El Jefe of Finnish Synthwave Electro Music

HOWDY FUCKIN* HOW, back with some crazy-ass stories. Just got home from our mini-tour with Sinful Society and Softcore Suicide, great rock bands from Turku. The week did start with a show in Caio 2.0. and we got there right on time when Mikael was setting up his equipment for the night’s Bar Quiz and when we got back for soundcheck after pizzas in Babel, the show hadn’t even started yet. So the check delayed and so did the shows coz’ our colleagues managed to start loading their stuff from a HUGE fuckin’ tour bus almost two hours late.

Softcore Suicide rocked the stage from 11pm which was already our onstage time. Doesn’t matter – it’s only rock n’ roll! Both bands before us kicked ass so the bar was set pretty high but still we managed to explode everyone’s mind by rushing around the stage. Good one! Got back home with our trusted driver who still drove back Caio to pick Smippe and Katri up. The tour bus was still standing there coz’ the Turku guys had called a cab to their Forenom Hotel.

The Friday noon we just stayed in bed with my gf and headed to pick a trailer, drum head and our stuff from Caio in afternoon. It was the rush hour and witnessed a chase there on highway… Some guy drove like Tommy Vercetti, trying to lose the cop cars behind him. Jay behind the steering wheel, quite full moon on the sky and the darkness of Lapland’s wilderlands amazed as GHS landed Rollo a bit late this time. Fuckin’ guys turned the air condition on and I had to borrow Wexx’s jacket. Paha Kurki was a small but REALLY intimate and cool place to play and got onstage almost in time.

Daniel Borgsten did his magic and we were fully satisfied with sounds, jumped there on the tables and could see a smile on everyone’s face. The best feeling in the world! Changed our clothes in a tour bus and witnessed two awesome shows with a few beers. The bartender handed a Jaloviina bottle when GHS left the building – I drank it coz’ of my flu and fell asleep, got up when our car was already on the highway of Oulu. Ate, fell asleep again and got up in the morning for shower, drew the yesterday’s clothes on me.

Freakin’ car was running out of battery so managed just to jam a few songs before loading our equipment in the hall of Raatti Stadion. Played five acoustic songs, ate some bad-ass reindeer and potato casserole with some beers and headed to Kajaani after a quick stop at Hiukkavaara and Vaala S-Market-Alko-combo. Guesthouse Julia’s hostess, an old Russian lady led us to the rooms which I shared with Smippe Youngblood. Felt a bit tired but still could get no sleep. Were in front of Peevee Bar in the same time as did Turku boys. After loading they served tasteful burgers and I began to sip some Vodka Batteries to boost the final show of the tour.

I prefer that show the best of the current tour, everyone gave their best and we didn’t even had any set list. Just played what came in mind. Some girls squeezed to the backstage but when they started to drank our booze, they were kicked out hahaha. It was already 2pm when we were done with our show, TIME FOR SOME AFTER PARTY! Drank in the tour bus and smoked some fat-asses there outside the venue and packed in a taxi back to our guesthouse. Just sat there on the floor of Jay Mickey’s, Matt Nitro’s and Wegster’s room chit-chatting till 6am – also Paroni Von Nikula, lead vocalist of Softcore Suicide joined us – fun and a loyal guy, nice company for sure!

Sunday noon arrived, our car was again out of battery – a cab cruised by and we bought some extra charge to drove back Oulu. In Vaala, Jay introduced us his home hoodz and that was a final stop before gettin’ back home. Your probably asking about Smippe, right?! Well as I told, Tiger L.A. did left the band after our show in 45 Special and one night we were playing in Hiukkavaara when saw this young dude from Ventura Highway & Blue Ceremony walking there in the yard with a guitar case. Asked Matt and Jay, how about throwing a message in Facebook and Sammy immediately answered that he would be interested but still playing in Alex Cast’s band, he would just cover for a few gigs.

Jammed together a week and as we were in Porvoo Market Night with Miia, Sam asked if he’d join the band and quit his other projects. Immediately everyone delighted and the HUGE problem was solved in a short period of time, thank god! Smippe’s also a good singer and got his baptism of fire in Winger as we shooted some acoustic ones again. The boy did got a bit drunk after the show in Amarillo but hey – loving him to death – the missing puzzle piece in the band.

