Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

Live Report + photos by Erik Hernandez

Finnish goth rockers, The 69 Eyes, brought their show to Nashville Tennessee for the second time in history on 3/31/24. Although Nashville is dubbed the Music City, one would not expect to find the Finnish rockers here. Nonetheless, they were, and the fans loved it.

The band was born out of the love for goth, punk, and glam music back in 1989. Lead vocalist Jyrki once said that the band name itself was symbolic of “A strange and dark union between Elvis and Elvira”. A mixture of vampires and rock ‘n roll, The 69 Eyes have been rocking fans for 35 years, and there is no sign of slowing down in sight.

Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel began to play through the speakers and the anticipation of the band coming out was evident on the crowds’ faces. The band emerged onto the stage to immediate applause, and their first song of the night, Devils, was served to the masses as the first dose of goth infused rock n roll. A staple in their set, Feel Berlin, followed up and set the tone for the night as fans danced with horns held high.

Songs such as Blach Orchid, Death and Darkness, Never Say Die, and Wasting the Dawn kept the crowd smiling and hungry for even more as the euphoria of The 69 Eyes music permeated the venue. I love the Darkness in You was playing and Alice Cooper/Beasto Blanco bassist, Chuck Garric was seen in the crowd with intense concentration as the song played. It is known that Garric is a fan of The 69 Eyes.

The night ended as most do with the band, their anthem Lost Boys, gave a hard rocking farewell until next time to Nashville. The band is still on tour and set to play on till April 13, 2024, when the tour ends in Clifton New Jersey.

As always, keep your nose clean, your circle lean, and horns held high!
-Erik