Eric Backer-Røed was a founding father of the band and the lead guitarist from the start of the band in 2006 until he died too young, untimely in 2022.
Eric started playing electric guitar as a teenager and joined a lot of different bands throughout the following years. Among others he played with the famous Norwegian blues-artist Reidar Larsen in the band Stuntmannens Sønner and with Øyvind Elgenes in Noregs Blaalag. Elgenes became later the singer in the famous Norwegian band Dance with a Stranger. From 2000 and the years thereafter, he played in both a rock band and a big band in Bergen. Eric enjoyed and mastered different music styles.
Eric had a lot of different guitars during his career, but finally he was very pleased with his Gibson Les Paul Gold Top and his Fender Strato- and Telecasters. The good sound was completed when he in 2016 bought a Lazy J tube amplifier built by Jesse Hoff in England.
The band will always remember his beautiful and soulful guitar solos and is thankful for his contribution to the band.
In the memorial service, this recording of The Soulmates Band was played at the ceremony: When something is wrong with my baby.
Rest in peace, Eric.