About Porvoo… I was curious to party in my first Soundwall ever so I booked hotels and loaded our bags to Mustang – hit it! Road trip went on over Rolls Kurikka with a Panini stop and all the way to the swamp crave of Saari in South Ostrobotnia. Arrived to our pretty little boutique hotel Pariisin Ville, ate a reindeer pasta at mighty Zum Beispiel when Sammy did let us know his decision to join GHS. All the bars were fully crowded that fuckin’ night, got into our room and started readin’ about Ferm’s Paradox. That is deep but I’ve been fascinated about cosmos and stuff lately. Next morning did a walk over a small but so cozy town, old one as well before drivin’ to Bodom lighten up an early afternoon cigarette. They’d promised to keep a parking lot near Hotel Katajanokka but that didn’t quite match. So after a lil’ circle-cruizin’ we got into our jailhouse hotel room, opened a red wine bottle from the fridge and soon we were drinkin’ Captain Morgans’ in Riff as a pre-party for fuckin’ Finnish Wrestling Night in President Nightclub. Drank some more and did accidentally hook up with one of my classmates in college, Arttu, who is nowadays an actor.

We’d settled to meet Lashana, Lotta and Jason on the terrace of On The Rocks but it was raining like hell so everyone came some 30 minutes late for the drinkin’ session under the terrace umbrellas. Drove to Vallila by a cab, smoked one fat-ass, boosted with some speed and got knocked out. As I regain consciousness Miia had asked the doorman to call an ambulance. Realized haven’t ate anything after a breakfast in Ville so the ambulance guys gave me some Jaffa and sent me back in, hahaha. Megahammer threw an excellent set of songs as we partied our heads off there as well did Irving Force – eventhough some of the songs were too nightclubish rubbish for me. This time Miia had boosted her night with some white wine so it was my time to take care of her, sat there on the back room and just chilled with some music videos and beers. Matt Nitro kept me company while my darling was sleeping. Woke up, took a cab to Bar Backstage, met Jonna, Olga, Atte and the other guys of Scars Remind but faded for a lil’ walk over Punavuori Subway all the way to Skatta.

In the morning were already seeking for Tulilahti crime scene on time and visited Valamo and Lintula abbeys, few relaxing days in Kuopio ahead. Went fishing, watched some movies, tested our new Beretta pistol and visited Record Store X to pick up some cd’s, this time John Carpenter’s Lost Theme II and Kavinsky’s Outrun. On Tuesday Groupie High School trained again because we had our first wired gig with this group ahead on Sat with our friends Rosy Dream. Loaded our stuff and got to do soundcheck first. Adalar Pizzeria downstairs served good ones, drank some beers backstage and rushed onstage finally around 23:00. Also Rosy Dream blasted and before 4am closed the fuckin’ door of our training house with Smippe, drove him & Katri home, returned our trailer to Saarela where watched the stars a moment, dropped by the Subway just before closing time 5am.

Also Juce K did join GHS for a week to cover Tiger after the final show. We drank beer and trained the songs for our show at The Night Of Art 2016 on Rotuaari. Wexx got into hospital because of pneumonia so we were runnin’ out of guitar players. Anyway trained in my penthouse for a moment and loaded our stuff human bustle around us and started playing. Walked to the marketplace and back to Rummers’ with Jay Mickey, drank a few, chatted with Nikolaus Tiiro and headed home to hook up Miia in our corner store for some tortilla ingredients and the season start matchup between Kärpät and some German team. Next day we’d supposed to play in Winger but one of us was in rehab so it was obvious that it’d just be me and Jay. Headed to Hiukkavaara, trained for few hours and it actually sounded pretty good so the gig was successful and the party went on in Huikka till the morning.

Fuck it, I had to run to Jyväskylä for Euro Conference. Stayed in Paviljonki which is one the finest hotels in Finland. First night just trained there in the gym, got into a sauna and just red. Next night stated drinking in the lobby with my colleagues, Jay Cocaine picked me up and we had some Hoegaardens’  in Hemingways’ and right after that in Lutakko Rock Venue. Met Miia in Subway and walked back to our hotel after a lil’ romantic chilling in the harbor. Next day we circled in stores, bought some cool indian jewellery from Bijoy Brigitte, Hanoi Rock’s photo book & Yaffa’s biography from the bookstore and tried to find a decent pub; Vakiopaine, Sohwi & Vihreä Haltijatar – all closed! Katse was fully crowded so walked in to Harry’s British Bar and again some Hoegaarden coming up!

