Ismo Alanko

Chew on this, why don’t you: Ismo Alanko, one of the true greats of Finnish music, first stepped onto the Ilosaarirock stage well over 40 years ago. Since then, he’s taken the stage with Hassisen Kone, Sielun Veljet and Ismo Alanko Säätiö, with the number of appearances reaching exceptionally high. And every time, the Joensuu crowd has welcomed him like a hero. After all, this is where it all began.

Over a career spanning more than four decades, Ismo Alanko has sold nearly 700,000 records, picked up numerous Emma Awards, and held his place as one of the boldest and most forward-thinking voices in Finnish rock. His ninth studio album Kevyt ja kohtuuton, released in February, stands as a testament to his ability to stay curious and keep evolving.

This July, Ilosaarirock will once again see a powerful, spine-tingling rock show, with a strong sense of homecoming in the air. Welcome back, Ismo. You’ve been missed.