– I barely managed it.
Terje Kleven talks about the funeral of her friend Kyrre Johansen. The two have been good friends for 20 years.
In 2017, Kyrre was diagnosed with mole cancer. Nonetheless, she took trips and organized parties. She received medication and lived almost as usual, says Terje.
– We didn’t think much about him being sick, says Terje.
Then, in the summer of 2020, Kyrre suddenly felt something was wrong, says Terje. It turned out that the cancer had spread strongly and it was not possible to stop it.
Then Terje realized it would happen quickly. And he did it. Kyrre was 51 years old.
Was Indre Akershus magazine who first mentioned the matter.
Kleven says Kyrre was a very sociable person. He was creative and had a lot of good ideas. He describes Kleven as the glue of the gang.
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Unusual beginning of a friendship
Their friendship got off to a slightly offbeat start, him and Kyrre, says Terje.
The first time they met was Terje’s girlfriend with Kyrre’s ex. But Kyrre and her ex were good friends and were part of the same group of friends.
Terje says he was thrilled to meet Kyrre. But this would turn out to be completely unfounded.
GOOD MEMORIES: This is one of the many good memories Terje has with Kyrre, here along with Terje’s current partner Kirsti Østvang and friends’ mutual ex girlfriend Kristin Strand. The photo was taken on the stage of the Ryman Theater in Nashville. Photo: private
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– He was a fundamental person in every way.
Terje was well received in the group of friends. From that moment on, many parties and trips together.
– Kyrre was very sociable, creative and had a lot of good ideas. It was the glue of the gang.
“Wobbly”
In fall 2020, Terje sang at her friend’s funeral.
– It was incredibly difficult to stand in front of a full church with his friends and family. It was a “shaky” performance.
Terje remembers being disappointed with himself afterwards, but says he never had any doubts that he would perform the song and is glad he did.
– At the same time, you are only human. It was impossible to keep emotions under control.
Subsequently, Terje was asked to record the song so that it would become a lasting memory, and for those who could not be present.
DIFFICULT: Kyrre Johansen and Terje Kleven (th) have been good friends for 20 years. Photo: private
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– Deserved tribute
It is not the first time that Terje sings at a funeral. Among other things, he also wrote a song for her grandmother when she died.
– It’s one of the hardest things I do. To write about concrete events and people. I only do it when I feel I have to.
Writing about someone he knows and others have a good relationship with isn’t something he’s looking for, says Terje, but something he needs to be around.
– Kyrre was also one of those who deserved a tribute. Here I just had to roll up my sleeves, get in and out again when it’s good enough.
Panic
It was the song “Faded” by Alan Walker Terje performed at Kyrre’s funeral. Terje says he has never heard the song before, but he still performed it on an acoustic guitar.
“Where are you now? Atlantis, under the sea, under the sea.”
– This verse of the song lay in the back of my head and simmered for maybe six months. Suddenly a new song came to mind, with a melody that I already had.
– Maybe this could be a tribute to Kyrre, remember thinking.
Terje tried her way. However, she felt that the song was never good enough. Especially when it was such a personal topic.
Terje panicked when they were going to the studio, says:
– For the past two weeks, I’ve sat down every night to perfect the song. There was no pressure from anyone but me.
Now the band Sleep Kicks, in which Terje sings and plays the guitar, comes out with the single “Neptune”.
– Nobody knew I wrote the song for Kyrre, even after that. It’s open to interpretation and that’s how I like it.
Terje and several of Kyrre’s closest friends also made a music video for the song. Thomas Kirkeby directed and cut the video. While Kristin, Terje and Kyrre’s former mutual girlfriend helped with planning and recording.
– It was very cool and at the same time received some sort of approval that was done in a kind, dignified and fair way towards Kyrre and her family, says Terje.
A new idea
Suddenly Terje had a new idea for the music video: Kyrre’s daughter Majken should be involved.
– I imagined some scenes that fit the song. With Majken it would have been very nice, I thought. For her and for the others who knew Kyrre.
Fortunately, he said yes right away. They went to the beach in March. It was cold and freezing on the sea.
– I’m absolutely sure Kyrre loved it, both the song that Majken was in the music video.
Kyrre has always supported Terje’s musical projects. He helped print posters. He came to all the concerts and took pictures.
– I’m absolutely sure, wherever he is now, that he thinks it’s really funny.