After few big ones ate pizzas in Trattoria Aukio and headed back home to celebrate Venice Fest 2016. Unfortunately it was still raining like in London and Pikisaari Swing Picnic got moved to inner rooms so I decided to skip this year, second happening had to skip during the same day – Toivola’s Old Yard in Jyväskylä organized some Stone Aged parties and lectures but the storm was raging so had to walk back. Next morning did my morning exercise to Move Oulu Nallikari – good news for the organizers this time; the endless storm had stopped. Mediterranean Market brought people to Oulu’s Marketplace but stayed inside instead and went to Plaza for Bodom Movie. Fuckin’ god how bad that was! Probably the worst horror movie EVER, and I’ve seen a lot! It was actually Finnish one which made it even worse.

I’ve been worried about my legos after years of partying and smokin’ so booked a visit to ProTerveys Dentists in Linnanmaa, fortunately it wasn’t that bad and got out after paying 700 euros and with a couple of new teeth. The new ones in mouth did shoot our new photos for Kaleva album cover by Miia in Kaukovainio and the actual music video on the roof of Siilo. They had helicopters and stuff so I guess there’s something interesting comin’ up! Also packed in Studio Kynsilehto, next to Saha Prod building for the first photo sessions of new Groupie High School line-up. Katri did the best job and Petri Lampela rolled a new logo for the band which is already printed to Jay’s bass drum. Funny thing accidentally happened during the shootings, I had my new Beretta with me because wanted it as a prop for someone so when we were having cigarettes outside after make-ups, heard a gunshot inside. Wegster had tested the gun and of course it was loaded, I always keep it loaded in the closet of my bedside table... Fortunately now one got hit, the background sheet took the bullet and it actually took another hit when I fell down from the chair frame of Nitro, coz' he suddenly got up and I was staring my phone atm... Pure Spinal Tap!

Haven’t ever seen Steel Panther live so I booked flights to Helsinki and found myself from Eira in Sandro which is one of the best vegetarian places in the country. Walked to Glounge Skybar for drinks because Pompier was already closing the doors and this mighty lunch restaurant was runnin’ out of food already before 14:00. Atte Laru came to pick us up and after a short stop in Alko we were drinkin’ beer and partying with the Scars Remind guys and Jonna in Koskela. Circus was fully packed as the gig started. Did change some words with Arde of Temple Balls and headed upstairs to dancin’ on tables. As the awesome gig was over did realize that I’d lost my fuckin’ favorite leopard scarf so had to have couple of beers still in Backstage and then take a cab back. In the early morning we still trained some freakin’ wrestling moves there and passed out. Had the worst hangover ever next morning but still managed to get the plane back and to play a gig with the guys in Winger.

We’ve been trying to do more stuff with the band and that’s why Sammy arranged the demo night in their place in Myllyoja. They’d made some soya tortilla chips in oven and we brought few doughnuts and we ate like royals before playing. Next day shopped some sheets, led lights and electronics from SP with Nitro and asked all our friends to join our penthouse party next day. Mika Pohjola came by to set up the mixer table and we drank till the night before huge fest in my place, the band guys plus Hanky Man, Lauri, Miia, Katri, Heidi, Mike & Annu walked to Hevimesta for Mötley Crue cover songs by Liverbox. Also hooked up with Hair Hanky & Larry on the bar counter and was totally wasted. AWESOME!!  

Saha Prod did shoot our new video for Liquid Lunch on Friday. Started droppin’ beer after my afternoon workout and got to Residence Koiteli by the best ride with Miia, Larry & Mikael. Production group was already there and they did great job. Chatted with Riina after a long time and danced the night away in living room, haha also rolled there on the beach with my gf coz’ we were too wasted to get up after watching stars on the sky. Next day managed to get up the bed and for the weddings of Laura & Jukka in Dom, old chapel at Isokatu and finally in Sas. Played a couple of songs with Mike and ate big burgers with a bottle of white wine. Congrats one more time, the best couple in the world!

SAMOROST 3 (Have to say that they’ve been doing an awesome job at Amanita Design, the graphics are epic and this one even beats Machinarium but the only annoying thing (again) is the difficulty to understand what to do next – doesn’t matter – still the best point-and-click-game of the year.)

ARQ (Trapped in a lab and a time loop, a couple is trying to get out alive. But they realize that something in this chaotic, post-nuclear war-world is returning them back in time after three hours of continuing. Can’t tell you more, good actors and well-made film of 2010’s!)

RUSSIAN GUEST (Taavi Soininvaara brings the best of Finnish detective novels on the table. It’s still plausible though the prime minister dies and stuff. Also takes a good point of view about the politics these days and also about the connections between Finland and Russia today. MASSIVE – but interesting book!)

