Saturday 23 January 2010

Live Bands 2009 - Nightwish Hartwall Arena Helsinki 19/9

Amazing what you can buy at Helsinki Airport..

Me and Moomin..The NW-UK mascot.

Trevor outside the Hartwall Arena pre gig

As soon as the last tour date at the Hartwall Arena was announced I knew that I had to go come what may.
Quite a few of the NW-UK Fans showed interest initially but for varying reasons not too many travelled in the end.
I managed to book a cheap flight and a reasonably priced hotel that was close to the Hartwall Arena but outside of Helsinki.
It was a real 'whistle stop' trip with me arriving on the Saturday afternoon and then flying home on the Sunday lunchtime. Sadly no time for any major sightseeing.
It was good to meet up with Trevor from the NW forum at the hotel. After a couple of beers (6 Euros !!!) we walked to the Hartwall Arena. It only took about 20 minutes and there was already many fans gathering despite being a couple of hours before the doors opened.

Apocalyptica were the support band didn't know too much about them and hadn’t seen them live before. I am so glad that I got the chance . They gave 100% on stage and playing songs from Metallica, Sepultura and even from Edward Grieg. Definitely a great performance and I would love to see them again.

Going to a Nightwish concert is an amazing experience that can’t be compared to any other. Also I must add that the pyrotechnical side was very good – fire works, falling “waterfall”, snowflakes it had everything.
Anette was in fantastic voice and full of energy and owned the stage . She really has grown into the role and was clearly having a fantastic time. She deserves so much credit because she had the massive task of taking over from Tarja Turunen. Completely different in style she gives Nightwish a completely new dimension and is a joy to watch.
The boys played their instruments brilliantly as ever. And it was so good to see them so touched by their fan base. Just heartwarming.

The 11,000 sell out audience were as one by the time the band left to the wonderful outro of 'The Heart ask Pleasure First'. That Tuomas had re-written but sadly has not been granted permission as yet by Michael Nyman to release.

Unfortunately I don't have any photos as the Security staff were extremely over officious and banned any photo taking, well at least where I was!

Set List
  • Intro - Finlandia (w/ U.K. multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley)
  • 7 Days To The Wolves
  • Ever Dream
  • Wishmaster
  • Romanticide
  • Amaranth
  • The Siren (w/ Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto)
  • While Your Lips Are Still Red (w/ Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto)
  • Poet And The Pendulum
  • Nemo
  • Sahara
  • Dark Chest Of Wonders
  • The Islander
  • Walking In The Air (w/ U.K. multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley)
  • Last Of The Wilds (w/ U.K. multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley)
  • Meadows Of Heaven
  • Ghost Love Score
  • I Wish I Had An Angel
Outro – The Heart Asks Pleasure First

2 comments:

  1. Hi Peter,
    I love the "Set List" you made. I have to tell you though, I love all of Nightwishes songs, with a few of them being my ultimate favorites. Your blog is really nice. I am still working on mine though hopefully I can get it done soon. Take care.
    Fernando

    ReplyDelete

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