Aika on Lahden

On Saturday, October 11, we played at Finlandia Club in Lahti, Jonne's current home town. The venue is part of Sibelius-talo concert hall, so the backstage area for example was quite luxurious with sauna and everything. The pre-sale was around 200 tickets and then a few dozen Jonne's relatives on a guest list so we knew that there was going to be people.

We were supposed to be there at the venue really early. Paukku sent a message on Friday that we're leaving Tampere at 10. The idea was that the venue was reserved for us from the noon on and we were going to set up the stage props for the forthcoming tour and rehearse the tour set two or three times so that for example the light guy Tony will know what's going on. Well, I've seen how things work at every venue and I knew that there's nothing happening at noon and decided that there's no way I'm going to get up that early. I decided to drive to Lahti myself. We left home around 1 and when we arrived there was still nothing for the band to do. Finally it was time for the soundcheck and we had time to play maybe four songs! I could have left home at 17 and still be there on time. Bollocks. The support band arrived too. It was nice to see Metsatöll again. Really nice blokes. And at least three of them know how to drink as well.

The show itself was really good. As most people know we've never had much following in Finland so we are kind of used to a slightly lamer response when compared to practically any other country. However, the show in Lahti was different. The place wasn't full, I believe they sold around 300 tickets when the capacity is 600, but it was a really good and loud audience so it was really nice to be on the stage. The only major change was that we put Jonne in the back of the stage on the drum riser during "Orbina" and "Kipumylly". I guess we'll be doing that every time there is enough room on the riser. We also dropped "Keep On Galloping" from the set but I don't think we added anything.

After the show we went to sauna for a while. Metsatöll had already started. I really wanted to have a few drinks but I couldn't since I was driving and my girlfriend won't drive my car. When I am rich enough I will take a taxi to every show.