and songwriter Petter Baarli made a decision. The legacy would not stop. The Backstreet Girls train would roll on.

At the Notodden Blues Festival in 2024, the Backstreet Girls rocked the Rootsville stage and poured their sparkling rock and boogie over a packed venue and a joyful audience. The Backstreet Girls gave it their all. The audience accepted and gave back. The words went around the entire festival after the concert about a fantastic performance. Now the Backstreet Girls are back with a new vocalist, a new album and renewed strength. 

The band's new vocalist, Roar Leren, has long had a close relationship with both Bjørn Müller and the band. With his powerful voice, authority on stage and deep respect for the band's expression, he appears to be a natural and worthy choice to carry on Bjørn's legacy.
– Roar knows all our songs, knows all the Rolling Stones songs, he knows the essence of the best rock’n’roll. And then he has damn good taste, and then he’s a damn nice man. Sings like a god, explains Baarli. Baarli promises that the band will stick to its roots and offer hard, straight-to-the-point rock’n’roll.

“I know from personal experience how Petter Baarli has felt about the passing of his friend, bandmate and co-songwriter, Bjørn Muller. Like so many others, I’m glad that Petter chose to keep the Backstreet Girls going, play the songs and keep the legacy alive. I’m glad that they chose to say yes to the Notodden Blues Festival this year. It’s guaranteed to be powerful to experience them on such a big stage. We at the Notodden Blues Festival have a long and close relationship with the Backstreet Girls and Petter Baarli. We can’t wait to see them again. "There will definitely be a lot of love in the air this evening," says booking manager at Notodden Blues Festival, Jostein Forsberg.