Rock : Unplugged

Oy there!
I'd like to take this time, and share some acoustic stuff with you guys. It's been a while since all these gigs, really, but I wanted them all to be in one. And as no surprise, I bet, this update includes two of my very favorite bands from Finland: Santa Cruz and Reckless Love. So let's rock this one down with them. ;)

The first part actually dates back to, as far as third of May. I went to see Santa Cruz in Tampere, as their "levykauppa ÄX tour", landed there. It was a fine day, and I was happy to see the guys play. I had been waiting for acoustic music for some while, from February I think. So this small gig really came to need.
The guys were 30mins late, because they got stuck in the traffic. But I only found it funny. It was not bad at all. I got some good laughs out of it. And waiting for them was totally worth it. I knew it.
So when the guys had their set on the small, small stage, and started to play I felt totally good. These dudes know how to play. Honestly, they do. I admire how talented they are, given them their young age. I enjoyed the whole gig, and surprised myself by singing along so much. Though I wasn't really singing out loud. I was More like lip-syncing, to avoid bothering others. The show was purely beautiful.
As Santa Cruz was loadin their equipment back to their car, I hanged close and chatted with them a breef moment. They seemd happy about the gig, but in a hurry to go, so I didn't really try to hold them back. I just winked that we'll see soon in Lahti. As they greeted me back with some laughter we said bye, and went our different ways.
It really was such a fine day, over all.

This part two, is also on Santa Cruz.
As I had told the guys, I was going to see them play in Lahti. So it was only few days, and I was on the road again. May the sixth I went to meet up with my friends, to see the band play again. Another acoustic set in Levykauppa ÄX.
It was a little different, as this time just Archie and Johnny showed up. I think they had thought the space would be too small. At least that's how I saw it, as Archie was laughing to Johnny how Middy and Taz would have fit there with them perfectly. They were joking how one of them would have been siting on the record shelf. A joyful start to a two men, two giutars show. ;)

I actually sat down, right in front of Archie, to get away from others view, and catch some funny pictures and videos. The guys laughed at me when I did it. I guess not many sit while watching them. And normally nor would I. I just didn't want to block anyones view. And well, to be perfectly straight, I had a great spot to be in. There was no one on the way, and I could really enjoy the music. The guitars (ah!). It was pure paradise for me.
 I really had good time there. Johnny and Archie were nice enough to play "Sweet Sensation", when I re-quested it from them. It was so beautiful. Usually my wishes go unnoticed, but not this time, and I really appriciate the guys for doing it.
After the last song I got up, and gave the guys hugs. Me and my friends also walked with them a little while, when they were leaving Levykauppa ÄX, to get to their car. It was fun. Just trotting with them, and having some short catch-up going. When we parted, I said we'd see in the release party of their CD, and they were smiling as a respond. A little later they waved at me and my pals for a goodbye from across the road. Such gorgeus guys.

I was supposed to go to Helsinki the next Wednesday to see them... But at that very day I got fever, and was forced to stay home. I was really pissed about it, but I couldn't risk of getting worse while waiting for a bus in the morning hours. Gladly the memory of the acoustic shows helped a little.


And so we get to part three,
and Reckless Love.
This gig actually got me by surprise, but was one I needed to see. Last time I saw Reckless Love play an acoustic set, I didn't have my camera charged (such a mistake!). So this time I didn't want to miss my chances.
It was Friday, May the 17th, and I had had fever the other day, but I went to Kuopio to see this show. I knew it was easier trip than going to Helsinki. I didn't have to go by bus, and leaving was depending on how I felt, not on the busses. So I went. And I actually felt good as sun was beaming down, and weather was over all beautiful.
Reckless Love was playing in Bowl D1ner, and the "stage" was built on the bowling tracks. It looked awefully sick and sweet. I don't think many bands can say they have thrown a show like that.
The gig was great. Really. The guys were having so much fun "re-lyricing" Hot, and listening what the audience wanted them to play. It was lovely to watch them interact like that, and to really have good time doing what they do best, and what they also love to do.
I was sitting down (once again) in the front row, so that all could see pass me. I really had an awesome spot to be in, regardless of the fact, that I was a little low. Even though I was still sick I couldn't be quiet and sit still. Every once in a while the guys made me laugh so hard I could hardly breathe. I had a great time. There is nothing more pertinent cure for me than acoustic guitars. :)
To be honest, I was surprised how friendly the guys were afterwards. Not that they'd usually be hostile, just that they're often in so much hurry, or surrounded by so many admirers... I don't push through to steal their time. But tonight, they really had time for all. Equally. And it was very nice. I think all their fans can appriciate that. And I hope the guys do too. At least they looked like they were having fun chating with their fans, and sharing their time with each one. This is what I really honor in a band, and I'm glad to know these guys have not lost it.

