Gunthermania

Perusing self-described “Pleasureman” Gunther’s tackylicious website, www.gunthernet.com, one inevitably comes to one of two possible conclusions: one, this mullet-sporting, pencil-mustached, pouting, aviator sunglass-wearing Swede is the cheesiest guy in the history of pop music, and that’s saying a lot, or this dude, who has conquered college music charts, climbed to number one in Japan, and sold out concert venues in a matter of minutes in California, is one of the most brilliant performance artists to come out of Europe in a long time. I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. After all, his legions of obsessed fans, who mob the stage when he performs and send hundreds of images of themselves decked out “Guntherstyle” to be posted on his website, might be onto something. Also, try as I might, I can’t get his ridiculous lyrics, such as “ooh you touch my tralala, mmm, my ding ding dong,” from his surprise hit single “Ding Dong Song”, out of my head.

Musically, Gunther’s offerings are not exactly sophisticated, but the point is that his songs are riotously, often hilariously sexy, as are his videos. His musical apotheosis is a duet with 80s pop sensation Samantha Fox, and the lip synching and choreography in his videos both look like they were done by a drunk “Gimme More” Britney Spears, speeded up. But it works. What’s more, the Fall 2007 Gucci collection looks like it was designed with Gunther in mind. Male models strutted down the runway sporting tight denim, fur, mustaches, and aviator shades exactly like Gunther’s. What is the secret to the Gunther mystique?

On the eve of his SF show, I scored an exclusive interview with Gunther, who was staying at the luxurious Westin St Francis on Union Square. When the Pleasureman himself sauntered into the hotel lobby, his 6’4” body completely and un-self-consciously encased in tight white denim, flanked by his two glamazon backup singers, known as the Sunshine Girls, every head in the place swiveled to follow his progress across the polished marble floor. It is impossible to deny that this man possesses an incredible charisma.

My first question was one intended to destabilize Gunther, and Olaf, his Cerberus-like PR guy, glared, since that one hadn’t been on the pre-approved list we’d sent him. “There is a rumor going around that you are a woman…do you care to comment?” All of a sudden the pout broke for a millisecond and the self-described “perfect hedonist” struggled not to laugh. “It’s my lips, right?” True, he’s very pretty- but he’s undeniably masculine- granted, in a lip-glossed, white denim kind of way. Sexy, even. I dare to admit that he looks good. The smile broadens. “Yeah, now you get it! It’s something I think I’ve invented: Tackysexy.”

So really, who is Gunther? We know his real name is Mats Soderlund, and he was once a model and is a night-club owner, though his musical career now keeps him fully occupied, as does the considerable enterprise of doing his own makeup and hair. But at the end of the day, he says, the issue is not whether his persona is authentic. It’s more about the point the Gunther character is trying to make using humor, style, and music, melded into something the artist calls “a Gunther Trend.” Gunther’s goal, claims his website, is to sexualize society, and to focus more on love. But is there a serious side of Gunther? “Quite seriously, I think this is a time when we really need love and respect. If we had that, the world would be a better place. “ All cheese factor aside, Gunther is involved in causes such as (what else) safe sex and AIDS, and a portion of the proceeds from several of his ventures has gone to benefit research and education. Asked if he has any last words, he smiles and says, as if on cue, “Always remember: Champagne, Glamour, Sex and Respect.”

Gunther’s new album, tentatively titled “Obsession of Lust,” is out soon.