Bonafide from left to right: Niklas Matsson – drums, Martin Ekelund – bass, Pontus Snibb – vocals/guitar, Anders Rosell – guitar.
Photo: Lars Brundin. For hi-res press photos, please visit the Press page
Bonafide biography, by Fredrik Ek
The Bonafide that audiences recognize today was formed on January 6, 2014, when guitarist Anders Rosell joined the band. The current lineup, featuring Pontus Snibb (vocals/guitar), Niklas Matsson (drums), and Martin Ekelund (bass), has since released three studio albums – Denim Devils, Flames and Are You Listening? – as well as a live album. Live at KB (2019) not only captured the essence of Bonafide’s sound but also served as a powerful summary of the band’s first six albums. On the album, the band delivers timeless classics like Night Time and Peg Legged Pete from their self-titled debut, while putting their own stamp on tracks such as Dirt Bound and Fill Your Head With Rock from the 2009 release Something’s Drippin’. But it’s with live renditions of songs like Bottle of Jack, Hold Down the Fort, and Power Down that Snibb, Matsson, Ekelund, and Rosell truly shine. The performance on Live at KB underscores Bonafide’s core ambition: to deliver hard rock as it was meant to be played—rooted in electric blues and early rhythm and blues.
In addition to their musical synergy, the band features a lineup with a rich legacy within the Swedish rock scene:
Pontus Snibb
Few Swedish musicians are as busy as Pontus Snibb. In addition to leading his own projects such as PS3, Wreck of Blues, and From the Sky, he is also active in A Tribute to Led Zeppelin and plays with the legendary American band Jason and the Scorchers. He has previously been a member of The Wildhearts.
Niklas Matsson
Before Bonafide, Matsson played with Backdraft and Raging Slab. In 2023, together with Ekelund, Snibb, and Ralf Gyllenhammar, Matsson performed as part of Mustasch. He remains the drummer Mustasch and also collaborates with Snibb in the solo project PS3.
Martin Ekelund
Ekelund has an extensive background as a tour manager, including six years with The Ark. During his time on the road with Takida, he survived two tour buses that caught fire. Today, he works as a music producer in his own recording studio in Klippan.
Anders Rosell
Besides Bonafide, Rosell maintains a successful solo career. Recently, he released the single Forever Traveling Man. A self-taught musician, Rosell began as a drummer before switching to guitar, drawing influences from artists like Hendrix and Springsteen. His journey through music has been unconventional, with no formal guidance through the classic rock and blues eras.
The History of Bonafide
Bonafide’s journey began in 2006 when Pontus Snibb and Micke Nilsson recorded the self-titled debut album. Snibb took on guitar, drums, and lead vocals, while Nilsson played bass. Shortly thereafter, Mikael Fässberg joined as the new lead guitarist, and Sticky Bomb was announced as the drummer.
In 2007, Bonafide made their live debut on May 19 at the Silja Rock Cruise in Stockholm. The following June, they announced that their debut album would be released on October 1. Recorded in Snibb’s home studio, the album included standout tracks like Down, 50 Cent Millionaire and Gambling Blues. Released via Black Lodge Records, the album was praised for its raw energy and no-frills, three-chord rock sound. Bonafide quickly hit the road, supporting iconic acts like Deep Purple and The Quireboys. On November 7, 2007, the band released their first music video, Loud Band, and celebrated with live performances in Malmö and Stockholm.
In 2008, Bonafide performed at several high-profile shows, including opening for Europe and Deep Purple at the Cloetta Center in Linköping and at Öja Krog in Ystad. Their performance in Ystad received positive reviews, with critics praising their energetic riff-driven rock, powerful guitar solos, and Snibb’s gravelly vocals, despite the limited stage time and reduced sound levels. That same year, Bonafide penned the official anthem for the Sweden Rock Festival, which was featured on a compilation album that also included their track Fill Your Head With Rock. This compilation was distributed for free on June 4th to all attendees who purchased a four-day ticket to the 2008 Sweden Rock Festival. In September, the band announced additional tour dates across Sweden, with shows scheduled in Gislaved, Stockholm, Västerås, and Varberg. By November, Bonafide revealed that pre-production for their second album was underway, with plans to record with renowned producer Chips Kiesbye in February 2009.
