Rednex are also known for their several, controversial line-up changes. The group originally consisted of the Annika Ljungberg (Mary Joe), Kent Olander (Bobby Sue), Arne Arstrand (Ken Tacky), Jonas Nilsson (Billy Ray) and Patrick Edenberg (Mup). Edenberg would soon be replaced as a group member by Urban Landgren (BB Stiff). In 1996, female lead singer Annika Ljungberg was fired, partly due to disagreements with the other band members, and replaced by Mia Löfgren (Whippy). During the Farm Out era in 2000, Patrick Edenberg decided to shift the group's focus toward live entertainment, which led to a total rehaul of the line-up. All members of the group were replaced, bringing in Julie-Anne Tulley (Scarlet), Anders Sandberg (Dagger), Roy van der Haagen (Joe Cgg) and Jean-Paul Engeln (Jay Lee) instead. Roster changes continued to plague the group, with Roy van den Haagen and Jean-Paul Engeln leaving in 2003. They were replaced by Tor Pentén (Ace Ratclaw) and Björn Scheffler (Boneduster Crock). A year later, Julie-Anne Tulley parted ways with Rednex.
A decade after leaving the group, original female lead singer Annika Ljungberg returned to Rednex in 2006 and was assigned exclusive rights to license the Rednex trademark until the end of 2008. She replaced Björn Scheffler with her husband, Jens Sylsjö (Snake), and Anders Sandberg with Anders Lundström (Maverick). On 1 January 2009, when Annika Ljungberg's management licence expired, control of the Rednex brand returned to the founders of the group. All members of the group were fired by the returning management following a dispute, and were replaced by members of Rednex Tribute, who were all themselves former members of Rednex.
In January 2012, Rednex announced that they had shelved the concept of a permanent line-up. Instead, the group now uses a larger pool of characters, from which one female and three male performers are chosen for each performance, depending on the location and the availability of the members.
Current members
Mia Löfgren (Whippy): 1998-1999, 2014-present
Cecilia Karlsson (Misty Mae): 2012-present
Christine van de Ven (Abby Hick): 2012-present
Cassidy: 2017-present
Rattler: 2017-present
Puppy: 2017-present
Anders Sandberg (Dagger): 2001-2005, 2009-present
Tor Pentén (Ace Ratclaw): 2003-2006, 2009-present
Roy van der Haagen (Joe Cagg): 2001-2002, 2009-present
Björn Scheffler (Boneduster Crock): 2003-2005, 2012-present
Pontus Söderqvist (Rufus Jones): 2012-present
Jan Blumentrath (Spades): 2014-present
Anders Arstrand (Ken Tacky): 1994-1999, 2014-present
Urban Landgren (BB Stiff): 1994-2000, 2014-present
Jonas Nilsson (Billy Ray): 1994-2000, 2014-present
Former members
Patrick Edenberg (Mup): 1994
Kent Olander (Bobby Sue): 1994-2000
Jean-Paul Engeln (Jay Lee): 2001-2002
Anders Lundström (Maverick): 2006
Jens Sylsjö (Snake): 2005-2008
Annika Ljungberg (Mary Joe): 1994-1995, 2004-2008
Julie-Anne Tulley (Scarlet): 2001-2004, 2009-2011
Nadja Flood (Dakotah): 2012-2015
Rednex NZ
In November 2012, Rednex began a franchise operation in Australia & New Zealand. Four new performers from Auckland and Wellington were recruited to form a second Rednex with a non-exclusive license to perform in Australasia. Performers in the NZ/Australian line-up include Theresa Murphy (Rayanna Randy Payne), Anthony Sibbald (Rawtooth Rick), and Pascal Roggen (Slimboy)
Wild and Free
Rednex Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're heading for the west
Not heading for the east
We're gonna live our dream
'Cause we're wild and free
We are heading for the west
We're gonna live our dream
'Cause we're wild and free
Hey!
Hey Hey!
Hey!
Hey Hey!
Whoa
Heading for the west
Everybody
Heading for the west
Wild and free
Heading for the west
Everybody
We're gonna live our dream
'Cause we're wild and free
We're heading for the west
Not heading for the east
We're gonna live our dream
'Cause we're wild and free
We are heading for the west
Not heading for the east
We're gonna live our dream
'Cause we're wild and free
Hey! ('Cause we're wild and free)
Hey Hey! (everybody)
Hey!
Hey Hey!
Whoa
Everybody, everybody
Everybody, everybody
Everybody, everybody
Everybody
Free free free free free
Free free free free free
Free free free free free
Free free free free free
Free free free free free
Free free free free free
Free free free free free
Heading for the west
Heading for the west
Free free free free free
Free free free free free
Heading for the west
Heading for the west
Free free free free free
Free free free free free
We're heading for the west
Not heading for the east
We're gonna live our dream
'Cause we're wild and free
We are heading for the west
Not heading for the east
We're gonna live our dream
'Cause we're wild and free
Heading for the west
Everybody
Heading for the west
Wild and free
Heading for the west
Everybody
We're gonna live our dream
'Cause we're wild and free
Hey!
Hey hey!
Hey!
Hey hey!
Hey!
Whoa, hey!
The lyrics to Rednex’s song Wild and Free speak to the desire for freedom and independence, as well as the pursuit of a dream. The repetition of the line “We’re heading for the west, not heading for the east” emphasizes this desire to move forward and break free from the past. The chorus, with the lines “Heading for the west, everybody / We’re gonna live our dream ‘cause we’re wild and free” encourages others to join in this pursuit of freedom and to follow their own dreams. The repeated “Hey” and “Whoa” create a sense of excitement and energy, contributing to the overall theme of freedom and adventure.
The message of the song is relatable to anyone who has ever felt trapped or constrained by their circumstances, and encourages listeners to take a leap of faith towards their dreams. The west, in this song, represents the unknown and the possibilities that come with taking risks and exploring new territory, both literally and metaphorically.
Overall, Rednex’s Wild and Free celebrates the human desire for independence, adventure, and following one’s dreams. The energetic and catchy chorus encourages listeners to embrace their own desires for freedom and to take action to pursue them.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey
Greeting and attention grabber
We are heading for the west
We are traveling towards the western part of the world
Not heading for the east
We are not heading towards the eastern part of the world
We're gonna live our dream
We are going to achieve our desired goal in life
'Cause we're wild and free
We are free spirits who do not conform to societal conventions
Whoa
Expressing surprise or excitement
Everybody
All the people involved
Free free free free free
Emphasizing the fact that they are free and liberated individuals
Heading for the west
Traveling towards the west
Hey! ('Cause we're wild and free)
Reiteration of their freedom and non-conformity
Whoa, hey!
Expression of surprise and excitement
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDERS ERIK HANSSON, JOHN FRANCIS, PATRICK EDENBERG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Peal705
I can still hear the farm animals chanting “Wild Mike! Wild Mike! Wild Mike!”
@jeremyglinski746
LETS BOOGIE!😄😃
@SM___________
Fuck that made laugh yes those were simpler easier times 🙌👌
@STARPLATINUMZ
Fr
@le1er133
Damn I remember that movie when it came out
@STARPLATINUMZ
@Pearls at CVS my guy
@jordan-ki6li
so much nostalgia from this song !! wild mike, wild mike, wild mike !!
@xellzice2029
I love that no matter how hard they try to sing in a southern accent, their Swedish always tends to slip through
@jeremymcclary3901
Then you have missed the point my friend.....😪
@maksphoto78
I was 100% convinced they were from USA