.

.

Interview with
Björn Strid
from
THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA:

“The Soundtrack to
Being in Motion”

(27th May, 2025)

Interview by Dave Bruce

.

Watch and listen to the whole interview below

.

When you hear the name Björn Strid, you may think of iconic Swedes like Björn Borg or ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus. But in the world of hard rock and melodic metal, Strid has earned his place in the Swedish pantheon as frontman for both Soilwork and the retro-fueled powerhouse, The Night Flight Orchestra.

Ahead of the band’s return to Australia, I caught up with the always charismatic Strid to discuss the journey of The Night Flight Orchestra—from a drunken tour-bus idea to a cinematic rock odyssey spanning seven albums, including their latest, Give Us The Moon.

Born from a Bloody Mary at 30,000 Feet

Strid recounts the birth of The Night Flight Orchestra as something both spontaneous and serendipitous. “It started as a drunken idea on a tour with Soilwork. I met David Andersson, who I started the band with, and we bonded over late ’70s and ’80s aesthetics—music, fashion, art. We wanted to create the soundtrack of being in motion.”

The band name? Also born mid-air. “We were on a flight to Southeast Asia, the only ones awake, drinking Bloody Marys, listening to music. That’s when we came up with the name—The Night Flight Orchestra. It felt like the perfect vibe.”

Not Just a Side Project

When The Night Flight Orchestra formed in 2007, Soilwork was already a global force. But for Strid, this new venture was more than a side gig. “I needed something different. At times I felt frustrated in Soilwork—there were things I couldn’t do musically. Night Flight gave me that kick again, like when we first started Soilwork. It felt necessary.”

Even though some band members overlap—like Rasmus, who plays bass in Soilwork and guitar in TNFO—the two projects maintain their own identities, with care taken to separate album and touring cycles. “It gets tricky sometimes, but we make it work.”

Defining the Sound

Ask Strid to define The Night Flight Orchestra’s sound and you’ll get a carefully thought-out answer. “It’s classic rock at heart, but with a strong bond to AOR. Whatever AOR means these days,” he laughs. “But it’s also very cinematic. Pretentious as that may sound, it’s true.”

The band wears their influences proudly, blending the grandeur of arena rock with funky grooves and rich atmospherics.

.

.

Give Us The Moon: A Tribute, A Rebirth

Released in January, Give Us The Moon is perhaps the band’s most emotionally charged record. It’s also the first since the tragic passing of guitarist and co-founder David Andersson. “It was a dark time. We had to find the joy in music again. David was a huge part of the songwriting, and I had to dig deep to bring his spirit along with us. This album is an explosion of emotions—uplifting, melancholic, and cinematic. It’s our most layered work to date.”

Signature tracks like “Stratus,” “Shooting Velvet,” “Paloma,” and “Cosmic Tide” have become instant staples in their live set.

A Legacy Reignited

Despite decades in music, Strid says he’s never felt more energized. “As a singer, I feel like a late bloomer. I’ve never sounded better. And the band has never been tighter. We’ve really grown as a live act.”

Their recent European tour was met with acclaim, and their return to Australia this month is something Strid is genuinely excited for. “Australia feels like a second home. This will be my 12th time there. Once I’m there, I never want to leave.”

Touring with Legends (and Wanting More)

Strid has shared stages with heavyweights—from Black Sabbath to KISS. “We opened for KISS in Sweden on their final shows. Insane. Gene Simmons even popped into our dressing room, danced with one of the backup singers—it was surreal.”

And yet, there are still dreams. “I’ve always wanted to tour with Judas Priest. It might not fit Night Flight, but with Soilwork, who knows? Rob Halford is killing it. So inspiring.”

.

.

Offstage: Antiques, Elton, and Almost Famous

Björn isn’t just a rockstar—he’s a vintage enthusiast. “I love antiques and flea markets. I could talk about vintage stuff for hours.”

When asked what he values most in himself? “That I can be myself. No mask. I’m grounded. What you see is what you get.”

Quick fire faves?

Favorite album: Grace Under Pressure – Rush
Favorite artist: Elton John
Favorite movie: Almost Famous
Favorite place to visit: Australia (of course)

Final Descent

As The Night Flight Orchestra prepares to land back down under, Strid remains humble yet confident. “We’re not slowing down—but we’re doing it smarter. Every show needs to mean something. We want to be present. For ourselves and for the fans.”

There’s no doubt fans here will be lining up to board the next Night Flight.

Catch them while you can—because if this is the soundtrack to being in motion, you’ll want a front-row seat.

.

.

Hit up their socials for $10 discounted tickets!!!

AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES:

Thursday 29th May – MELBOURNE – MAX WATTS
ORPHEUS OMEGA + DEAD CITY RUINS

Friday 30th May – BRISBANE – CROWBAR
CATALANO

SAT 31st MAY – SYDNEY – CROWBAR
Big Red Fire Truck

Sunday 1st JUNE – ADELAIDE – THE GOV
DIRTY PAGANS + EMERGENCY RULE

Tickets HERE

** Type in firstsupport or mainsupport at checkout, depending on which band you want to support, and you will unlock your $10 discount with portion of proceeds going straight to the band. These are regular tickets for the show, save some bucks!!!

SYD and BRIS just use code mainsupport

Also the band want to say thank you Australia, and are offering some extremely limited double and triple passes, they want as many fans in the conga line as possible!!!

Extremely Limited double and triple passes, only a handful of these available

** TWO GA TICKETS FOR $70

** THREE GA TICKETS FOR $90

Tickets HERE

.

.

Follow THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA
Linktree – Facebook – Spotify

.

Watch and listen to the whole interview below

.

AMNPLIFY – DB