Poets of the Fall – Z-One, Varkaus; July 9th 2010
The day started with everything going wrong: My subway was late and I ran to the train. The train didn’t go. The next train didn’t go all the way. Took a taxi, ran through the airport, found the check in already close, begged, pleaded for them to let me get on that plane and succeeded. More running and finally collapsed into my seat on the plane. After that it was almost smooth sailing. Connection plane, taxi, train, taxi, arrival at my hotel some 3 hours before the doors opened. I still didn’t feel very relaxed. My shirt was sweaty and all I wanted was a shower and some sleep!
Showered, changed, met up with C. We went to the bar connected to the concert place, had a cider, sat down. The moment the soundcheck started next door I smiled for the first time that day. I had really thought I was not going to make it this time. Sitting there with a good friend, listening to music I love was heaven and finally I was looking forward to the gig.
As soon as they opened the door we walked in, met Jaska, got hugged and sat down in front row. Easy. It could have been a beautiful gig, but actually it turned out to be pretty ugly…
By the time midnight rolled around and the gig stated it had gotten quite crowded. There was a lot of pushing and shoving going on, not because people were dancing and jumping, but because they tried to get into front row. It was really uncomfortable and certainly spoiled some of my enjoyment. C. fared much worse than I did though. She was pushed away by one particularly annoying woman who then kept trying to push me away as well. Yet long years of concert front row training saved me from that. 😉
The music was awesome, but I felt really sorry for the guys. I don’t think I’ve ever been part of an audience that paid so little attention (at least not at one of their gigs). The most annoying were some people who apparently saw themselves as Jaska’s fanclub and kept yelling and chanting his name. It was nice and funny the first time around when they did it after one of his solos. Everyone on stage smiled. But they kept doing it, even during quiet songs. Not only was it inappropriate, but also just plain rude. Marko and even Ollie had a hard time concentrating on singing and playing (at least that’s what it looked like to me).
Funnily enough, some things still worked, such as the arm waving during ‘Change’. There were still a few people in the audience who actually took part, sang along and listened. Marko looked at me many times, once while I was fighting for my spot and I read his look as “hang in there”. I did and actually enjoyed most of the concert. Felt very sorry for C. though since this was her last gig of the tour.
After the show we went for a walk and came by the tourbus, but both felt it was not our place to be. We walked on, even though there were some people waiting by the bus. While we were still in viewing distance Marko came out, waved to us “Hello you two”. Then we went over. I told him we saw that as an invitation and he goes „It was, kinda“. We didn’t say much, but I asked him for a picture for C. (who was momentarily lost for words). Picture taken we said goodnight and that was it. Very nice ending to a not so easy gig. 🙂
The next day C. drove us back to Helsinki airport and we were both on our way home. I would have loved to go to Ruisrock that day, but it just was not possible.
Setlist (not sure this is correct)
Dreaming Wide Awake
Diamonds for Tears
War
Dying To Live
Illusion & Dream
15 Min Flame
Locking Up the Sun
The Ultimate Fling
Lift
Encore:
Carnival of Rust