Torsson – To want but not be able

So, it has been 50 years since The Fourth Best Band in Lund held their first concert at Lilla Teatern, right in Lund. To Want but Not to Be Able is a travesty on the band’s first album from 1980 titled To Be Able but Not to Want.

The story in the performance is based on a fascinating narrative written by Torsson’s frontman, singer, and songwriter Bo Åkerström. A story that ties together many of Torsson’s songs and lyrics based on the lives of three individuals.

The events in the lives of Gunnar, Axel, and Lars-Erik can thus be recognized in several of Torsson’s lyrics. To the direct question of whether these three people exist or have existed in reality, Bo answers:
-Of course they have not existed, they are as fictional as the song lyrics. However, many traits and details in their lives are taken directly from reality, from living models…

The musical performance with Torsson and actor Per Lasson is a musical show in two acts. Per Lasson presents the story, and Torsson plays their classic songs, plus several newly written songs composed specifically for this occasion. Everything framed with images on a large screen.

The idea for this unique musical performance has developed over the past year when the band, during their tours, brainstormed how best to celebrate their 50 years in the industry. Many other bands in the same situation have done several so-called “farewell tours” marketed with great pomp and circumstance. Torsson did not want to follow this example as the band has no intention of stopping touring.

–Why stop, now that things are going better than ever? It’s now that it’s starting to get really fun… says Bo Åkerström

Bo, who, after some back and forth, was the one who came up with the final idea of a story that ties the songs together, justifies it this way:

–I usually stand and talk a lot of nonsense between the songs anyway. Why not write down a really interesting story and let someone who really can, read it?

Per Lasson became known as the police chief in the successful series Thin Blue Line and most recently he plays the lead role in Felix Herngren’s series Where the Sun Always Shines set in Mallorca. The series will have a continuation. Other contexts we’ve seen him in include Eagles, Stenbeck, Whiskey on the Rocks, Ronja the Robber’s Daughter, Solsidan, and The Bridge. He has also been frequently engaged in theaters such as Stockholm City Theatre, Malmö City Theatre, Östgötateatern, and Unga Dramaten.

Per Lasson says:
–When I did a special assignment in high school in 1989, I had a mix tape I listened to on repeat. It was a mix of songs with different synth and punk bands…and there were a couple of songs by Torsson! So when I got the offer to go on a rock tour in Sweden with them, there was never any hesitation. Check that off the bucket list.

Torsson is:
Bo Åkerström
Thomas Holst
Michael Sellers
Dan Persson
Rikard Swärdh

Information on bags – Updated August 14, 2025

The bag ban no longer applies to Konsert & Kongress, Saab Arena, and Stångebrofältet.

However, we recommend bringing a smaller bag – preferably no larger than 40 x 40 x 20 cm – to facilitate entry and storage. Bags may be searched at the entrance.

Thank you for helping us create a safe and smooth concert experience!

For questions regarding accessibility at Linköping Konsert & Kongress, please email biljett@visitlinkoping.se, or visit linköpingkonsertkongress/about the facility

Keep in mind that you can often walk, cycle, or take public transport to your event experience in Linköping.

Visit ostgotatrafiken.se for information about public transport! It is often also convenient to get to other parts of the municipality with public transport, see ostgotatrafiken.se for travel information. The nearby stop at Linköping Konsert & Kongress is “Konsert & Kongress läge A”

When you arrive by train in Linköping

Most buses depart from Linköpings Resecentrum to get further within the municipality. From Linköping’s travel center, it’s only a short walk into the city!

If you come by car, see parking here dukaten.se

Outerwear must not be brought into the concert but should be hung in the cloakroom. Cost 25 kr

The times indicated are approximate only. Exact end time cannot be guaranteed.
Subject to change.

May occur during this performance

We want to draw your attention to the fact that during the event, photography of event images may occur for the purpose of informing about Visit Linköping & Co’s activities. The images are used in Visit Linköping & Co’s channels: websites (www.visitlinkoping.se and www.konsertkongress.se) and social media. If you as an individual appear in the images and wish to object to this, we ask you to contact dataskydd@visitlinkoping.se