Kita

Finnish heavy metal monsters Lordi have released the following statement:

“It is our unfortunate task to inform that Kita [drums] is no longer a member of Lordi. Kita has made a decision to pursue his own career publicly as himself, without his alter ego Kita. This is in direct conflict with one of the cornerstones of Lordi’s image. Therefore it is not possible for him to continue as a member of the band anymore.

“Lordi will continue as always, masked and costumed, consisting of monster personas. Also, the upcoming tour will happen as planned. We thank Kita for the years he has been an important part of the band and our successes and wish him all the best in his future.”

As previously reported, Stala & So., the Finnish melodic rock band which features in its ranks e.g. Kita (real name: Sampsa Astala) on vocals. For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/showbyso.

Stala & So., the Finnish melodic rock band featuring Lordi drummer Kita (real name: Sampsa Astala) on vocals and ex-Lordi bassist Kalma (real name: Niko Hurme; also known by his current stage name Nick Gore), is competing to represent Finland in the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest.

There will be three weekly semifinals in January 2011. From every semifinal, three songs will proceed to the final. During the final, three songs will be selected to proceed to the superfinal (to be held on February 12), where the Finnish entry for the 2011 Eurovision Song
Contest will be chosen.

Lordi won the prestigious 2006 Eurovision Song Contest with the band’s “Hard Rock Hallelujah” anthem. The song swept Eurovision with 292 points, the highest score in the competition’s history.

Stala & So. (formed in 1997) Lineup:

Stala – Vocals
Nick Gore – Bass
Sami J. – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Pate Vaughn – Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals
Hank – Drums

STALA & SO.’s new album will be released in early 2011. The CD was created by the power trio of Stala, Sami J. and Nick Gore, with a little help from a few carefully selected “hired guns.” For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/showbyso.