I'm really pleased to say I finally have got some good amount of acoustic music. Though I could never get enough. I'm just waiting for the nex one to pop up, and I'll be running there. ;)
Also I'm really happy about the fact how fancy bands I've found to follow. Santa Cruz and Reckless Love are down to earth still, though they're getting bigger and bigger globaly as we speak. I hope the guys never loose themselves to the crazyness completely. They're just perfect in this semi-finnish way. Not too proud, but not humble either. I think both of these bands will go far. And I really hope they do. They decerve it.

Over and out again,
-RW-

Mayday Mayday Kuopio, can You hear me?

the drummer way of hide and seek

This week I did a trip to Kuopio, the home city of the merry metal band Reckless Love. I went there to spend the mayday (vappu) in the good rocking way of that very band mentioned above. Me and my gals road tripped to Kuopio on Monday, and chilled out on a little vacation, while waiting for the Tuesdays gig.

Kuopios own Lion

On Tuesday evening, when we five gals were in our hotel room, everyone was excited to get ready and go to Henry's Pub to see the show. Everyone but me. I don't know where I lost all my energy. I just felt like staying in and passing this gig, though it was the one thing we planned our vacation on. After all I braved up, and went along anyway.
Henry's Pub was getting growded, as many locals came to see the towns own boys play. We met up with some more good friends of ours, and got our places in the filling pub. I was feeling trapped in the cornertable we were at. For some unexplained reason I was all dull at the same time. I even told my sister I didn't want to go on the floor to see the gig from a better view. I just didn't want all those people around me.

Thunder bass

The show started somewhere between ten and eleven pm. At first it didn't even make me smile. The first real reaction out of me was a confused and shy quick smile to Pepe, when he saw me in the corner and smiled at me funnily puffing air from his mouth (He's weird, isn't he?). I was kind of hiding from the band too, and acting really not-like-myself. I didn't sing along at first, I didn't even scream. I just hanged there, clapping my hands to the beat.

rockjoy on stage

It was like I had too many things in my head and I couldn't concentrate. It took me some time to get in the mood for a show. But after some amazing songs, I just had to smile. I couldn't be a sourface and just gloom around. I started singing and taking some more photos, eventually screaming, even. I felt good. That was what I wanted to do. And this band brought it, even after the deep dark feeling of wanting to run away. The guys were so hilarious on stage. Running around, making funny faces to the crowd, kicking high, sounding awesome.... Not to mention looking okay too. ;) These dudes are so electric and funny and non-stopping. There was no way I could be sad or dull.

At the end of the gig I was really enjoying myself. All was well. But could it end well?

starting HOT with
some catchy beats

My sadness came back after a while, but with the support from my friends I was tyrying to get over it. Ollis wife, Noora, came to greet us and saw the way I was. She asked me if I was okay, and I tried to tell her it was nothing. She didn't really buy it, and later on she really pulled me up from the swamp I was in. With some help from Olli and Pepe, who had time to show me that the band really cares about its fans. Those three made me feel absurd about all this, but I am really glad they were able to share their time with me. It was an unbeleavable experience, and really comforting too. I don't think I can ever thank them enough, for what they said to me. "Just smile. Don't look so grumpy" It was propably the best advice. :D
I was in a little positive shock after that night. All that had happened was so surreal. It felt like a movie. But as Noora told me "It's a movie that's happening to you right now. It's real". And it was the best. I have even bigger respect towards Reckless Love and it's members after this all. And also, now I have proof that I have not been wrong when saying that Noora is beautiful in every way. She is just.. pure awwwwwesomeness. :)

is the growd going wild enough?

On Wednesday me and girls just relaxed. We slept long, went through some gig photos, and... Finally in the evening we went to sauna. I had waited for it. It was around nine o'clock, when we came out and I was admiring the evening sky through the dressingrooms windows. The Sauna area of Sokoshotel Puijonsarvi is like a pent-house. The view was breathtaking. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera on me.

Thank you Kuopio!

At midday on Thursday, we were leaving Kuopio behind and returning to our normal lives. But it had been fun, and all those memories will make me smile for many, many times to come. Though the trip had it downs, I'm way on the positive side. Millions of thank yous and all my gratitude to my friends, and not the least to Noora, Olli and Pepe. After all, I had a great time, and... I'm smiling big!

Keep on smiling you all.
-RW-