Popeda’s longtime guitarist Costello Hautamäki was disappointed in November 2022 when Pate Mustajärvi announced that he was leaving the band. Now Hautamäki can see from Mustajärvi that the decision paid off.
Costello Hautamäki has played in Popeda since 1982. Sanna Hautamäki
In November 2022, Pate Mustajärvi, the frontman and singer of Popeda, one of Finland’s most popular and long-standing rock bands, announced that he would leave the band.
As usual, Popeda will still be touring in the summer of 2023, but now on September 2, the band’s 45-year-long career will be crowned The enemy’s last shot -concert at Ratina Stadium in Tampere.
That is also the end of the band’s guitarist Costello Hautamäki’s journey in Popeda’s ranks and on tour buses. However, Hautamäki, who turns 60 in September, still had time to play along for 41 years.
– The best way to ruin youth, adulthood and soon retirement age was to play guitar in Popeda, Hautamäki quips.
Vesa-Pekka “Costello” Hautamäki. Sami Reivinen
Popeda’s termination decision
When Pate Mustajärvi announced in November 2022 that he was leaving Popeda, it first came as a surprise to Hautamäki and the other members of the band. Hautamäki openly said that he was upset and disappointed about it.
– Even though it was palpable that our singers were leaving for other jobs. At least now that I can look back on things.
Now that I’ve thought about it, ending Popeda even seems like a natural cycle.
– It’s been a long time since I went to Mustajärvi’s garage in Ikuri for band practice at the age of 19 in 1982. I have to be grateful for all the decades, because few bands can do well for this long.
This year’s summer has been played at festivals and events, and the decision to stop has not affected the performances. At least in a negative way.
– I haven’t seen such an energetic Mustajärvi in ages. Pate is really happy and maybe even relieved about this decision, praises Hautamäki.
Pate Mustajärvi and Costello Hautamäki in 2004. Sampo Rautamaa
The enemy’s last shot
On the first Saturday of September, Popeda will take the stage for the last time. According to Hautamäki, it still doesn’t bring anything new or explosive to the band’s performance.
– I consider us an honest rock band that doesn’t need circus tricks or special effects. Popeda will be himself and play rock, as always, and we don’t need 50 visitors on stage.
Hautamäki, who is also unnecessarily wistful, does not enjoy the concert, but for the so-called “Popedantists” and “Popedauskovais” – as he playfully calls the band’s fans – the concert can be an emotional experience.
– There may be a feeling of sadness in the air, at least during the last song. But I personally hope that this will be a celebration of light and love. Finnish rock is alive and well!
Costello Hautamäki on the guitar. JENNI G€STGIVAR
The preparation for the final gig has gone well, and there has been no feeling of bitterness in the air. At least that’s how Hautamäki feels about it.
– It is salt for a rock band to play stadium gigs. This has its own nice tingle to play in your hometown with a big hand.
When Popeda’s door closes, Hautamäki enters a completely new era in his life: the man turns 60 in September. According to his own words, he is not going to organize actual celebrations.
– 30,000 birthday guests are coming to Ratina. Isn’t that enough this time, he laughs.
Popeda also performed at the golden festival in Tampere in 2022. Atte Kajova
Fresh on the cottage beach
Even though Popeda and its players step behind the scenes, its music will live on. The band, one of the pioneers of Suomirock, is one of the first to make rock in the Finnish language at the end of the 1970s.
Hautamäki also trusts Popeda’s solid reputation in Finnish rock.
– I believe that on Finnish cottage beaches during midsummer, when the host takes a little kossu, it will also start playing Popeda in the future.
In the future, Hautamäki also plans to play familiar songs from Popeda at his solo gigs, as he himself played in the band for 41 years.
– Two sets were played at the gig yesterday too, one half of which was just Popeda. And the public liked the country thoroughly.
What also makes Hautamäki’s solo project interesting is that his son Jimmy and Alex playing in their father’s backing band. Alex also plays in Popeda, but now father and son will be able to share the stage in the future as well.
– We haven’t had any shortages. It’s nice to see your children sometimes too, when it’s been a while since they’ve moved away from home.
Although gigs and playing are planned, the biggest question is whether Popeda will ever take the stage again. Even without Mustajärvi.
– I haven’t asked the guys in the band yet what you intend to do in a week, Hautamäki grins.
But he is sure of one thing. Popeda’s journey ends with Ratina smiling, mouths and friends.
– After the gig, we can say that it went great for us. And a few good songs on that side as well.