Poko Rekords to Mark 50 Years with Manserock Stadium Show at Tammelan Stadion

Poko Rekords will mark its 50th anniversary with a stadium concert at Tammelan Stadion in Tampere on Saturday 31 July 2027, bringing together legacy acts and newer artists connected to its five-decade history. According to Yle, the anniversary show – part of the Suomirock series – will take place at Tammela Stadium on 31 July and is limited to those aged 18 and over. Headliners named so far include Popeda, who will release a new album in spring, and Yö, along with an all-star Manserock orchestra. Guest vocalists listed for the show include Martti Syrjä, Costello Hautamäki, Jukka Takalo, Ville Leinonen, Toni Lähteenmäki and brothers Joey and Heko Luumäki, a lineup that underscores ties between the label’s past signings and current Finnish rock talent. The Manserock orchestra is built around players known from Eppu Normaali, including guitarist Juha Torvinen, bassist Sami Ruusukallio and drummer Aku Syrjä; Kalle Alatalo adds guitar, Kalle Ruusukallio is on keyboards, and backing singers include Toni Lähteenmäki and Nelli Petro. The bill will showcase landmark recordings alongside new arrangements that reflect Poko Rekords' role in shaping the domestic rock scene. Yle also notes that the orchestra’s soloists include Martti Syrjä and Toni Lähteenmäki, who are familiar to audiences from other band contexts. Poko’s founder Kari "Epe" Helenius began the story in Tampere with Epe's Music Shop in 1972 and launched Poko Rekords in 1977. Over the years the label released records by acts such as Eppu Normaali, Popeda, Yö, Hassisen Kone, Sielun Veljet, Ismo Alanko and J. Karjalainen, later expanding into heavier rock, metal and early Finnish hip-hop and rap. Yle adds that the label’s earliest signing was the rockabilly group Teddy and the Tigers, whose single became Poko Rekords’ first release. "Poko's 50th anniversary celebration at Tammelan Stadion will be a wonderful carnival. I am very happy that the festivities include artists I started this journey with 50 years ago, as well as performers from different decades along the way," Helenius said. Last summer's Manserock concert at Tammela drew nearly 10,000 people; Yle also highlights that Tammela Stadium opened for football in spring 2024. Stadium manager Toni Hevonkorpi praised the venue's suitability and accessibility, noting the grass areas add a pleasant picnic atmosphere. Promoter Taija Holm called staging the show "a huge privilege and a matter of the heart." Tickets are on sale at Lippu.fi, with general admission starting at €59.90 and VIP from €150. The event is restricted to those 18 and over, and doors open at 18:00.