Forbidden feelings on the main stage
The group of boys standing next to me wonder whether Ville Leinonen is the same person who plays drums in Risto. Yes, he is. And Risto Ylihärsilä plays in Chrisse Forever Band with Ville Leinonen, too. The boys decide to linger and check out if Ville Leinonen’s easy listening pop medley is any good. Yes. it is. After the first song I hear the boys commenting on their good mood. And during the third song they photograph Ville Leinonen enthusiastically.
Ville Leinonen & Chrisse Forever Band perform traditional pop hits in the name of love. Emotions and atmosphere are offered to the audience by the ten members of the group. Indeed, the entire group appears to be of one mind about the message of beguiling love. Me and those boys standing next to me all believe the message: ‘Always there for me warm, tender and cuddly…’
The set performed on the main stage of Ilosaarirock included a sentimental collection of old Finnish pop tunes. Ville Leinonen & Chrisse Forever Band respect the traditional spirit of popular music - and yet add their own, original touch to the songs. Pieni ja lämpöinen receives a calm and composed treatment, hip hop elements are added to Kesän lapsi and Kielletyt tunteet is performed with the full contribution of every member of the group.
Text: Milla Laaksonen
Translation: Hanna Laaksonen
Picture: Markus Korpi-Hallila