Page 45 - Black Velvet Rock Magazine Issue 113

BV113 pg 44-47 The Rasmus.qxp_BV113 pg 45 11/12/2025 08:39 Page 2

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It's well-earned, as, for the previous 40 minutes, they have
excelled. Lee Jennings is very much the star of the show, but his
relationship with his bandmates is clear as, they too, shine in his
spotlight as he grooves and rocks his way across the stage with
a swagger. He pulls every trick from his arsenal to connect with
the audience, leading singalongs and encouraging the front row
to help steer those behind and above in following their steps
which all helps add up to a great show, which is, surely, the first
of many more to come in this
part of the world.
But there is no escaping
who London has braved the
cold tonight to see. The Ras-
mus receive a hero’s response
when they stride onto the hal-
lowed Empire boards and blast
into a rocketing 19-song, 90-
minute set, which is packed with
banger after banger and sets
every level of the venue alight
with euphoria and enthusiasm.
The tour is to celebrate the
release of 'Weirdo', their 11th
studio album in their near 30-
year career and so it's fitting
they kick things off with a track
from the new record, 'Rest In
Pieces', which receives a huge
reaction from those on hand,
confirming their fans' familiarity
with the new album, as they sing along with
Lauri Ylönen’s every word. He shows amaz-
ing energy, as he flows and struts across the
stage in between his guitarists.
It's only after these two tracks that it
comes to light that Lauri is not 100%. Con-
fessing to be battling a bout of tour flu, he
apologises if his voice isn't at its best and
asks for the crowd's support throughout the
night. He didn't need to do either, as the en-
ergy he displays throughout the night, bounc-
ing around like a pinball, means it's quickly
forgotten that his health isn't perfect, he sure
doesn't sound it, and the audience needs no
encouragement to have the time of their
lives.

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