Bonafide’s sophomore album, Something’s Dripping, was recorded at Musicamatic Studios in Gothenburg. The new album, released in September, showcased a fresh direction for the band, with Snibb and guitarist Mikael Fässberg co-writing songs for the first time. Bonafide embraced a more aggressive, riff-heavy style, which they dubbed “genuine cock rock.” The album received widespread acclaim, with tracks like Fill Your Head With Rock and Straight Shooters earning special praise. The expanded version of their debut album was also released globally, featuring bonus tracks and a cover of Nazareth’s Miss Misery. Bonafide also embarked on a European tour in late 2009, playing alongside Crucified Barbara.
In 2010, Bonafide continued to build momentum, playing several gigs across Europe, including in Austria with Nazareth and The Quireboys. The year also saw the departure of drummer Sticky Bomb, who was replaced by Niklas Matsson. Matsson, a former member of Backdraft and Raging Slab, joined the band just in time for their spring 2010 tour of Spain. Bonafide’s European tour included performances across Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, and beyond. In December, they announced the release of a new EP, which included covers of classic rock songs like I Don’t Need No Doctor and I Can’t Explain. 2011 marked a significant year for Bonafide. Their new EP Fill Your Head With Rock – Old, New, Tried & True was released in January and quickly gained critical and commercial success.
Bonafide’s dynamic live performances continued to captivate audiences, earning them a loyal following as they toured extensively across Scandinavia and Europe. During this period, the band underwent a lineup change when founding member and bassist Micke Nilsson departed and was replaced by Martin Ekelund, a seasoned musician with a rich history in several prominent Swedish rock bands. Ekelund’s arrival brought a fresh surge of energy to the group, and their performances were met with even greater enthusiasm from fans. In November 2011, Bonafide delivered a standout show at Debaser Medis, which earned widespread acclaim, particularly after Snibb’s daring jump into the crowd during a guitar solo. That same year, the band’s song Fill Your Head With Rock, written for Sweden Rock Festival, was named one of the best songs of 2011 by Classic Rock magazine.
In 2012, Bonafide made waves at the Sweden Rock Festival, where they received a standing ovation. They also released Ultimate Rebel, which showcased the band’s growth, both musically and lyrically. With tracks like Too Fired Up and Rebel Machine, the album’s energy and raw intensity captured the band’s evolving sound. Bonafide embarked on an extensive Scandinavian and UK tour to promote Ultimate Rebel, playing in clubs, theaters, and festivals. The year also featured memorable performances at Akkurat, where the band debuted in February and returned in December.
One of Bonafide’s standout moments in 2013 was the release of their live DVD Messin’ in Wales – Live at Hard Rock Hell 2012. Released on July 1, it gave fans a chance to experience the band’s explosive live performances in a whole new way. Filmed during the final show of their Ultimate Rebel tour in Wales, the DVD captured Bonafide’s high-energy performance at the Hard Rock Hell Festival, where they delivered 120 decibels of rock ‘n’ roll on the main stage. This performance was hailed by many fans and critics as the highlight of the festival, featuring a mix of songs from their entire catalog. Messin’ in Wales became a memorable document of one of Bonafide’s most beloved and electrifying shows.
At the same time, the band was preparing for the next step in their career. Following the success of Ultimate Rebel, Bonafide released their fourth studio album, Bombo, which came out about a year later. The album was a natural progression, blending hard rock and blues rock, and showcased the band’s ongoing evolution. Bombo received positive reviews, with critics praising its dynamic and varied sound. Ulf Classon of Artrock described it as “bright and fresh, with an open layout and very easy to settle into,” rating it 8/10. He highlighted tracks like Bombo, Bad As Clint and Rock ‘N’ Roll Skål as particularly memorable.
In 2015, Bonafide released Denim Devils, an album that showcased a more polished yet still gritty sound. The record received positive reviews, with critics lauding the band’s skillful blend of classic rock influences and a more modern edge. Tracks like 50/50 and Hold Down the Fort quickly became fan favorites. The band toured extensively across Europe, steadily growing their following, and capped off the year with a Swedish tour alongside rock legends Black Star Riders.
