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The Rasmus frontman on Eurovision, his iconic ‘birthday party from hell’ outfit and being ‘inspired’ by Sam Ryder-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro
It was a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience.
Lauri Ylonen and The Rasmus had a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience at Eurovision (Picture:Eurovision/Splash)
The Rasmus stormed back into the spotlight this summer as they played to a crowd of around 200 million with new single Jezebel.
By representing Finland in Eurovision 2022, the band were at the forefront of many people’s minds for the first time since the release of 2003 smash hit In The Shadows.
While they didn’t get the points they were hoping for, Eurovision brought fans new and old into the fray – perfect for a group about to set off on a major UK and Europe tour.
The competition, Lauri recently revealed to Metro.co.uk, also saved The Rasmus ‘from destruction,’ as they were about to break up before making the decision to compete.
Reflecting on their massive return to the international stage, frontman Lauri Ylonen told Metro.co.uk all about ‘the biggest gig we ever played.’
‘A lot of people saw us [for the first time again] after many years,’ he said.
The band played to an audience of an estimated 200 million, and secured their biggest hit single in years with Jezebel (Picture: AFP)
‘Maybe they were fans when they were teenagers or whatever, 20 years ago when In The Shadows was played a lot on the radio.
‘So a lot of people were like “Oh my God, The Rasmus is still doing that?!’” he laughed.
‘It was a good thing to notice – a lot of people sort of came back, and now with social media we can be connected with a lot of old fans, it just felt great.’
The band gained new fans on the night, too, with the internet going wild for Lauri’s unbearably creepy costume, with many viewers at the time comparing it to the horrifying opening scene of Stephen King’s IT.
Lauri’s beautifully creepy outfit got plenty of people talking on the night (Picture: Eurovision Song Contest)
Asked about his inspiration for the get-up, Lauri made reference to the horror movie, but said overall they were going for a set-up that could be described as the ‘birthday party from hell.’
‘I found this picture of a kid, and I consider myself … a tired-looking kid!
‘[In the picture], he was just standing in the rain with the rain jacket. And I thought it was very interesting. It almost looked like I could write a song about it or something.
‘And then also, I think balloons are kind of freaky, because maybe I connect them with the movie IT.
‘I think what we tried to create there was like a birthday party from hell – we have this kind of contrast, happy and gloomy, whatever.
‘And that kind of goes along with the song and the lyrics of Jezebel… and we have the performance and the visuals to match the vibe of the song.’
The colour theme of black-and-yellow and ‘party from hell’ outfit matched the intense lyrics of The Rasmus’ Eurovision entry (Picture: LiveMedia/REX/Shutterstock)
Simply being a part of Eurovision, Lauri says, was ‘amazing’ – particularly seeing all of Europe come together to support Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra amid the ongoing Russian invasion and war.
‘It kind of felt important. You know, to bring joy and hope for people who are desperate at the moment.’
He said The Rasmus ‘made a very nice connection’ with the Kalush Orchestra members, recalling they ‘had a little jam session with them on the streets on the streets of Turin.’
‘And we got some pretty good ideas! Maybe we can do something in the future,’ he teased.
As for the UK’s entry, runner-up Sam Ryder, Lauri had only good things to say.
‘He’s very charismatic,’ the frontman said.
The Rasmus and Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra could be teaming up in the future (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)
Lauri said he was ‘inspired’ by being around the UK’s Sam Ryder, and wrote a lot while he was in Italy (Picture: AP)
‘He’s the type of person where, when you are around him, you get inspired – or at least I did.
‘Like I was writing a lot of new song ideas all the time while I was there in Italy. And, and, and I think the whole thing created a lot of energy for us.’
The Guilty singer went on to say that while Eurovision was ‘very good,’ it was ‘definitely a one-off’ for the band.
The band loved the Eurovision experience but don’t have any plans to go back again, focusing instead on their new album and tour (Picture: AFP)
‘There’s no way we’re going back to that game. I mean, in Sweden, and some other artists too, they go again and again, and they become like Eurovision acts, or whatever.
‘I think it was like a once-in-a-lifetime thrill – but it was definitely worth it.’
Despite a rocky time during the pandemic, and their guitarist and founding member Pauli Rantasalmi leaving, The Rasmus are now stronger than ever, thanks in part to their taking part in Eurovision.
Their new album, Rise, is set to release on 23 September, and features their brana-dnew single of the same title, as well as Eurovision hit Jezebel.
They’re also ready to set out on a massive tour in October and November, with multiple dates in the UK, and Lauri more than ready to get back to the energy of headline shows after a summer of festival sets.
‘I think this is going to be a great, emotional ride with a lot of good memories,’ he says of the upcoming tour.
‘When you play in front of your own fans, it’s amazing… It’s just magnificent, that power in that room.’
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The band are eager to see fans new and old at the gigs, as they prepare to show ‘who we are in 2022.’
Rise is released on 23 September; tickets for UK shows are available now.
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