TRIALS OF THE BLOOD DRAGON (Continues the march of retrowave conquering the world! Far Cry had an own one with the 80’s graphics and world but Trials is far more interesting. BUT – the fuckin’ game includes lots of bugs and starts to get recursive in short period of time.)

XOXO (Okay first of all – it’s a fuckin’ teen movie. But it’s kinda good one! A young electro artist catches a slot from a huge house music festival and the other roles are divided… there’s a hippie couple and a manager and as you probably know already in this point – the party WILL get outta hands. All right, it’s a shitty movie for Christ sake but I watched this in a hangover so give me a fuckin’ break!)

UNKLE (Did open this classic British electro artist’s album Psyence Fiction after a long time and FUCK YEAH it did work as a magic! Bloodstain and Unreal are the most epic songs but the main point is probably this impossible-to-copy atmosphere and sounds of the late 90’s. It’s said as a trip hop and yeah okay but it’s still electro painting for me. Great band and a great album! Like Kavinsky’s Outrun but 90’s! By the way found some similarities with Carpenter’s Lost Themes II with this one.)

CODE & COSMOS (Both of these are the best documentaries of the year FOR SURE. Cosmos is maybe interesting but that’s just because I’m not that into math but star science. Cosmos takes you to a trip through the whole universe and lightens your mind up, as Code’s based on the mathematic codes ruling the whole Cosmos. Fucks your mind but brings you to the point – you’re just a little rat shit in this fuckin’ HUGE universe!)

CONTACT & CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (They’re both classics but somehow I’m not into this Spielberg’s that much. Contact is much more reliable and atmospheric even though it’s not that much full of action than this 70’s movie is. Also Spielberg tries to bring too many main characters on the table when Contact is more of Jodie Foster adventuring the Cosmos. That’s why liked this 90’s movie much much more!)

AQUARIUS (Another awesome series of Netflix, David Duchovny does again GREAT job as a detective trying to catch young Charles Manson and his hippie cult. Got me going into that hip world so deep, hahaha. It’s a nice capturing about the spirit of 60’s in L.A. and in whole USA of the era. This one really rockin’!)

ONLY THE DEAD (Maybe the best war documentary of all time and I mean this! Michael Ware worked for CNN and did dive into Iraq War to travel with Americans and British troops for the video. The ending scene is most terrifying… They just leave a prison to death eventhough there’s lots of people around him just smokin’ cigs and talking together. And Ware also catches the point of view of rebels as well. He was one the first among Al-Qaeda to shoot with a camera.

I:DA (It’s about a woman waking up, unable to remember her name in a small French village. Realizes he’s a wife a rich painter and gets back home to Netherlands. Well – there’s a reason why she’s left alone to die and the relationship isn’t that full of sunshine as it first seems to be. Kinda similar with Jason Bourne but maybe more intense and made with a better taste.)

LITTLE GIRL BLUE (Like you’ve probably realized, I’m into road and noir movies and stuff, this one’s about Janis Joplin and made as a black and white road movie about a talented but shy young girl, trying to figure out her future in this changing country. Every rock n’ roller in the world should watch and think about this!)

STRANGER THINGS (SUPERB JOB, Netflix! Original Series and the best in years, great child actors and awesome atmosphere like in Twin Peaks but better! Music, sounds, actors, plot… they all make sense. And even those unnatural happenings are made with a good taste. Everyone should watch this!)

THE PRISON OF ISIS (The first book of this crazy Syrian war and about Jedish girl gettin’ captured by Daesh. It doesn’t try to change your point of views, just tells the story and it isn’t light. The ending is happy but still tragic. Well written, hard to read – my recommendings for sure!)

LOVE MEDICINE (Well written novel about few generations of American Indians and their bad conditions in reservations. I think this as a road movie of poor people. Louise Erdrich’s writing style is kind of spiritual and painting, that’s why loved this lot! Makes you think – white man came across the sea, brought us pain and misery…)

SORJONEN (They’ve been filming lots of good Finnish series for years BUT none of those bad-ass noir series. Kuusniemi & Virtanen as the main characters it’s just natural that it happens in Lappeenranta – the dark city near the Russian border. Just complete awesomeness and atmosphere in the middle of action – Sorjonen moves in from Helsinki, is talented in profiling and gets the things going.)

