We will remember Tore as the gentle, genuine, generous and, eh, “weird motherfucker” he was – we all agree on this terminology, and probably he would as well. The feelz that could only come from our very own mad professor, his unique approach to chords, scales, his inherent musicality – fingerspitzgefühl – which has defined too many of our songs and releases to mention.
Let it be said and heard: Ulver would never be what it is without him. Everyone knows this, and feels it deeply. We loved him. Love him.
It is painful to think of our brother now, his last days. Lord knows what was going through his mind. Tore leaving us like this is a crushing reminder that all good things come to an end. Sometimes sooner, more sudden than we are ready for.
That death is part of this life.
We all know this. But it is hard to accept. We will never see our friend again. It’s totally absurd.
It hurts.
Thank you so much, all of you who have written, reached out, sent flowers and shared your memories with us these last days. We are moved and grateful. It is testament to how much Tore has meant, mattered.
As many have already said: he will live forever in the music.
We are glad to be in touch with Tore’s family, all of whom are the warmest and most wonderful people. Solid wood, as we say up here north. Our deepest sympathies go to them. They have told us that there exists some music from Tore’s final days, Hemingway-style in an old house up in Elsfjorden. We will look into this in due time, in cooperation with them and his love of over a decade, Ingrid dearest.
As for the rest of us, we have been together this last week, reminiscing and comforting each other, and we believe that the only sane response at this time is to carry on. We have no choice. We have to keep living, howling, holding on to the things that give our lives purpose. Music. Even without Tore.
Now and forever a big black hole in our hearts.
Farewell, dearest brother. You are legend. We miss you deeply.
Ulver, Oslo, 26 August 2024