So says a smiling and satisfied Magne Skibsted Jensen, one of the members of the band Never Too Late.
Celebrated childhood friend
Who is he talking about?
Gro Harlem Brundtland (84).
“Landsmoderen” who on Saturday 2 March appeared at a concert and 85-year-old club in Haldens Klub.
Brundtland was prime minister of Norway for three terms, and is still friends with childhood friend Inger Sars Aschehoug (85).
– Inger is a regular member when we in Never Too Late have a jazz cafe at Frivilligsentralen every Saturday. Now she was going to celebrate her own 85th birthday, and invited us in Never Too Late to play, says Skibsted Jensen.
Sars Aschehoug grew up together with Brundtland, but has himself lived in Halden since 1996. The friendship with one of the most famous politicians in Norwegian history has always been strong, and Gro has also visited Inger here in Halden on several occasions.
– We heard in advance that Gro was among those invited, and it was great that she came. She gave a great speech, in which she spoke both about growing up with Inger and about how she – as minister for environmental protection in the 70s – saved Sjøbodene from being demolished.
Most prominent ever
Never Too Late consists of Magne Skibsted Jensen, Stefan Ullner, Bjørn Ramstad, Torfinn Johansen, Bjørn Johansen and Torfinn Kangas Dybvik. During Inger’s jubilee celebration, the band played 10–12 songs. Jazz, of course, but also a bit of Elvis and The Platters.
– It was a very nice evening and a great anniversary celebration.
– And with a very well-known figure among the audience?
– Haha, yes indeed! Now, I haven’t been in Never Too Late for that long, but that’s probably it. I’m sure no one will be offended when we state that this is our most prominent spectator ever. And we think Gro enjoyed himself! says Skibsted Jensen.