Eläkeläiset

In the organizer's words:

Eläkeläiset are the "biggest humppa band in the world". They say so themselves, and who would contradict them? The "pensioners" are not only an institution in their home country, with their records regularly appearing at the top of the charts. The band also has an astonishingly large and, above all, very loyal fan base here in Germany. The number of their releases? Many! Incidentally, one DVD was awarded gold in Finland.

Eläkeläiset play humppa, a kind of Finnish polka, always introduced by a tight, hard-hitting drum intro. Music that lends itself very well to polonaises or shuffle dancing. Eläkeläiset claim that all rock, pop or other classics can be played as humppa versions and only then do they sound really good. Humppa is...when four crazy, rarely sober Finns not only cover the best-known chart earworms from rock, pop and metal in polka style, but "improve" them. The small catch? They sing in Finnish! The lyrics are - distantly - related to the original. The musicians simply fill in translation gaps with Finnish swear words or "humppa". They maltreat the bass, accordion, drums and keyboard at breathtaking speed. Their stage instruments include a chainsaw, ninja star, shotgun and baton. The most popular game at the Finns' live shows is: "What's the original name of this damn song?" A little help: "Enter Sandman" is called "Soramonttuhumppa" and "Macarena" is called "Panojenkka". "Humppa Hallelujaa", however, every listener should be able to identify it correctly straight away! Unfortunately, not all record companies, publishers and authors share the view that everything sounds better in humppa style. This has already led to fierce differences of opinion. Which proves that there are plenty of people in the music industry who have no sense of humor.

Price information:

plus fees