Page 44 - Black Velvet Rock Magazine Issue 113

BV113 pg 44-47 The Rasmus.qxp_BV113 pg 44 11/12/2025 08:35 Page 1

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THE RASMUS/THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT/BLOCK OF FLATS – LONDON SHEPHERD’S BUSH EMPIRE, 04.12.25
Christmas might be around the corner but, for a couple of thousand goth rock fans, there is a more pressing matter before jolly Saint Nick pays
London his annual visit, as it’s the turn of one of Finland's finest imports, The Rasmus, to take the stage and shine in its spotlight. Despite the tradi-
tionally British winter chill on this particularly miserable Thursday evening, the iconic Shepherd’s Bush Empire is packed in anticipation of the show.
Having the duty of getting
the evening started in style are
Block Of Flats, who are adding
to the Finnish flavour and are
more than up to the task. A
quick audience poll confirms
that the vast majority enjoying
their 30-minute set were previ-
ously unfamiliar with their work
but, by the half way point, they
are the best of friends and the
band has clearly boosted its
numbers considerably. At the
heart of this seal of approval is
lead singer Jonne Nikkilä, who
is the glue that keeps their fine
blend of pop and punk rock
fused together and they make
the most of their allocated time
packing half of their debut
record, 'No Hope For The
Hopeless', along with their
three new singles and, by the
time they conclude with 'Feels
Like', the Shepherd’s Bush
Empire is still wanting more,
which is very much mission
accomplished.
Despite being over 10
years into their career, this is
The Funeral Portrait’s first tour
of the UK and Europe. Much
of this is thanks to the wonder-
ful relationship between them
and the headliners, as The
Rasmus are returning the
favour to The Funeral Portrait,
who took them under their
wing on a US tour. Now the
roles are reversed across our
shores.
The Funeral Portrait are
clearly beyond grateful, taking
the time to thank The Rasmus
more than once, including an
especially touching tribute
after the songs have finished,
as vocalist Lee Jennings
speaks to the loving crowd,
without any microphone assis-
tance, to thank The Rasmus,
their team and fans, old and
new, in a remarkably classy
gesture.

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