Joensuu’s own boy Ismo Alanko is a living Ilosaarirock legend. The man has seen more Ilosaarirock festivals than most of us and he has a special place in finnish rock history. His performance in this year’s Ilosaarirock was no exception to the previous ones. One hour of high quality finnish rock with 30-years experience.
Ismo Alanko takes his crowd to a trance from the first minute onward. In this trance the crowd of Ilosaarirock 2010 heard a wide selection of Ismo’s greatest hits thourgh out his 30-year carreer. Dark and slightly psychedelic sounds with perfect lyrics touches every Finns soul in a deep way. Ismo Alanko’s act might not open up fully to a foreigner but when looking at all the finns in Ismo trance one might get a climpse what it is all about. For the finns this is Extacy as one of Ismo Alanko’s songs puts it. Going through the whole range of emotions Mr. Alanko is able to touch every Finns soul and mind.
Unfortunately nothing last’s forever. With tears in their eyes, endlessly applausing the crowd said goodbye to their hometown hero. We love you and see you next year Ismo Alanko.
Text Kaisa Kauppinen
Translation Antti Parkkinen
