On an unsuspecting side street of downtown Oslo, Norway, lies what might just be the coolest little bar that side of the Atlantic. The place I speak of is the Bar Robinet. It's checkerboard wallpaper of orange and chrome add a Dee-lite vibe to an already hip pub. Late comers beware though, because, I'm guessing this watering hole won't hold more than 30 people.

Behind the bar on any given night, such notables as Anders Møller (Glucifer, Euroboys), Chris Summers (Turbonegro, Oslo Motherfuckers) and TK (Anal Babes, Turbonegro), just to name a few, can be found serving up the drinks. But what really attracts people to this indiscreet Bar Robinet?

Is it their choice of house music? The co-op rest room? Or is it the no nonsense sailor man who's picture hangs ready to greet your rejuvenated exit from the aforementioned lavatory? One can only guess. For me the reason(s) were clear. This was the meeting place scheduled by a mutual friend, with the Turbonegro and it occurred on Tuesday, July 02, 2002.

We have a few drinks as the boys show up. Seeing all these guys walk in, having just come from rehearsal down the street in preparation for the Quart, knowing they didn't have to be there, and coming from what was an obviously warm session in itself, made the trip to Norway all worthwhile. Showing no 'rock star' attitudes they were all very open and friendly individuals. First I shoot the shit with Pal Pot for quite a while, then Knut, Tom, Hank, Chris, and finally Rune. I also meet some really great guys like Tom's friend Marc from Bergen (who was on tour w/ Kaizers Orchestra), Robinet owner, Tony and Torgxy Amdam (Amulet). Also with them was Trond who is a very likable easy-to-get-along-with guy. He's also the man behind the ongoing Turbo documentary (given sole rights to do such an undertaking by Happy Tom himself and thereby dismissing a BBC rep who was interested in the same job). Highlights revealed by Trond were him and Tom's week spent with Hank at his home in the Lofoten Islands and a 7 camera crew on hand to capture the turbos first homeland gig in over 4 years.

As the crowd dwindles away it's Tom, Rune, Chris, Vidar and myself left standing. It was around this time that the topic somehow shifted to American crime and it's judicial system. With Rune half passed out at the bar and Chris trying his best to close up shop, Happy-Tom and I carried this conversation well into the early morning hours (I'm guessing 7am-ish). It was great to talk about such topics but it forced me to jot-down the following note to myself: Don't talk politics with Turbonegro while drunk.

Chris works his way around stacking stools atop the bar and in doing so, inches closer towards the door. A smooth move by any standards. We soon pick up his cue and all leave the bar (or are politely kicked out rather) where we're greeted by drops of rain from an awesome overcast sky. We walk a ways, and then split up at a city square.

I recommend dropping by this conclave if your ever in Oslo, Norway.