# Groupie High School # Smippe Youngblood

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Katy Pixx

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Miia Sofia

# Groupie High School # Matt Nitro

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # 45 Special

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Matt Nitro

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Miia Sofia

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Matt Nitro # Jay Mickey

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Matt Nitro

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # The Riff

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Vanha Porvoo

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Pariisin Ville

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Miia Sofia

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Hotel Katajanokka

# Groupie High School #Smippe Youngblood

# Groupie High School # Matt Nitro # 45 Special

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Toppilan Siilot # Nti Kaleva & The Mistake # Mike Rockberry # Katy Pixx # Laura Kaleva

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Jay Mickey

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Katy Pixx # Mike Rockberry # Toppilan Siilot # Nti Kaleva & The Mistake

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Glounge Skybar

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Mike Rockberry # Toppilan Siilot

# Groupie High School # Smippe Youngblood

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Hotel Katajanokka

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Toppilan Siilot

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing

# Groupie High School # Matt Nitro # Smippe Youngblood # Winger Bar

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Matt Nitro

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Pariisin Ville

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Caio 2.0.

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Smippe Youngblood # Matt Nitro # Hevimesta

# Groupie High School # Wegster # Jay Mickey

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Katy Pixx # Smippe Youngblood

# Groupie High School # Matt Nitro # Smippe Youngblood

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Matt Nitro # Peevee Bar

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Miia Sofia # Mikael Huikari # Liquid Lunch # Saha Prod

# Groupie High School # Vinny Olavi # Vincenzo Olavi # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # GHS Racing # Matt Nitro # Wegster # Jay Mickey # Smippe Youngblood

Touring In Finland

HEY! I’m reporting from the heat of our Spring Tour. It’s been fuckin’ hectic as hell but this is what I asked, this is what I got. Right now I’m at Kuopio relaxing, snowboarding in sunny Tahko for the first time, eating like a pig and spendin’ Easter after three gigs during the last weekend… Well it supposed to be three but I did let my vocal cords rest for a few days, so Mike was singing in Yki Bar and Juce played the second guitar. I stayed completely silent until Wednesday when we were supposed to meet AC Oulu’s chief in Rusko. Earlier we’d met Jarkko Halunen in Rockpolis about us playing in Qstock but now we made an agreement to write a song for the soccer club. Let’s see what happens!

On Good Friday we played again in Winger. This time we did the check right before we supposed to play and the place was packed just before we started. The usual gang was there but also Johnny Tattoo, Pete The (ex) Goalie and last but not least, Janne Niinimaa who is nowadays taking part in Huippujengi tv show. Actually we left early with Miia, Niko and Mikael Huikari to Subway coz’ I’d the next show the upcoming day. The first plan was to eat in just-opened Park Buffet in Rotuaari but we just grabbed the breads and called a ride home.

While we were drivin’ near the railway station, a fuckin’ drunken guy was CRAWLING on the crosswalk. We almost hit him but pulled the side and lift the guy up. Fortunately he was almost at his home so I guess he did make it back. About 6:30 pm we were in front of the office carrying our stuff to Juce’s pickup for Bluesmoon show in Raahe. The soundcheck was done in record time and I was drinkin’ beer with Mike while the girls were pickin’ our pizzas and Juce was tuning the guitars. After a couple of hours we’d played a good one with Mike & Katy and a pretty short set of songs with Nti Kaleva & The Mistake and ridin’ back to Oulu in the middle of the night.  

It’s been six years now since we first hooked up with Miia. I arranged a little surprise trip to Helsinki for our anniversary weekend. I had my first whiskey of the day early in the morning after stoppin’ in Alko Kruununhaka. I’d booked a table from Restaurant Ask which is awarded with a Michelin Star so we ate a four-course, royal meal made of Carrot & Spelt, Pike Perch & Onion, Celeriac & Beef, Elderflower & Strawberry with a ten year cured Switch cheese and four Ice Marys, hahaha wicked!

After eating we checked into Hotel Kämp on Esplanad for some gym training, luxury bathing, photoshoots and eating in Brasserie Kämp. On Friday we mostly just chilled but next afternoon we found ourselves from the sunny terrace of The Riff. Straight away we walked to Sports Academy for some snacks, beers and hockey. After that it was time to hit The Arena to watch Helenius’ Silver Title Heavyweight Boxing Match. That didn’t end up too well but after accidentally running into my cousin’ Tommy, the night went on in Bar Backstage where Stala was playing Kiss with his cover band, hahaha awesome.

We stopped in Subway to grab some breads and for one second thought about going into We Got Beef Nightclub. It was already 3am so it was time to get some sleep. During the next day we tried cocktails in the best bar in town – 100 Dogs. FUCK IT*S AWESOME!! The day went on in Casino Sportsbar Helsinki by watching Formula One and eating burgers. We literally ran to Airport Train just to realize that the flight would be delayed with at least an hour.

