A Day in History
Forty years ago today a great man was born. Who might you ask? Well, if you’re an American, then you know him as Pain Solution. Live in Europe? Well, if you know the anything about the world of sideshow or flesh hook suspensions then you’ve probably seen the Head Master.
Although he is best known for being a mutli-talented performer, his biggest contributions have been in the world of education. Besides teaching the art of suspension throughout the world and running a school of sideshow in Oslo, he has worked directly with the Norwegian medical community to explain the art and science behind pain and to show the positive effects of body suspension.
Yes, today is my friend Håvve Fjell‘s 40th birthday. Unfortunately I cannot be there to celebrate with him. However, I will be there in a few weeks for the Oslo Suscon. (In my opinion the world’s best suspension convention)
My Story of Håvve
It was December 3rd, 2000 – I had just finished a suspension performance for Torture Garden . (Opening for Ron Athey) During my suspension I had managed to rip my knee and was a bit distressed about how to handle the gaping wound. I remember sitting upstairs at Body Probe Studios staring at the hole when I notice a tall bald man standing over me.
“Hello Allen, I’m Håvve”
“Nice to meet you Håvve, by chance to do have any sutures?”
Now in all honesty, the question was more of sarcastic joke. Yes I needed to stitch my knee, but I never expected anyone to have anything that might help.
To my surprise he replied, “Yes I do”
He dug through his backpack and handed me a sterile suture pack.
“Wait. Who are you?”
“I’m Håvve from Oslo. We have been chatting online.”
At the time it seemed like a random encounter. Little did I know that I had just met such an amazing person that was not only going to influence the world of suspension, but become such a good friend.
