THE STORY

The story of The European Highwaymen began in Kristiansand, Norway, in 2006, when a tribute concert to Kris Kristofferson brought together a group of seasoned country artists who quickly discovered a shared musical connection. What started as a collaboration grew into The European Highwaymen — a project firmly rooted in classic country, the outlaw tradition and a life spent on the road.The journey eventually led to Nashville, where the album Spinning was recorded at Buck's Place Recording Studio with an extraordinary team of musicians and country veterans. Dave Roe, longtime bassist for Johnny Cash, served as arranger and bandleader, while country legend Bobby Bare was involved as producer. Behind the console was Buck Jarrell, whose credits include work with artists such as Waylon Jennings and Dolly Parton. Spinning went on to reach No. 16 on the Norwegian album chart.

Today, The European Highwaymen is Arly Karlsen, G.Thomas and Hawk Christensen — three distinctive artists bringing their own voices, histories and musical identities to the same stage.Arly Karlsen has been a defining voice in Norwegian country since the early 1980s. First gaining national recognition with Western Swingers, with whom he earned three gold records, Karlsen later established a long and successful solo career. His unmistakable deep voice and traditional country roots have made comparisons to Johnny Cash inevitable, while decades of touring and recording have given Karlsen an identity entirely his own.For G.Thomas, outlaw country has always been close to the heart. Across more than four decades, he has released numerous albums and toured extensively throughout Norway, Europe and the United States. Along the way, he has shared stages with some of country music's legendary names, including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson. His connection to the outlaw tradition became particularly tangible when he recorded the duet Down Came the World with Waylon Jennings.Hawk Christensen brings his own blend of country, outlaw and rock 'n' roll to the trio. A guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, Christensen began performing at an early age and has spent much of his musical life immersed in American-style country and outlaw music. He has served as guitarist for American outlaw artist Wendel Adkins and has toured and recorded with musicians connected to Waylon Jennings and the outlaw-country scene.Together, Karlsen, G.Thomas and Christensen are not trying to sound alike — and that is precisely the point. Three different voices, personalities and musical backgrounds meet in a show built around great songs, musicianship and stories shaped by decades on the road.Now, The European Highwaymen are writing a new chapter, with a renewed line-up, new live shows and new original music.This is more than a tribute to country music's past. It is three artists carrying that tradition forward in their own way — with the experience, stories and scars of a life lived in country music.Three voices. Three stories. One highway.