Tabula Rasa

Showtime 19:00
Suisto open 16-02
Tickets 40 € at the door.
Cloakroom included.

The Finnish progressive rock classic Tabula Rasa returns to the stage! Founded in 1972 and having released two albums, Tabula Rasa is one of the pioneers of Finnish progressive rock. Building their own sound in the footsteps of Cream, Jethro Tull, King Crimson and Wigwam, the band ended their career with the single "Rakastatko vielä kun ilta", which is also Tabula Rasa's most well-known song.

The idea of Tabula Rasa's return is not entirely new, but became concrete at guitarist Heikki Silvennoinen's memorial concert in May 2025. Silvennoinen was one of Tabula Rasa's founding members, as were bassist Tapio Suominen and drummer Asko Pakkanen, who are part of the current lineup. Joining them on stage are vocalist Jukka Salmela, who sang in Tabula Rasa's original version, his daughter singer Anna-Greta Salmela, keyboardist Jorma Kahilainen, flutist and organist Markus Pajakkala, and guitarist Kemmo Silvennoinen.

Kemmo, who grew up in the rock and heavy metal world, has found new ways to handle the six-string guitar through his father Heikki Silvennoinen's playing. "Tabula Rasa opened up an entirely new world for me that I fell in love with. It's wonderful to have been able to bring my own perspective to Tabula Rasa's songs, for example in guitar solos. I've also gained a lot of courage and different perspectives as a musician. You can get many good tips from Heikki about how the sound should be and how a song needs to have a good melody", says Kemmo Silvennoinen.

Drummer Asko Pakkanen explains that Tabula Rasa's return is not tied to any grand five-year plans, but is simply something fun and heartfelt. "Right now, playing together is really enjoyable and it feels natural to go out on gigs. We'll do this as long as it feels meaningful to us, and of course it's a bonus if people like it and come to see us."