Rockheim Musical Archives

«Viggo called in September 2017, asking if we would be interested in releasing Våkenatt by Bridges. Like other fans of a-ha, I had heard about this almost mythical album, in some circles nicknamed «the great lost a-ha album». It’s not only an essential part of Norwegian music history, as the missing link between Bridges and a-ha; as I listened to the record, I discovered that it’s a masterpiece, which still feels fresh and relevant today.

You can hear sketches of «Scoundrel Days» and parts of «Soft Rain of April», and even though Morten Harket did not participate in the record, we know he was a big fan of Bridges at that time. This is the sound of an extremely talented, dedicated and fast developing band, close to their creative peak. A timeless product. We are proud to make this the first release on Rockheim Musical Archives.»

Terje Nilsen - rock historian, Rockheim

1980. After releasing Fakkeltog, we immediately started planning a new album. We wanted to move on. The sessions took place in the weekends in December 1980, at Sound Art Studio in Oslo. After post production during the holidays, we were to release the album early the following year. However, there was a break-in at the studio on Christmas day that changed everything. We had to re-record in January 1981. The studio was to shut down on February 1st. Not having time to finish the album, the project was scrapped. 

2016. a-ha were at the end of their reunion tour. After the last show in Bergen, I was contacted by Pål, who asked if maybe we should revisit the Våkenatt sessions. The songs were mixed in New York City in the fall of that year. And here is the finished album, 38 years later.»

Viggo Bondi, Bridges