Ilkka Alanko and Kode Koistinen from the band Neljä Ruusua say that the band’s long journey is a common passion for music.
In 2007, the popular rock band Neljä Ruusua announced that they would quit.
One of the founding members of the band is the singer Ilkka Alanko and guitarist Petteri “Kode” Koistinen had run out of time and it was time to let go of decades of life’s work.
– It was not known if we would play together, Alanko says.
The band did not disintegrate into their internal conflicts, but the personal problems of the members began to affect the performance of the line-up too much.
– We were damn tired and the jacket was empty, Alanko adds.
In addition to the duo, the band also includes Kari “Kämy” Kämäräinen and Jari “Lade” Laakkonen.
Ilkka Alanko is the singer and founding member of the band Neljä Ruusua. Pete Anikari
Liquor was to destroy the band in addition to life
It was time for the musicians of the gig to take care of their own lives.
– Human health was the number one priority, Alanko recalls.
For Koistinen in particular, the time was hard. Alcohol had driven the man into a dead end from which sobriety was the only way out.
– I had to put the whistles in the bag or the spirit would have gone, Koistinen says.
Alanko says that others have lived a shabby life, and the break-up of the band was not the only cause of Koistinen’s alcohol problem.
– Don’t take all the gloom for yourself from docking, Alanko jokes grimly.
If the band were touring today in the same way as in their wildest years, it would be a real human experiment, according to Alango.
– You should have your own psychiatrist, therapist, physiotherapist and doctor, the man laughs.
Kode Koistinen became sober in 2007 and took a new direction in his life. Pete Anikari
The band’s new wave
In 2011, the 40th anniversary of Ilosaarirock was celebrated in Joensuu. The organizers of the festival had an idea – they would like the brothers Ilkka and Ismo Alangon both bands as main performers. Brothers of the Soul on Saturday and Sunday of the Four Roses. Both bands had stopped touring.
The gig salesman contacted Four Roses. After contacting, the band gathered again in the old rehearsal room and started playing. The decision to return had not yet been made.
– It was decided to sleep on it for a couple of nights, Koistinen says.
The band members weren’t just dealing after the breakup and the smell of Four Roses had done good.
– The dude had bright eyes and a good mood, Alanko recalls.
After a couple of days, a decision was made to make a return gig.
Returning to the concert stages, there was no temptation to continue beating or mixing with alcohol.
– It’s great to be confused on stage, Koistinen glows.
Misty times are behind us, but there is no room for hypocrisy.
– There are still no Sunday School boys here, Alanko adds.
This year, the 40-year-old band is exceptional, as the same musicians have played in it throughout the existence of the Four Roses. The band was set up in Joensuu when the members were barely in their middle school.
– We were children. I was 12 when we started, Holland more.
There is a lot of demand for a recipe for the band’s long journey. Koistinen and Alanko believe it is due to good personal chemistry. The starting point has always remained the same.
– We want to make music and perform it, both inches together.
Alanko and Koistinen do not feel that they have grown up together to become adults. Each band has their own personal life.
– There is still work to be done. Hobby. Life work, Koistinen adds.
Of course, there has been a change. It is no longer possible to play together every day, as the band members live all over Finland.
The gig culture has also changed its shape.
– Before, you could play gigs even on Monday. Today, it’s pretty weekend-focused, Alanko says.
Music from one generation to the next
While a generational change in fans is noticeable, there are loyal fans who have toured the band at gigs since the beginning.
“At some point you might notice that the mother is watching with her daughter,” Koistinen laughs.
The fact that the Helsinki-based media high school is currently making a musical based on the band’s songs also shows a change in the generation.
– We are absolutely excited, even moved, Koistinen says.
Neither has fully figured out where the youngsters got the idea to make a musical related to their band. Maybe from parents, maybe from teachers.
-And we have had some of our songs in some music books, Koistinen thinks.
Tour after the tour
Released in mid-February, The Four Roses 1000X album is not actually a celebration album. That’s how it’s coming towards the end of the year. That long play is the band’s 16th studio album. It was carefully honed before it was published.
– There is nothing I would do differently, Alanko adds.
The band will soon be touring on the record and summer looks busy based on the festival gigs. However, the actual celebration tour in honor of the 40th anniversary is yet to come.
However, the festive tour in November-December has not yet been fully planned, as the current corona pandemic is creating uncertainty. Fear of cancellation is constantly present.
– I don’t know if the masts are upright, Hollando regrets.
What is known about the tour, however, is that it will include both concert halls and club gigs.
Demand dictates the future
The future of the Four Roses is still open. At the thought level, there have been plans to put all the bangs on this year and then take a break.
By 2023, however, surveys have already arrived. A few missed gigs are also scheduled to be replaced next year.
The future also depends heavily on how it feels. Planning has never been one of the best aspects of the band members. In addition, the law of supply and demand largely determines the future.
– There is demand, and it is great, Alanko acknowledges.