About
Biography
Einar Ágúst Víðisson (born 13 August 1973) is an Icelandic singer, songwriter, and entertainer. He first rose to fame as the lead singer of the pop-rock band Skítamórall in the late 1990s. Internationally, he is best known for representing Iceland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2000 with the duet “Tell Me!”. Besides music, Einar has worked as a radio host and even done voice-over acting for cartoons. His career spans over three decades and includes music, broadcasting, and personal ventures.
Early Life and Background
Einar Ágúst Víðisson was born on 13 August 1973 in Neskaupstaður, a town in eastern Iceland. As a teenager he developed a passion for performing. He sang in local bands in his hometown. Those were groups with colorful names like Kannski, Fiskilykt, and Ozon. These early experiences on stage helped him overcome stage fright and prepared him for a future in entertainment. In the mid-1990s, Einar moved into the national music scene and soon joined a new band that would launch his professional career.
Musical Career and Eurovision
In 1997, Einar Ágúst became a member of the pop-rock band Skítamórall (often nicknamed “Skímó”). He served as lead singer, guitarist, and percussionist for the group. Skítamórall quickly exploded in popularity in Iceland. By the late 1990s the band had released hit songs, including a chart-topping single in 1998. One of their albums earned a gold certification. Their catchy melodies and lively performances made Skítamórall one of the country’s most popular party bands during that era.
Einar’s big break on the international stage came in 2000. That year, he and singer Telma Ágústsdóttir were selected to represent Iceland at the Eurovision Song Contest. Performing as the duo “August & Telma,” they delivered the upbeat song “Tell Me!” on the Eurovision stage in Stockholm. The duo finished in 12th place out of 24 entries, scoring 45 points for Iceland. This performance brought Einar Ágúst significant international exposure and remains a highlight of his musical career.
Skítamórall and other projects
Following the Eurovision appearance, Skítamórall reached the peak of its success. However, the band went on hiatus shortly after the turn of the millennium, wrapping up its initial run by early 2001. Einar and his bandmates reunited for occasional shows in the years that followed. He rejoined Skítamórall for a comeback in 2014, performing with them again after a decade-long break. Despite these reunions, Einar also explored other musical avenues beyond his main band.
After Skítamórall’s first breakup, Einar Ágúst pursued a variety of projects in the Icelandic music scene. He joined or formed several other bands over the years, including groups like Englar, Phönix, Svörtu Sauðarnir (“Black Sheep”), and Taktík. However, these bands were relatively short-lived collaborations. He also lent his voice to established bands Papar and Greifarnir, recording and releasing songs with them as a guest vocalist. In 2001, Einar won a national song competition with the power ballad “Beint í hjartastað” (“Straight to the Heart”). The following year he triumphed in another contest, performing the festival theme song “Velkominn á Ljósanótt” (“Welcome to Night of Lights”) in 2002. Building on this momentum, he launched a solo career and eventually released a solo album titled Það er ekkert víst að það klikki (“It’s Not Certain It Won’t Succeed”) in 2007.
Media and Other Ventures
In addition to singing, Einar Ágúst Víðisson expanded his career into radio, television, and other entertainment ventures. He became a popular radio DJ and presenter on Icelandic airwaves. Notably, he hosted programs on stations like FM957, where his upbeat personality and music knowledge attracted many listeners. His success in radio led to opportunities on television as well. Einar appeared as a TV host on various entertainment shows and specials, showcasing his charisma and ease in front of the camera. These roles made him a familiar face and voice in Icelandic media.
Einar Ágúst has also done work as a voice-over actor. He has provided voices (and sometimes singing vocals) for cartoon characters in animated projects. This niche talent added another dimension to his career, allowing him to engage younger audiences and use his vocal skills in creative ways. Furthermore, Einar has experience in the advertising field. He has worked on producing commercials and jingles, leveraging his media savvy in business contexts. Through these diverse activities, Einar Ágúst established himself as a multi-talented entertainer beyond the concert stage.
Personal Life
Einar Ágúst Víðisson’s personal life has seen important highs and lows. He is known to be a member of the Bahá’í Faith, a religion he embraced as an adult. His spiritual beliefs and community involvement have been a guiding force for him. On the home front, Einar married and has spoken fondly of his family, though he tends to keep those details private. Publicly, he is open about some of the struggles he faced behind the scenes of fame.
During the mid-2000s, Einar Ágúst encountered serious personal challenges. After years of intense touring and partying, he fell into substance abuse and even became involved in illicit activities. He has admitted that he lost control of his life in that period, associating with the wrong crowd and descending into heavy drug use. This destructive lifestyle led to run-ins with the law and financial troubles. In fact, by late 2014 Einar was declared bankrupt, with nearly 19 million ISK in debts and no assets to his name. It was a low point that forced him to rethink his path.
Health issues
Hitting rock bottom ultimately became a turning point. Einar Ágúst sought help, rediscovered his faith, and began the hard work of recovery. In later interviews, he spoke candidly about overcoming addiction and leaving a life of crime behind. He credited his Bahá’í faith and a commitment to total honesty with himself as key factors in getting healthy. Adopting a sober and spiritually focused lifestyle, he gradually rebuilt his life and reputation. By the late 2010s, Einar had returned to performing music and engaging in media projects, this time with a new perspective and appreciation for a clean life.
In 2023, Einar Ágúst faced another test when he was diagnosed with a serious heart condition at age 50. This health scare, involving multiple cardiac issues, prompted him to once again evaluate his priorities. He has described how the experience made him double down on healthy living, minimalism, and faith. “I have to live a very honest, humble life and keep seeking something higher, or I’ll slip back into bad habits,” he shared, reflecting on the lessons learned. Thankfully, Einar recovered from the immediate heart problems and used the opportunity to reinforce his positive changes.
Today, Einar Ágúst Víðisson continues to be active in music and media, though with a more balanced approach. He performs occasionally, both solo and with bands, and engages with fans through radio and social media. He also mentors others by openly sharing his story of addiction and recovery, hoping to inspire people facing similar struggles.
