Canadian hard rock sensation DANKO JONES recently unveiled their latest album, “Electric Sounds,” and to celebrate its release, they treated fans in Helsinki to an unforgettable evening of music and interaction at the cozy Semifinal club, in downtown Helsinki on September 20th, 2023. The event was organized in partnership with Radio Rock, and it was an intimate experience that showcased the band’s passion for their fans and their music.
To attend the DANKO JONES‘ album release show at Semifinal, fans had to win a competition, making it an exclusive event for the most dedicated supporters. The restricted entry added an element of excitement and anticipation, ensuring that those in attendance were truly enthusiastic about the band’s music.
During the performance, Danko Jones himself had entertaining interactions with fans, demonstrating his appreciation for their support. He took a moment to express gratitude to Radio Rock for their role in promoting the event, emphasizing how fortunate they were to have a radio station that played iconic bands like WASP in the middle of the day and went on to chat with one fan in the audience about it, until he wasn’t sure anymore what the particular fan was saying.
The setting at Semifinal was incredibly intimate, allowing fans to get up close and personal with the band. This intimacy was further highlighted when I attempted to sneak a peek at the setlist. In response, bass player John Calabrese playfully directed my attention to the right track on the list by pointing his foot at it and then winked… oops!
Danko Jones treated the audience to a high-energy performance, delivering a total of 18 tracks that kept fans on their toes throughout the night. The setlist was filled with highlights, showcasing the band’s signature hard rock sound and their enthusiasm for performing live.
The choice of Semifinal as the venue added a unique dimension to the event. The club, known for its smaller size, had previously hosted notable acts like DRAGONFORCE when they had to change venues due to a pipe problem at the originally scheduled place. This experience left a lasting impression on attendees, with many expressing a desire to see more prominent bands perform in such intimate settings, as it provides a completely different and more personal atmosphere, as was the same case now with DANKO JONES.
DANKO JONES‘ album release show at Semifinal in Helsinki was a night to remember for fans lucky enough to attend. The exclusive nature of the event, engaging interactions with the band, and the intimate venue created a truly special atmosphere that showcased the band’s dedication to their music and their audience.
Text and photos by Laureline Tilkin
