Popeda to Headline Pauli 'Pate' Mustajärvi Memorial at Nokia Arena on What Would Have Been His 70th Birthday
Popeda will headline a memorial concert for founder Pauli 'Pate' Mustajärvi at Nokia Arena on July 12 – the date that would have been his 70th birthday – with a large roster of guest artists and backing musicians.
Tamperelainen reports that Popeda will perform at a memorial concert for their founder Pauli 'Pate' Mustajärvi at Nokia Arena on July 12 — the date that would have been his 70th birthday, the organisers said in a press release.
The current Popeda lineup includes singer Olli Herman, guitarist and songwriter Costello Hautamäki, bassist Alex Hautamäki, keyboardist Pate Kivinen and drummer Lacu Lahtinen. They will appear alongside soloists and contemporaries such as Jenni Mustajärvi, Pauli Hanhiniemi, Dave Lindholm, Jonne Aaron, Vesku Jokinen, Vicky Rosti, Mira Luoti, Noora Louhimo, Heikki Salo, Sakari Kuosmanen and Matti Mikkonen. Also on the bill are Popedan Ajajat with Jouni Hynynen and Jussi Aaltonen.
Songwriters who worked on Mustajärvi’s solo records will also take the stage. Those named include Esa Eloranta and Doom Unit singer Jape Ylinikka, joined by Mika A.H. Haapasalo. Mustajärvi’s final backing group, Raswaa Koneeseen Vol 2! will perform with Matti Mikkonen as vocalist.
A band led by conductor and pianist Mikko Kangasjärvi will back the vocalists. Its lineup features guitarists Matti Mikkonen and Kalle Alatalo, bassist Mikko Löytty, saxophonist Ville Vannemaa, multi-instrumentalist Jari Latomaa and drummer Lacu Lahtinen, with Capri on backing vocals.
"Our goal of a concert that brings everyone together is coming true," Jenni Mustajärvi, Pate’s daughter, said in the press release.
According to Aamulehti, the July 12 memorial at Nokia Arena is being promoted by Ikurin Turpiini and ProPromotion in cooperation with Ilves Hockey. Organiser Loud'n Live Promotions is also planning a separate Mansen tähdet ("Stars of Manse") concert at Nokia Arena on October 24 featuring conductor Antti Rissanen and the Tampere Philharmonic; Aamulehti reports a broader 2026 concert run that includes a show at Tammela Stadium on August 1 and three Ratina Stadium dates on August 6–8.
Tickets are on sale at Lippu.fi with prices starting at €49.90. A combined concert-and-dinner ticket includes a pre-show meal at Eventum or Stefan's at the Arena, access to preferred seating and a commemorative event pass. Doors open at 16:30 for concert-and-dinner ticket holders and at 17:00 for general ticket holders. The concert is scheduled to begin at 19:00 and run about 2 hours 30 minutes without intermission.
Catch the full story over at Tamperelainen
