Article by Jennifer
Just returned from a magical trip to Helsinki, as an honoured winner of the competition. didn't know anyone except Neil who invited me as the guest and was delighted that all 6 of us got on so well and enjoyed our Nightwish moments together. he magic of this band is such that 6 strangers can meet, and instantly have something in common and mutual respect.
This proved very useful after the gig as they were many shoulders to cry on when we all commiserated as the big news hit us. We were privileged to have been there as it happened and found out early on Sunday morning, so we didn't need to find out in the newspapers, as on the Monday Tarja was on the front page of most papers. Neil and I bought out a shop, went a bit mad wanting momentos, and got frustrated as can't read what they say. The letter which is on the website from Tuomas to Tarja was in its original Finnish format on most of the papers. There is no going back from that.
The feel we got on Monday once the s*** hit the fan and the news spread like wild fire in the capital was that the band will go on and there was shock as their leading Lady is perhaps not as beautiful inside as the image prevails. I heard one Finn guy say in passing in English (so he must have seen us looking at the open page of the paper), “stupid Finnish girl”.
It is sad and maybe for the best, as Neil and I discussed no one can take away the amazing albums they gave us already and the enjoyment of seeing them onstage and having Tarja bless the band with her voice, but Nightwish for Neil and I and most fans is more than a band. They portray magically deep feelings and sense of belonging. Their kindness as people (anyone who met these guys will know) is awesome and it is not about money and power but about Tuomas' vision and their way of life. They are the only band who makes me feel special just for supporting them, I have actually felt appreciated and they genuinely do care for us. In these days of greed and cut throat music industry, that is rare and for that to continue, the split had to happen. Good luck to them all.
The gig itself was memorable and we decided we need more venues like that in UK, it was like a smaller version of Birmingham NEC. Sadly we had seating tickets, but the view was fine.
The most bizarre thing and what dampened the gig for me was that we had to remain seated throughout and trying to headbang sitting down, well its just not rock is it.
I was disappointed to witness that their home crowd were quite frankly boring and most tame even the ones standing, and I can understand why the band enjoy coming to rock with us in the UK. I once heard Marco say at a Rock City gig that us Brits know how to ROCK, and I agree.
Seeing Two Hawks on stage and how he lit up Tuomas' face was a pleasure.
The stage show was amazing with large screen sat the back, lots of pyro aptly timed and confetti and even mini fireworks at the end from the ceiling.
Knowing now that it would be the last ever gig with the original line up makes it even more amazing and special that I got to go to it.
Thank you Mary and the UK Fan Club for offering this competition and thanks to her neighbour who picked Neil's name from the bag, and most of all thanks to Neil my Nightwish Oceansoul who picked me to go as his guest – he knew what was best!
Since I found out we were going and only 5 tickets in the whole UK, I jumped up and down singing “We got the golden ticket” and doing impressions of the latest Charlie and Chocolate Factory film. That's how privileged I felt at winning.
For those who entered and didn't win, we did actually toast all the fans and we gave it large we made the most of every minute and in fact didnt actually sleep some nights. The hotel bar will remember the crazy Nightwish Brits!
Here's to Nightwish, a great bunch of guys and may they continue into their new era blessing us with amazing music. X
Whatever happens now, true fans will continue to support them and the rock will go on!