 

Just before our tour blasted, we arranged a music video meeting with Pohjola Productions. We’d heard some good stuff about this company from the guys of Clark Kent Job. They did a good video and we wanted to smell some new flowers after making our first three videos with Saha Prod. Well, all went well and we shared some ideas with Ville and it’s on – the shootings will take place in April.

Right after that I’d asked Miia Sofia to snap some photos for our album cover art so we hopped on Mustang and drove almost straight to Hiukkavaara. Actually I’d planned something between Guns’ Appetite back cover and mystical black n white and I think we did quite fine. Also asked Miia to take some pictures us playing there in our training house so we used those photos as well.

The next week I actually wanted to chill so first we headed to Kuopio for some snowboarding sessions. All went well till’ I tried backflip for the first time in my life and that didn’t end so well… I fuckin’ landed straight over my head and continued like nothin’ happened. After hitting a slope bar I released that something just wasn’t right. Probably I suffered a small concussion coz’ I felt a bit dizzy. So we drove back to Kelloniemi and that was it for the “snowboarding week”…

In the middle of the night I woke up for some sirens and blue lights. As I peeked from the window there was a bloody man on stretcher and some girl crying hysterically. Cops led their both to ambulance and drove away. Next morning I red that someone had been stabbed because he had swaggered about his money in some bar and had dragged some strangers to his home. Well the guy wasn’t that wealth after all which had angered the visitors. Spooky…

I caught some fuckin’ flu just before the tour was supposed to start and Wegster did as well so we we’re off for almost a week just before gigging. I got up from the bed and headed straight to Laanila with my bass cabinet & head. Had matched a jam session with my old bandmates Johnny-Boy and Patu so we gathered there in the basement and started playing. It was good so we asked Matt Nitro to join as well so now we’ve been making some new songs and also jammed some covers. Let’s see what happens!

I’d bought tickets to CHL Final for me and Miia. Right before the match I had to buy some new jewelry so a quick stop in Romeo&Julia before hittin’ Energy Arena. I “accidentally” spent over 100 euros to some new silver rings but what-the-heck, we live only once! From the Arena I bought a new club jacket and ordered a CHL fan shirt but we still had some time to grab a few beers before Lauri Salovaara and Amanda Harkimo started to blast the opening ceremony of the hockey match. The game was a total, well-arranged sold-out-show though our team lost the match with one goal.

Our tour started from Hevimesta, where we warmed up Santa Cruz & Block Buster. Our gig was almost delayed coz’ we sharpened the check till’ the final point and also brought all our own stuff but after all we started right on time. During the final part of our show, the place was already full. Matt & Jay carried our equipment back to Hiukkavaara and after that we partied in the bar till’ the mornin’ light. Cruz and Buster hopped in their tour bus in front of the place and drove straight to Levi to continue their tour. Wicked!

About that new band of ours. The idea was launched during one Friday when Johnny sent me a WhatsApp message about that new project including a couple of demo songs, pretty much like the old Cult songs. I immediately liked those and asked guys to drink some beer with me and to share some ideas. Unfortunately Jonathan was already in Helsinki, leaving to Stockholm by a cruise ship but Patu was with me so we drove to my penthouse and started sippin’ beer and vodka.

Miia and Laura came in later with a fuckin’ Bengal cat who stayed with us that weekend. The night went on in Alppila Stalls with Bode & Patu, quick visit to Pera and I was off back to centrum for some partying in Jumpru Pub with the girls. The place was again fuckin’ full as hell but not that bad as I remembered. After a Subway stop we were back home just before 4am.

The tour continued straight to Katrilli on Friday. For the first time in my fuckin’ life I had some serious problems with my vocal cords. I realized that right before sound check as we tried to play and sing something with Mike. I’d been training like a maniac from the beginning of Feb and we made an agreement with the guys that we’d play the rehearsals as they were real gigs. Also we fuckin’ sang the whole week to get our background vocal to sound perfect so my voice was totally lost.

Fortunately we offered to play a couple of sets with Nti Kaleva & The Mistake instead of Modern Day Cowboys set so I left my mic stand home and just played bass guitar. And stayed quiet, not smoked a one cigarette. After the show and a beer we drove back home with Miia and gave a ride to Larry coz’ he wanted to continue the party in centrum.

Next morning I felt better so we met in Katrilli to eat some pizzas and to carry our stuff. I drove straight to Hiukkavaara and back to Caio for the next sound check. It took some time but we were back in my place to watch hockey with Patu about 19.30. The whole band gathered to my place as they did before the gig in Hevimesta and Mickey got his hair backcombed by Miia.

