Already at the age of four, Bjørn Christian Wiik stood in the streets of Oldervika outside Tromsø, singing Sputnik’s “Skilles Johanne” at the top of his voice.
Music has always been an important part of his life and, according to his younger brother Simon Haugen, he always had his guitar on his shoulder when he came to visit his hometown, Oldervik, which he loved so much.
Bjørn Christian Wiik died on Thursday after a short illness.
– Now we are missing our guitarist and our singer. It won’t be the same without Bjørn, the younger brother tells Dagbladet.
Wiik played a concert last weekend at Rorbua in Tromsø.
SOCIAL: Bjørn Christian Wiik and his little brother Simon Haugen. Photo: Private.
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– They would like Bjørn’s music
Simon Haugen speaks of an open and honest person, who found it easy to connect with others – even from the stage.
– He has played a lot in Rorbua in recent years. There is only live music, and they would like Bjørn’s music, says the little brother.
– He was such a person!
The Rorbua pub became particularly well known thanks to the television program You will hear a lot, which aired on NRK from 1987 to 2003. There, the presenter and guests got together to tell funny stories and jokes – preferably of the somewhat cruder kind.
A kind of joke in which Bjørn Christian Wiik also excelled, according to Simon.
– He was a showman and a very open and honest person.
When Bjørn Christian Wiik was not working in the municipal management of the municipality of Tromsø, he devoted a lot of time to music.
– Every free minute he was occupied with music.
Recently, he managed to launch several songs on his own, says the little brother.
Songs about everyday life, and about his thoughts.
– It’s a shame he didn’t go further. He was never going to get rich and make money as a musician, but wanted to take his music to the world.
It was a newspaper Northern Lights who first mentioned death.
MEMORY LIKE THIS: Bjørn Christian Wiik in a familiar pose, with the guitar in his hands. Photo: Private
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There will be many hard times
The artist has been in the intensive care unit of the University Hospital in Northern Norway for a few days.
Simon Haugen says he and his family are grateful for the help his older brother received there.
– Many thanks to all employees for all the help and care we received during this time, says Haugen.
He says many family members and friends have visited and sat by the hospital bed in recent days.
The hospital room was also filled with singing and guitar playing.
– The cousin was sitting there playing guitar for him, then his guitar hand left, and then he heard we were there, says the little brother.
– I am very happy that we had three days there, even if you are never quite prepared.
Simon Haugen says there will be many difficult times ahead, but friends and family will stand together in grief.
– It is important to talk and show your emotions. This is the most important thing. It will be a strange time ahead.
Bjørn Christian Wiik leaves behind three children.
