We just got a taste of the first snow here in Helsinki, and there’s no better way to keep our spirits warm than by diving into the high-energy grooves of BLUES PILLS. On the evening of November 1st, 2024, Tavastia was alive with a unique blend of hard-hitting blues rock, delivered with boundless passion and positivity by a band that never fails to impress. As part of their Happy F**Ing Birthday  tour, BLUES PILLS are representing their brand-new album, “Birthday,” and they did so in spectacular fashion.

Before BLUES PILLS took the stage, the crowd was treated to a fantastic opening set by the Ontario quartet, DANIEL ROMANO’S OUTFIT. Known for their genre-defying sound, Romano and his band seamlessly blended elements of rock, folk, and country with a punk-like edge. One of the highlights of the performance was their ability to shift between singing from the bass player and a girl with a tambourine. This dynamic blend of exchanging vocals added a new layer to the songs, enriching the sound and giving each track a fresh, multidimensional feel that also kept the audience engaged. Tracks like “Where’s Paradise” and “Impossible Green” showcased the band’s versatility, with rich, layered instrumentation and infectious hooks.

DANIEL ROMANO’S OUTFIT‘s tight rhythm section provided a solid groove, while the intertwining guitar melodies and the vocals brought an exciting and unique quality to their performance. By the time DANIEL ROMANO’S OUTFIT wrapped up, the room was buzzing with energy and anticipation, ready for BLUES PILLS.

As the crowd eagerly awaited, THE BEATLES’ classic song “Birthday” played in the background, creating a playful vibe. The band members made their way to the stage with wide smiles, feeding off the excitement of the audience. Once BLUES PILLS launched into their own high-energy rendition of “Birthday,” Elin Larsson’s powerhouse vocals filled every corner of the venue, and you could feel the floor vibrate as guitarist Zack Anderson unleashed a fury of bluesy, ripping solos. Something is mesmerizing about the way the band fuses classic rock and blues influences, yet manages to make every moment feel fresh.

Following “Birthday,” BLUES PILLS dove into “Don’t You Love It” and “Bad Choices,” both of which had the crowd moving, singing, and totally locked into the vibe. Elin danced across the stage, her expressive movements as soulful as her singing, pulling everyone deeper into the band’s world of high-energy rock and roll. When “Top of the Sky” came next, it was one of the show’s highlights, as the whole room swayed together, captivated by the song’s dreamy, yet powerful melody.

Even when a sudden technical hiccup struck — Zack broke a guitar string and had to quickly switch guitars — the band didn’t miss a beat. It was refreshing to see a group so adept at improvisation, keeping the energy levels high without losing the audience’s attention for even a second. In the meantime, André Kvarnström on drums and Kristoffer Schander on bass filled the gap with a groove-heavy jam, while Elin grabbed a tambourine and effortlessly kept the crowd engaged. It was a spontaneous moment that showcased the band’s chemistry and musicianship, turning what could have been a pause into an exciting highlight of the evening.

Throughout the show, the connection between BLUES PILLS and the crowd grew stronger. Elin knows exactly how to involve everyone, whether by getting the crowd to clap along or singing back the lyrics. This was especially evident during “Proud Woman,” where she rallied everyone to shout the lyrics along.

As the night continued, songs like “Astralplane” and “Bliss” highlighted the band’s ability to blend raw energy with heartfelt emotion. Zack’s guitar riffs were pure fire, and André’s drumming provided a backbone that kept everything tight and groovy. The audience couldn’t get enough, erupting in cheers and clapping along to every beat.

“Low Road” and “California” cranked up the intensity, while “Like a Drug” and “Piggyback Ride” kept the energy sky-high. The set concluded with “High Class Woman,” “Ain’t No Change,” and “Black Smoke.” The crowd wanted more, and Blues Pills obliged with a three-song encore that left no one disappointed.

 “I Don’t Wanna Get Back on That Horse Again” had a gritty, foot-stomping energy that filled the room, while “Bye Bye Birdy” offered a soulful, nostalgic moment. During these songs, Elin Larsson took audience engagement to the next level—jumping over the barriers and joining the crowd, dancing and celebrating with fans who couldn’t believe their luck. As she made her way back to the stage, the band launched into their final song, “Devil Man.”

By the time the last notes of “Devil Man” rang out, the room was buzzing with excitement. BLUES PILLS delivered a night of music that was as much about connection as it was about unbridled rock and roll energy. It was a perfect remedy for the early arrival of winter, leaving everyone in the audience warmed and ready to face the cold with a smile.

Setlist

1. Birthday
2. Don’t You Love It
3. Bad Choices
4. Top of the Sky
5. Astralplane
6. Bliss
7. Proud Woman
8. Low Road
9. California
10. Like a Drug
11. Piggyback Ride
12. Holding Me Back
13. High Class Woman
14. Ain’t No Change
15. Black Smoke
16. Little Sun
17. I Don’t Wanna Get Back on That Horse Again (Encore)
18. Bye Bye Birdy (Encore)
19. Devil Man (Encore)