Poets of the Fall – Helsinki, Radio Aalto Helsinki-päivän konsertti; June 12th 2011
After a short night we left Salo at 9:00 a.m. on the road to Helsinki. Arrived at the venue shortly before 11:00 a.m. to a long line of people. The weather was hot day and we had some waiting time ahead of us. Met up with J. and bumped into N. on the way in. After a long quick walk we manged to get a spot at the front on the far right. The camera arm was right above our heads and we had a great view. Despite big signs saying “Professional cameras not allowed” they had let me (and a gazillion other people) in with one. What they didn’t allow, however, was my Prowlers banner. I had to take it down for “security reasons“ – oh well. The main thing was being there.
The Poets would be on early, but there was one other band before them: Stella. They were OK to pass the time. I loved the weather, I loved seeing the huge audience, I loved being around my friends and most of all I loved the prospect to see my favorite band in the world. It would not take long now.
They came and they rocked. ‘Dreaming wide awake’, ‘Given and Denied’, ‘Locking up the sun’, ‘Carnival of Rust’ and then ‘Lift’. They powered through those songs like there was no tomorrow. Mrako not standing still for even a moment, moving about the stage so quickly that it was hard to catch him on camera. He had fun showing off for the camera and conducting the audience. It never ceases to amaze me how easily he can get any audience to participate, from the smallest club to the biggest open air area. Every time, people watch his gestures and follow, it never fails and makes it all the more enjoyable.
The other guys enjoyed the gig too, Ollie almost dancing on stage, Jani walking all over the place. It was hard to take it all in at once and left almost no time to breathe. Way too quickly they had to go and make room for other bands, none of which where nearly as amazing. I was really happy to have been there to see this wonderfully fun gig.
K. and I stayed for Happoradio and had to suffer through Anna Abreu’s set and many screaming little girls first. Her music is not my style, but I can understand why the kids loved it. I’m sure my 10 year old niece would too.
Happoradio were fun. I had been wanting to see them live for a while and was glad I finally got the chance. They even played ‘Puhu äänellä jonka kuulen’ and ‘Che Guevara’ among others. I enjoyed their gig, but I’m not sure I necessarily need to see a full concert. I’d go to see them again if I got a chance though.
Negative followed and were amazing. They are a great live band and Jonne is a wonderful showman. Their set went by in no time and I smiled all through it. I knew they would not disappoint me. Once they were gone I met up with my friends I. and M. and we were out of there before Sunrise Avenue started. Having to listen to them would have spoiled everything.
We came back later to see Lauri and arrived in time for Van Hertzen Brothers. I realized quickly that they were not for me. And Lauri? I had no idea what his solo stuff was going to be like and was not pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be electro – whatever. His really nice voice got drowned in the mix, he stood there almost motionless and I was bored to tears. Oh my, give me The Rasmus any day over this. We left before his set was over.
All in all, it was a fun day. The Poets alone made it all worthwhile.