A trip down memory lane for many Finns, this series of shows featuring original COITUS INT. members Mikko Alatalo and Pena Penninkilampi (with Harri Rinne as a special guest) brings back memories of their younger years for a significant portion of the audience. We attended the sold-out Helsinki show at On The Rocks for this 50 Revival tour, celebrating the forefathers of “Manserock” who, alongside Juice Leskinen, contributed significantly to the Finnish music scene in the ’70s and beyond.
The show was introduced by a few minutes talk by Mikko and Harri with some interesting anecdotes and insight into the band celebrating this 50 years milestone from the release of “Juice Leskinen & Coitus Int” – and about those years in the scene, followed by a deep-dive into a long list of classics, performed together with the HAULI BROS-band from Tampere. Among the audience there was the odd younger face, but most of the crowd was made of seasoned rockers who grew up along with this music and these songs, some dancing, some singing along during the performance. Harri Rinne joined occasionally to play the guitar and in the choruses, and Juha Hildén also made an appearance to sing “Tango Iloharjulla Soi“.
The show was introduced with a few minutes of talk by Mikko and Harri, sharing some interesting anecdotes and insights about the band’s 50-year milestone since the release of “Juice Leskinen & Coitus Int” and their years in the music scene. This was followed by a deep dive into a long list of classics, performed with the HAULI BROS band from Tampere. Among the audience, there were a few younger faces, but most of the crowd consisted of seasoned rockers who grew up with this music and these songs. Some were dancing, while others sang along during the performance. Harri Rinne occasionally joined in to play the guitar and participate in the choruses, and Juha Hildén also made an appearance to sing “Tango Iloharjulla Soi.”
Throughout the approximately 90-minute show, the atmosphere was brimming with positive vibes, smiles, and laughter, particularly during the song introductions. For instance, when the current President Sauli Niinistö was mentioned in the introduction to “Panomies,” it elicited a cheerful response from the crowd. Overall, a festive mood prevailed, impacting everyone in the packed venue.
The band has also re-recorded their songs under the same title, “Coitus Int. – 50 Revival,” as part of a double-release. This effort brings updated versions of these classics, potentially allowing even a younger audience to appreciate them. We certainly did when listening to them live for the first time!
COITUS INT.
Photos by Marco Manzi
