Article by Robert Littlemore
This all started with an impulse at the end of the Manchester Academy concert. (At the time I didn't know that Nightwish would play at Download or, would return to play at the Hammersmith Apollo in part of cancelled second US tour time). I wondered just what it would be like to see them perform in their home country?? I chose the Ankkarock festival as I had time to save up for it. Took me ages to find out where Korso was!
I flew out to Finland on the Friday having chosen to attend both days of the festival. (It only cost 50 euros for a ticket to both days.) I really enjoyed the Saturday, watching Juliette and the licks, veteran British act Uriah Heep (still know how to rock), Maija Vilkkumaa (very good) and, The Rasmus as well as others. It rained very heavily most of the night and I feared that my dream would be spoilt by the weather. The Sunday dawned dry and sunny so I raced to get my trains to Korso Park again.
The sun shone as I watched various acts during the day, the highlights which were Sonata Arctica (first time), and Within Temptation (again, first time). I watched Franz Ferdinand on the main stage a little but this band doesn't even light my candle let alone the fire. So as soon as they finished I spotted my chance and as every one else headed away I moved in towards that crowd barrier. I got within about 3 meters and looked at the watch; 1 Hour and 15 minutes to Nightwish! I was surprised how fast it went as; I found the stage set up going on interesting. Pyrotechnics, and other bits and pieces were being readied for use; this is going to be the full set; the real thing; Nightwish at their best. As a result I watch Apocalyptica over the large screen from another stage, there is no way I am moving now!! The final item on stage is Tarja's microphone, a yellow one! Not seen that one before so I shall see what she wears today.
When 9 o clock came, I was surrounded by eager faces, of all ages too, but there was no crowd surge or; push and shove. Everyone respects each others space so even youngsters could get up close to the stage without fear of being crushed. English fans might find this a little boring possibly but, there is still no lack of enthusiasm or noise, as the man in the funny costume walks on to stir up the crowd and announce Nightwish.
Not understanding what is being said I just cheer with the crowd, as it starts at last. I feel like I am cheering alone as I think I am the first to spot Jukka make a dash for the drum stool. The now familiar intro leads into ‘Dark chest of Wonders.' Tuomas raises his hands to the crowd as he arrives behind his keyboards as Marco and, Emppu rush on and begin playing. The crowd really find their voices as Tarja strolls on to the stage; the atmosphere is incredible as they go straight into ‘The Siren' (then their current single). This ends with a bang as the pyro's kick in and I get my first treat with the next song; ‘Ever Dream'.
I had hoped for a few unusual ones, and this is one of my favourites so I am happy!! Tarja runs off stage for her first costume change and returns as the next song starts. The performance is stunning, Tarja dancing gracefully around the stage (she even sways her hips while drinking her water), Tuomas looks like he is in his element putting real feeling into his keyboard playing, Emppu can't stop smiling as he liberally throws plectrums into the crowd, (I miss two that come my way) and plays guitar sometimes! Marco performs solidly on his bass and, makes some speeches to the crowd one of which is greeted with boo's and hisses; I can only think that he was telling the crowd how long they are going to be off for after the tour ends. Another gem in amongst the regulars like ‘Wishmaster', ‘Planet Hell', ‘Nemo', ‘Bless the Child' and, ‘The Kinslayer' is ‘Over the hills and far away'. Another I have not heard live before. Why does Tarja always perform ‘Koulema Tekee Taiteilijan' from far back on the stage?? Can't believe this gifted woman is a shrinking violet. She should be stood at the front so she can leave us all breathless. She looked breathtaking to all in white this time.
The pyro's are loud and bright then flames rise up from the stage corners during two songs. The two big gadgets fire up near the end and, fill the air around me with clouds of pink and white confetti, (should have recognised them from Rammstein gigs); lots of which lands on me. They don't do an encore as such, just keep at it until it finishes and, what a finish with ‘Wish I had an Angel' which it seems like everyone is singing along with. Brilliant!!! As the band take their bows to the crowd, the crowd unites to cheer and, clap for the best performance of the weekend. We are distracted then as an impressive firework display is released nearby to bring the weekend to a close, didn't realise how much I was enjoying this until it was over.
I rest on the barrier as I scribble down as many songs as I can remember. I want to remember the best performance I have ever seen by Nightwish! I reflect on what for a die-hard Nightwish fan like me was 70 minutes of heaven. My little dream has come true!! Truly memorable, I scoop up some confetti as a souvenir (I know I am sad), and finally turn to leave. All the lights are turned on then to help the crew clear the stage and there it is; lying on the ground; an Emppu plectrum!! I snatch up what is now my most treasured memento of the weekend (as the marks on it prove Emppu played guitar with it), and walk back towards the exit.
Another 5 days in Finland to enjoy now but, nothing will match the euphoria I have felt in the last two hours. I believed that Nightwish would be on another level in their home country, I wasn't disappointed!! Unforgettable!!
