FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb 13, 2008
Contact: media 
ilosaarirock.fi
Nightwish - Local Stars to Headline Ilosaarirock Festival
Joensuu, Finland — Ilosaarirock announced today its first confirmations for the 2008 festival. Once again Ilosaarirock is offering a versatile collection of both Finnish and foreign acts. For many festival goers the brightest star in the festival venue Laulurinne will be Nightwish, the most internationally successful band to ever come from North Karelia. Nightwish will play one of their few summer 2008 festival gigs in Ilosaarirock.
– We are happy to publish such an exceptionally large number of first confirmations for this summer's festival. It's always fantastic to have Nightwish play on their home stage. On top of that there is quite a number of foreign names, all top acts in their genres. I'm all smiles, says Panu Hattunen, who is in charge of selecting the foreign bands for Ilosaarirock. The top international names for Ilosaarirock 2008 are, to mention only a few, Heptones (JAM), Ozric Tentacles (UK) and Mogwai (UK).
The list of Finnish acts is impressive as well. The long-time favourite 22-Pistepirkko, who have just released a new album, is only one of them, and the confirmations for numerous fresh and attractive artists still remain to be published. Ilosaarirock is well-known for its creative and experimental line-up. In total, some 100 Finnish and international acts will be seen at the sunny three-day festival, taking place from July 11th to 13th in Joensuu, the capital of Eastern Finland. More bands from both Finland and abroad are being sought.
Ilosaarirock 2008 Line-up
February 13, 2008
Joe Bataan (USA), Comeback Kid (CAN), Converge (USA), Cult of Luna (SWE), Fanfare Ciocârlia (ROM), Heaven Shall Burn (GER), Heptones (JAM), Kashmir (DEN), Metsatöll (EST), Mogwai (UK), Oceansize (UK), Ozric Tentacles (UK) and Venetian Snares (CAN).
Finnish acts:
Turisas, Nightwish, Hanoi Rocks, Scandinavian Music Group, Eläkeläiset, Von Hertzen Brothers,
Ismo Alanko Teholla, Astro Can Caravan, 22-Pistepirkko, Diablo,
Stella, Lauri Tähkä & Elonkerjuu, Pelle Miljoona Unabomber, M.A. Numminen, Raappana, Asa ja
Jätkäjätkät, Pyhimys, Rhythm Funk Masters, Samettivallankumous, Discard, Medeia,
51koodia, Stam1na, Kotiteollisuus, Kari Peitsamo, Kohu-63, Diskelmä, Anal Thunder, St. Hood, Rejected, Mokoma,
Rotten Sound, Klaus Thunder & Ukkosmaine, Risto and YUP.
Keep checking for updates in our list of confirmed performers at www.ilosaarirock.fi/english.
About Ilosaarirock
Started in 1971 by a group of music enthusiasts, Ilosaarirock is one of the oldest festivals in Europe. It is a member of YOUROPE - the European Festival Association, and one of the most prominent rock festivals in Finland. Ilosaarirock Festival is a year-round organization dedicated to emerging and alternative as well as world-class artists. The Festival has established a unique reputation for combining a relaxed ambience with a professional dedication. At the same time, it has stayed true to its roots by being organized mainly by active volunteers. The dates of this year's Ilosaarirock are July 11th to 13th, and there will be 21 000 tickets on sale (www.tiketti.fi) from May 5 onwards.