Between Wednesday and Saturday, the Finnish pop phenomenon and pioneering duo Nylon Beat celebrated the 30th anniversary of their debut album with a series of sold-out TYTÖT HALUAA ("Girls want") concerts at Helsinki Ice Hall. The event attracted more than 30,000 devoted fans, underscoring the enduring popularity and cultural significance that the duo Jonna Geagea and Erin Anttila have had on the Finnish music scene.
A Record-Breaking Comeback
Nylon Beat's anniversary concerts at the legendary arena were not just a nostalgic look back – they were also a milestone in music history. Never before had an artist performed four consecutive nights at Helsinki Ice Hall, highlighting the duo’s unique impact and continued appeal in Finland. Each night was sold out, and their popularity clearly spans several generations of national pop fans.
The TYTÖT HALUAA concerts offered more than the usual anniversary performances. The production, created together with director Elias Koskimies and the main artists themselves, Jonna and Erin, mixed nostalgia with new twists. The creative team crafted a dynamic and colorful show that celebrated the band’s artistic journey and the fans who have followed them over three decades.
Choreographer Nora Mahmoud coordinated over ten dancers, giving the stage performances renewed energy and movement. Also on stage were long-time musical colleagues: Vesa Anttila (guitar), Tuomas Wäinölä (guitar), Harri Rantanen (bass), Okke Komulainen (keyboards), and Anssi Nykänen (drums). An extra nostalgic touch was provided when original dancers Wille Lipponen and Jari Peltola reunited in the choreography for "Rakastuin mä looseriin," reminding the audience of the infectious 1990s pop.
The concerts’ visual expression drew inspiration from old photo albums and was rich in creative references to the band’s lengthy history, deepening the concert experience for the audience both visually and musically.
The carefully selected setlist was a firework of the group’s musical evolution and included all their biggest hits – such as "Seksi vie ja taksi tuo," "Viimeinen," "Syytön," and "Satasen laina" – alongside rarely performed but beloved songs. Long-term backing vocalist Stiina Asikainen appeared as the concert’s sole guest in "Satelliitti irrallaan" and was warmly celebrated. The emotional highlight of the concerts was the final song "Ainut jonka sain," which Jonna and Erin performed to each other as a recognition of their unique shared journey.
The complete setlist consisted of:
- Seksi vie ja taksi tuo
- Valehtelija
- Anna mulle
- Rakastuin mä looseriin
- Viimeinen
- Naparengas
- Orja / Valmis oon vaikka armeijaan / Kuumalle hiekalle
- Satelliitti irrallaan feat. Stina Asikainen
- Sairaanfuckingkipeenraastavaa
- Jonain päivänä
- 12 apinaa
- Syntinen
- Kreisi oon
- Nukutaan
- Viha ja rakkaus
- Mies / Senegalin yöt / Paikka palaa / Huume
- Liikaa
- Oot kuin karkkia mulle
- Sanoja
- Satasen laina
- Syytön
- Teflonlove
- Tytöt haluaa
- Ainut jonka sain
Nylon Beat's 30th anniversary concerts were a tribute not only to the band’s career but also to a chapter of Finnish pop history. The concerts united generations of fans, set new records, and proved that Jonna and Erin continue to hold a significant place as pioneers in Finland’s music scene.