We know a lot about Eurovision and we want to share this knowledge with you! Therefore weâd like to bring you a blast from the past. Today, we go back to 1980, when Bamses Venner represented Denmark with their song âTĂŠnker altid pĂ„ digâ. Denmark in the Eurovision Song Contest Denmark debuted at Eurovision in 1957 and has won three times: in 1963 with Grethe and JĂžrgen Ingmannâs âDanseviseâ, in 2000 with the Olsen Brothersâ âFly on the Wings of Loveâ, and in 2013 with Emmelie de Forestâs âOnly Teardropsâ. After mixed fortunes in recent years, Reiley failed to qualify in 2023 with âBreaking My Heartâ. In 2024, SABAâs âSandâ also missed the final. In 2025, DR sent Faroese singer Sissal with âHallucinationâ, ending Denmarkâs non-qualification streak by reaching the final and finishing 23rd. Denmark selects via Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, a cherished fixture of the countryâs popular music calendar. Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 1980 Melodi grand prix is the annual national final for the Eurovision Song Contest, already since the beginning. In those years, JĂžrgen de Mylius hosted the show. 1980 was no exception for that. On 29 March, the contest was held in the FalkonĂ©r Theatre in Copenhagen. 12 songs competed: Bamses Venner, “TĂŠnker alltid pĂ„ dig“, 39 pts Birthe KjĂŠr & Hennig Villen, “Du og jeg“, 77 pts Grethe Ingmann, “Hej, hej, det swinger“, 69 pts Hans Mosters Vovse, “Swingtime igen“, 65 pts The Lollipops, “Nu er det morgen“, 61 pts The Olsen Brothers, “Laila“, 61 pts Lecia & Lucienne, Bye-bye“, 59 pts Tommy P., “Syng en sang om evig fred“, 57 pts The McKinleys, “Robin Hood“, 47 pts Daimi, “Fri mig“, 43 pts Susanne Breuning, “Mozart Jensen“, 39 pts Vivian Johansen, “Jeg er fĂŠngslet af dig“, 39 pts Note that former winner Grethe Ingmann took part, but later winner The Olsen Brothers as well. Also Birthe KjĂŠr, who represented Denmark in 1989, was among the participants. Vivian Johansen never reached the Eurovision stage, but her daughter Gry did, in 1983. Bamses Venner Bamses Venner formed in Aarhus in 1973, led by singer-bassist Flemming âBamseâ JĂžrgensen. The group built an audience with Danish-language pop-rock. Early favourites included âVimmersvejâ in 1975 and âI en lille bĂ„d der gyngerâ in 1978, songs heard on national radio and TV. By the late 1970s they were a fixture. In 1980 the band won Dansk Melodi Grand Prix with âTĂŠnker altid pĂ„ dig.â At the Eurovision Song Contest in The Hague they finished 14th with 25 points. The 1980 lineup included Mogens Balle, Bjarne Green and Arne Ăstergaard in the band. The entry, music by Bjarne GrenâJensen and lyrics by JĂžrgensen, reflected their style. Flemming âBamseâ JĂžrgensenBorn in Randers in 1947, JĂžrgensen fronted the band throughout its career while releasing solo albums alongside it. He also acted and received the Robert Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1986. His warm baritone made him a familiar figure. He released the album TĂŠt pĂ„ in 2010. JĂžrgensen died of cardiac arrest on 1 January 2011 at his home in EgĂ„, aged 63. After his death, the band ended after memorial concerts. The songs remain part of Danish repertoire, and the 1980 Eurovision entry is still associated with the bandâs story. Streets and events have commemorated JĂžrgensen; in 2018 a road in Thisted was renamed âVimmersvej.â TĂŠnker Altid PĂ„ Dig âTĂŠnker altid pĂ„ digâ represented Denmark at Eurovision 1980 in The Hague, performed by Bamses Venner. The song placed 14th, earning 25 points. Musically itâs a mellow, guitarâled pop song with softârock colour, carried by Flemming âBamseâ JĂžrgensenâs warm baritone and an easy, singable chorus. Staging was understated: the fourâpiece appeared as a live band on a clean stage with minimal movement, focusing on vocals and tight ensemble playing; camera work stayed close, and warm lighting reinforced the relaxed mood. Written by JĂžrgensen (lyrics) and Bjarne GrenâJensen (music), it remains a distinctive snapshot of Denmarkâs lateâ1970s to earlyâ1980s national pop. Share
