Refused Members Launch New Band After Final Shows: A Fresh Start Without the Baggage

After their farewell tour, Refused’s core members are forming a new band, aiming for pure musical freedom and fresh creativity.

The End of an Era, The Start of Something New

If you’ve followed Refused’s journey, you know their story is nothing short of epic. After wrapping up their final shows this December, the four pillars of Refused—guitarist Mattias Bärjed, bassist Magnus Flagge, vocalist Dennis Lyxzen, and drummer David Sandström—are setting out on a new adventure together. But here’s the twist: this time, it’s not under the Refused name.

Drummer David Sandström shared this exciting development on Instagram while also announcing their last gigs in Sweden before the year closes out. He candidly revealed the spark behind this change: “We want to explore that — a band with no baggage, no fans to please, limited only by our wildest musical hopes and dreams.” The details are still hush-hush—no band name or timeline yet—but the enthusiasm is clear. “We’re very excited about getting around to taming this new wild beast.”

Why Not Just Keep Being Refused?

You might be wondering, why not just carry on as Refused? Sandström didn’t hold back in explaining the challenges they faced as a band. “Refused was never good for mine and Dennis’ relationship. We both have our own idea of what the band should be and how we should behave and never the twain shall meet. And we’d rather be friends than play in a popular band.”

There’s something beautifully honest about that. Sometimes, even the most legendary acts need to step away from the spotlight and the expectations that come with a band name that carries decades of history. This fresh start lets them reclaim their musical freedom without old tensions or the pressure of legacy.

The Farewell Tour and Sweden’s Hardcore All-Stars

As Refused prepares to say goodbye on their farewell tour, the excitement is palpable. Their tour kicks off again on October 1 in Glasgow, but the real treat awaits fans in Sweden. For their last eight gigs, they’ve lined up some of their oldest and dearest friends from the hardcore scene to open the shows. Among these are Harrowed, Division of Laura Lee, Millencolin, Abhinanda, Final Exit, Nix, and Dream Warriors.

And they’re not stopping there. “We’re bringing Youth Code over from L.A. to join us, a band we love both artistically and socially,” Sandström said. “Whenever I want to listen to some really intense, violent new hardcore I always end up listening to Youth Code instead, and I can’t think of a band that better embodies the maelstrom of hatred and insanity that is presently consuming the U.S.”

This fusion of old and new, underground and established, traditionalists and risk-takers, perfectly mirrors the spirit of Refused itself. Sandström sums it up well: “This is going to be an absolute blast of a finale.”

Refused’s Legacy: From 1991 to Beyond

Refused originally formed in 1991 and shocked the punk world with their influential 1998 album The Shape of Punk to Come. They split shortly after but reunited in 2012, bringing a wave of energy back to their studio sessions and live shows. Despite the hurdles—vocalist Dennis Lyxzen suffered a heart attack in June 2024, which thankfully he recovered from—the band managed to get back on the road earlier this year.

Sandström also addressed rumors about a potential “comeback” down the line, putting fans’ minds at ease and clarifying their stance.

“Some people have insinuated that like some other bands who, in the fashion of the great Larry David, quit with bells, whistles (and blood raining from a lacerating sky) only to return within a few years as if nothing had happened, Refused would do the same. Well, we won’t, and I feel the need to elucidate.”

He explained the ambiguity around their 2012 reunion statement was intentional—“The hatchet is buried … we’re going home”—to keep options open as they weren’t sure how long the reunion would last. “It did, but only so far.”

What Lies Ahead?

While we don't have the name or sound of this new band yet, the promise of a “band with no baggage” formed by the same four creative minds driving Refused means something fresh, exciting, and boundary-pushing is on the horizon. The opportunity to break free from expectations and fan pressure is a dream for many artists.

If you’ve ever loved the fire and raw energy of Refused, this next chapter is definitely worth watching.

FAQ

• Will the new band have the same musical style as Refused?
  While the members are the same, they hinted at exploring new sounds without limits, so expect something different, possibly more experimental.
• Is the farewell tour truly the end of Refused?
  According to drummer David Sandström, this farewell is final with no planned future reunions under the Refused name.
• Who are some of the opening acts for the final Swedish shows?
  The lineup includes hardcore veterans like Harrowed, Division of Laura Lee, Millencolin, Abhinanda, Final Exit, Nix, Dream Warriors, and Youth Code from L.A.
• What caused the band to decide against continuing as Refused?
  Personal differences between members and the desire to avoid fan expectations influenced their choice to start fresh rather than carry on the Refused legacy.
• Is Dennis Lyxzen healthy enough to perform?
  Yes, after his heart attack in June 2024, Lyxzen has recovered well enough to join the band on their farewell tour.

Before you go, why not celebrate Refused’s legacy by adding a favorite album cover poster to your collection? It’s a great way to keep the spirit alive. Check out our curated selection at Architeg Prints for some iconic designs.