17 Facts About Paul Waaktaar-Savoy

Paul Waaktaar-Savoy was born on Pal Gamst, 6 September 1961 and is a Norwegian musician and songwriter.

Paul Waaktaar-Savoy was named Knights First Class of the Order of St Olav by King Harald for his services to Norwegian music and his international success.

Paul Waaktaar-Savoy was born to the Gamst family on 6 September 1961 in Tonsenhagen, Norway, at the outskirts of Oslo, and was raised in Oslo's Manglerud district with his older sister Tonje.

Paul Waaktaar-Savoy's father was a pharmacist, and his mother worked at the phone company.

Paul Waaktaar-Savoy is a distant relative of Norwegian footballer Morten Gamst Pedersen.

Paul Waaktaar-Savoy's parents appreciated classical music, and encouraged young Pal first to learn the flute, then to study music composition when his performance skill revealed him to be a child prodigy.

Paul Waaktaar-Savoy admired the music of American rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix, and hoped one day to write a rock opera similar to Hair.

Paul Waaktaar-Savoy used his mother's family name, Waaktaar, in his stage name, to become Pal Waaktaar.

Paul Waaktaar-Savoy was a loner, not social at school, and was unsuccessful attracting girlfriends in his teens.

Paul Waaktaar-Savoy is the lead guitarist and main songwriter for a-ha, one of the most successful bands of the 1980s.

Paul Waaktaar-Savoy has given me self-confidence, encourages me to talk to people, not to be afraid and to use the abilities I have.

In February 2014 Paul Waaktaar-Savoy premiered a new track under the name Waaktaar through a-ha.

In September 2016 Paul Waaktaar-Savoy formed a new duo with singer Zoe Gnecco, called Waaktaar and Zoe.

Paul Waaktaar-Savoy's trademark is not starting to paint until the canvas has been fitted with a frame.

Paul Waaktaar-Savoy has incredible will-power and a watchful eye, always searching for material he can use creatively.

Paul Waaktaar-Savoy can keep working on what appears to be the same thing over and over again.

Paul Waaktaar-Savoy has throughout his career with A-HA and Savoy used various brands of guitars.