I jumped to Wexx’s trunk as we drove to Caio to start our gig on time. My old friend Hese also came by to watch our show and it was a blast, again! I was takin’ already my shirt off in the dressing room when the crew started to shout “we want more”… Back to stage to play Stoned as an encore. The parties went on in Amarillo until the last call with the whole band.   

The next one took place in Sticky Wingers. We’d made a sound check with Mike right before the place opened so he changed the clothes and jammed with me in our penthouse until it was time to get on stage. Matt, Tiger, Tommy, Miia, Ida, Jay and Larry also came by but we were back in bed to get some rest before the next show in same place at the next day.

During the afternoon I went to jam some acoustics with the GHS boys and right after that I picked Mike, Annu and Miia up for some burgers in Sticky and later Deadpool in Plaza. The movie was surprisingly pretty good so it gave us a boost to play as well, hahaha. After the second show we did put on a super party. Cat was there but Jay faded after a couple of cigarettes coz’ he wanted to head gym early in the next morning. Nicolaus came to say us hi and we fuckin’ danced in Ilona Nightclub till’ the morning.

International Women’s Day came from the bushes but I was awake in the mornin’ and did head straight to Ticketmaster to buy tickets for Steel Panther show in Helsinki. Those with red roses of course surprised my girlfriend good! The next week’s show in Café & Bar Kello was cancelled and re-arranged to Yki Bar coz’ the bar had some difficulties and that’s just fine!

Well we continued training hard and played a Tuesday night show in Caio again – this time acoustic ones. The set was a success, it was also nice to chat with Nitro’s ex-girlfriend after a long time. We ate quickly and hopped to Katy’s car with Mike, Miia & Annu to head 45 Special for after parties. Panama Rayo was there with the endless choice of red wines, Nitro and Ida hanged out with us till’ the final call again.

I skipped the office day the upcoming morning, the reason for that was fact that we had to train a bunch of fuckin’ covers until Saturday. Especially Jay had his hands full because there was about 7 new songs for him to train. Rehearsals reached the midnight and everyone was snarky the day after that – personally I flipped after guys forgot to leave the front door open. Fortunately I usually stop being angry super fast so we continued and I headed to Myllyoja for some Babel pizzas, boxing and hockey with my parents & gf.

About 1pm next day I stopped my morning bass practices and headed back to Hiukkavaara. Timmy Lover was there checkin’ our equipment and earlier Nitro and Mickey had stopped in Kullas to buy some cables for our deep cabinets and audio crossover. The check lasted a couple of hours this time but we we’re able to make it back right before the second game of hockey playoffs started, haha!

Jay and Matt came by but left immediately to bring another microphone to Alppimaja – Nitro accidentally broke the older one during the check but what-the-heck, shit happens. After a couple of punch shots we started blastin’. I’d promised Ana to join me as a lead singer for Billy Idol’s Rebel Yell which was the second-to-last-song of our set. After party went on, Wexx was already drunk as hell when Tiger left to catch Margarita from train station and myself ordered the ride back home because I really had to save my vocal cords for this week’s gigs. Here’s the traditional list of entertainment I’ve watched recently:

99 Rooms (It’s a great drama about a real estate imposer and his young assistant who loses his home and tries to feed his family by evicting families from their houses. The ending scene leaves lots of question marks there hangin’ so eventually this is pretty good one – worth of watching!)

Spectre (Again a bond movie which doesn’t offer anything new but keeps a certain level why people stay with the series a year after year. High budget, high staff and high stunts – this one is about Bond’s evil brother appearing and 007 tracking down a mysterious cult. The ending scene is almost too spectacular for me – a’la Batman in Gotham – but of course it’s yet entertaining…)

Backcountry (I’ve always into these adventure hiking movies – not the horror ones but these with some thrilling point of view. There’s a couple spending a weekend in a hiking trail but they intentionally leave maps and phones in their car just to spend the days with each other’s. Unfortunately they get lost and meet a mystery hiking guide who seems to be a bit annoying and threatening. After all a grey bear attacks them and the ending scene is yet dramatic but still a bit puzzling. Surprisingly awesome!) 

Simple Plan (Billy Bob Thornton, Bridget Fonda and Bill Paxton starring one of the best thrillers of 90’s about the group of hunters who find the plane full of money, pilot shot to dead. They’re trying to keep the bag but the things are getting more and more complicated as they’re trying to hide the secret. Eventually there’s of course some high-criminals after their asses.)