In March 2016, Bonafide released the single and video for Michelangelo, a duet between Pontus Snibb and Ralf Gyllenhammar (Mustasch). This cover of Björn Skifs’ 1974 classic was praised by Skifs himself and marked a new musical direction for the band. Michelangelo was performed live for the first time at the Sweden Rock Festival that summer, which became a highlight of the year. Bonafide also launched a new vinyl release of their first two albums, Bonafide (2007) and Something’s Dripping (2009), in high-quality vinyl. The band toured extensively across several countries, including Switzerland, Germany, the UK, and Spain, with notable performances at the Sweden Rock Festival and prestigious venues like the O2 Academy Islington in London. The year concluded with their traditional shows at Akkurat in Stockholm.
Bonafide released their highly anticipated album Flames on February 24, 2017. The album received positive reviews for its energetic blend of AC/DC-inspired rock, gospel, and soul. Tracks like Back in the Flames, Bottle of Jack and Power Down became fan favorites. The band toured extensively, playing over 30 shows in Sweden, the UK, and Spain, including performances at the O2 Academy in London and Yardbirds in Grimsby. Bonafide was nominated for several Gaffa Awards, including “Best Group” and “Best Hard Rock/Metal,” confirming their strong presence on the rock scene.
In 2018, Bonafide focused on an intense touring schedule both in Sweden and internationally. A highlight was the recording of a live album at KB in Malmö in February, capturing the band’s powerful live performances. The band also toured Finland and the UK, with notable shows in Helsinki and Oulu, and performed two concerts with Deep Purple in Finland. Tragically, the year was marked by the passing of their former guitarist Mikael Fässberg in February, a huge emotional loss for the band.
In early 2019, Bonafide released their first live album, Live at KB. Recorded at Kulturbolaget in Malmö in February 2018, the album captured the raw energy of their live shows, including powerful versions of recent songs like Bottle of Jack and Power Down. The band’s lineup with Snibb, Matsson, Rosell, and Ekelund gave a definitive sound to their live shows. In addition to the album release, Bonafide performed at several festivals, including Bonfest in Scotland, Malmöfestivalen, and Kopparbergsfestivalen, as well as numerous club gigs in Germany and Switzerland. A special highlight was the Bonafide & Friends at Zum Franziskaner concert in Stockholm, a Christmas show celebrating the restaurant’s 130th anniversary.
2020 brought challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, halting live performances and recording. However, Bonafide used the time creatively, recording new material and engaging with fans through social media. By 2021, they were preparing for their return to the stage and the release of new music.
In 2022, Bonafide hit the road again, playing several major festivals and venues. Highlights included their performance at the Malmö Rock Festival, their return to Sweden Rock Festival, and their explosive performances at the Rock at Sea cruise in November. The band continued to grow their fanbase with each show, and their presence in the European rock scene remained strong.
In 2023, Bonafide released their highly acclaimed album Are You Listening?, again produced by Kiesbye. The album garnered widespread praise for its fresh sound and compelling songwriting, marking a collaborative effort within the band. Main songwriter Snibb shared songwriting credits with Rosell on three tracks, and with Matsson and Ekelund on one track each. Additionally, Filippa Nässil, Pär Hellberg, and James Braban also contributed to the songwriting process. Matsson made his first lead vocal contribution on the track Tonight I’m Wild. Additionally, the band dropped the single Snacket, a collaboration with Swedish rock legend Nisse Hellberg. Bonafide’s standout performances at the Skogsröjet Festival and their official album release party in Stockholm on October 28th were among the highlights of the year.
In 2024, Bonafide began the year with a highly anticipated return to Malmö, followed by shows in Germany and the Netherlands. Their performance at the Rockpalast/Crossroads Festival in Bonn was broadcast internationally, and the band also played at major festivals like Azkena Rock in Spain. As they continued to tour, Bonafide’s reputation as a high-energy live act grew stronger. The year also marked a significant milestone with Pontus Snibb’s nomination for International Frontman at the Hard Rock Hell Awards, further cementing the band’s status on the international stage.
Bonafide is preparing for a thrilling performance at the Time To Rock Festival in Knislinge, Sweden, from July 4-7, 2025. The band has written and released an official anthem for the festival, aptly titled Time To Rock. Written by Pontus Snibb and performed by Bonafide, this anthem will surely become a festival highlight. With Pontus Snibb’s extensive musical career and the band’s reputation for delivering hard-hitting rock anthems, this new song is poised to be another classic. The anthem will be performed live during their set at the festival—mark your calendars for a show that promises to rock the stage and get everyone in the crowd ready for a Time To Rock!