Everest (I’ve always liked the movies about challenging the mountains and about extreme conditions & sports. This is the newest one about 90’s climbers trying to reach Mount Everest. Enough said coz’ the whole movie is just about that but it’s of course based on a true story and that fact stays aboard through the film which makes this kinda special…)

Vinyl (Most definitely the best TV series of this time, it’s a shame that it’s so freakin’ short… It’s about a label boss of 70’s trying to sign bands like Zeppelin, Slade, Abba and so on. There’s a lot of humour but also some interesting stuff about the music world of the era. Rockin’ & sure worth of watching!)

Straight Outta Compton (A couple of friends were dissing this but it’s not just about the labels fuckin’ NWA guys, it’s also a well-made music drama and brings some personality to all characters. The sad ending between Eazy-E and DRE was caught brilliantly and I was almost thrilled how effective the soundtrack was there just rollin’ at the background of the film. Maybe one of the best movies of 2015, if not even the best!)

Brick (It’s a modern film noir and DEFINITELY one of the best atmospheric movies I’ve EVER watched! Can’t reveal you more but there’s a college kid who tries to find his missing ex-girlfriend. It mixes the feelings from 50’s but also from 80’s and early 90’s… Just watch this, and watch it a couple of times and you’ll start to realize some clues that you haven’t noticed the first time you’ve watched this.)

Room (After being kidnapped 7 years ago, a woman has raised his child in a locked-up room, gettin’ raped every evening but still full of hopes. The first part of the movie is about getting out from the room and the other part about surviving in the real world. It’s painful to watch but well-made drama movie!)

Unbroken (It’s about a group of prisoners caught to Japanese prison camp. Maybe one of the best films about World War prisoner stuff which kinda creepy in a good-way, not just about tortures and blood. And this was even based on a true story. If you’re about a well-made war drama – recommendings!)

Wild Tales (Maybe the best Latin movie I’ve ever seen. The theme here is fuckin’ REVENGE and it contains few independent stories about different kinds of revenges and basically how to handle it. The story builds up pretty wisely and the ending scene is dramatic but yet so relieving. Seriously – you gotta watch this!)

Lucy (Haha, this movies is been knocked out by almost everyone but it’s so full of gasoline that I actually liked it! It’s an action movie and it fuckin’ BOWS to 80’s… You know a girl’s is injected with a new drug but accidentally they give her the boost of being almost a god. So she goes for a revenge to kill her kidnappers but also tries to find out her abilities and how to use them by the help of an old university professor played by Morgan Freeman. Why’s is he always a part of these “God” movies, hahaha?)

Kilo Two Bravo (A group of soldiers caught up on the mine field in Kajaki, Afghanistan. The bombs are blowing their legs’ off time after time and the evacuate mission seems to be impossible. It’s all about catching the moment, not any typical combat-after combat-war-stuff. That’s why it makes the cut, like I’ve said before – they make helluva good war movies in 2010’s after the break of two decades.)

Bridge Of Spies (Enough said that this was the best movie of last year but so be it! Tom Hanks does it again as an attorney trying to defend a Russian spy during The Cold War of 60’s. It maintains the spirit of old spy movies but re-arranges the shooting techniques and stuff for 2010’s so it’s super fun to watch. Though this one is almost 2 hours 30 minutes long, not once you’d check your watch…)

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas # Tiger L.A. # Matt Nitro # Jay Mickey

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas # Tiger L.A.

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas # Modern Day Cowboys

# Groupie High School # Matt Nitro # Wegster

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas # Mike Rockberry

# Jay Mickey # Groupie High School

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas

# Groupie High School # Matt Nitro # Tiger L.A.

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas

# Wegster # Groupie High School

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas

# Tiger L.A. # Wegster # Groupie High School

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas

# Jay Mickey # Matt Nitro # Groupie High School

# Vinny's Playground # Vinny Olavi

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas # Jay Mickey

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas # Jay Mickey # Wegster # Matt Nitro

# Tiger L.A. # Wegster # Groupie High School

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas # Miia Sofia

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas

# Wegster # Groupie High School

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas # Jay Mickey # Matt Nitro

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas # Matt Nitro

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas # Tiger L.A.

# Tiger L.A. # Matt Nitro

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas # Miia Sofia

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas # Miia Sofia

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas # Katy Pixx

# Vinny Olavi # Groupie High School # Vincenzo Olavi # GHS Racing # Knockout Cocktail # Vinny's Playground # Modern Day Cowboys # nti Kaleva & the Mistake # Los Gran Artistas # Miia Sofia