Pelle Miljoona
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Pelle Miljoona (real name Petri Samuli Tiili) (born 10 February 1955 in
Hamina Hamina (; , , Sweden ) is a List of cities in Finland, town and a Municipalities of Finland, municipality of Finland. It is located approximately east of the country's capital Helsinki, in the Kymenlaakso Regions of Finland, region, and formerly ...
,
Finland Finland, officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It borders Sweden to the northwest, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east, with the Gulf of Bothnia to the west and the Gulf of Finland to the south, ...
) is a Finnish musician, author and
punk rock Punk rock (also known as simply punk) is a rock music genre that emerged in the mid-1970s. Rooted in 1950s rock and roll and 1960s garage rock, punk bands rejected the corporate nature of mainstream 1970s rock music. They typically produced sh ...
legend. The name "Pelle Miljoona" roughly translates to "Clown Million" or "Millionaire Clown," which reflects his mix of social critique and playful rebellion. He is also known as ''"The Godfather of Finnish Punk''" in Finnish media. He is one of the most influential figures in Finnish punk, often credited with bringing punk rock to Finland in the late 1970s. He was part of the first wave of Finnish punk musicians in the 1970's. His sound has evolved over the decades, and he has also recorded reggae and acoustic folk songs. His musical influences include bands like
The Clash The Clash were an English Rock music, rock band formed in London in 1976. Billed as "The Only Band That Matters", they are considered one of the most influential acts in the original wave of British punk rock, with their music fusing elements ...
,
Sex Pistols The Sex Pistols are an English punk rock band formed in London in 1975. Although their initial career lasted just two and a half years, they became culturally influential in popular music. The band initiated the punk movement in the United Ki ...
, Stooges, and
MC5 MC5 was an American rock music, rock band formed in Lincoln Park, Michigan, in 1963. The classic lineup consisted of vocalist Rob Tyner, guitarists Wayne Kramer and Fred "Sonic" Smith, bassist Michael Davis (bassist), Michael Davis, and drummer ...
, while
Bob Dylan Bob Dylan (legally Robert Dylan; born Robert Allen Zimmerman, May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter. Described as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Dylan has been a major figure in popular culture over his nearly 70-year ...
and
Bob Marley Robert Nesta Marley (6 February 1945 – 11 May 1981) was a Jamaican singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Considered one of the pioneers of reggae, he fused elements of reggae, ska and rocksteady and was renowned for his distinctive voca ...
have also been among his greatest inspirations. Over the years, Pelle Miljoona has composed, written lyrics and sung in his many band line ups, including Pelle Miljoona & N.U.S, Pelle Miljoona & 1978, Pelle Miljoona & 1980, Pelle Miljoona Oy, Pelle Miljoona & Avoimet Ovet, Miljoonaliiga, Pelle Miljoona & Linnunlaulu, Pelle Miljoona & Rockers, Pelle Miljoona Unabomber!, and Pelle Miljoona United. Over his long career, the Pelle Miljoona has published more than 30 albums and over 10 books. His lyrical themes often included anti-war messages and criticism of capitalism, and youth alienation. With a career beginning as a pioneer of the Finnish punk movement, he has left important mark on Finnish culture.


Career

Petri Tiili assembled his first band Pelle Miljoona & N.U.S in 1977. The first single ''Olen työtön'' (English: ''I am unemployed'') was released the same year and the first album ''Pelle Miljoona & N.U.S'' was released in 1978. Finland, like many countries, was going through social and economic changes, and global tensions (such as the Cold War and Vietnam war) influenced Pelle's perspectives. With lyrics that mocked the Finnish army and the politics of the time, Pelle Miljoona gained significant attention when his early records were released, as such themes were unprecedented in Finland. Pelle Miljoona & 1980 recorded albums at a rapid pace, releasing two studio albums, ''Pelko ja viha'' (''Fear and hate'') (1979) and ''Viimeinen Syksy'' (''The last autumn'') (1979), which includes the Finnish punk rock classic "Tahdon rakastella sinua," (''I want to make love to you'') and a live album, ''Näyttämökuvia'' (''Stage pictures'') (1980). By 1980, punk had already become mainstream in Finland, and Pelle Miljoona was emerging as one of the country's biggest artists. He achieved exceptional success with Pelle Miljoona Oy's album ''Moottoritie On Kuuma'' (''The freeway is hot'') (1980), The iconic album is considered one of Finland's greatest rock albums of all time. The title track, "Moottoritie on kuuma," is a legendary Finnish rock anthem, symbolizing youthful rebellion and freedom. Musicians who played on that album included future
Hanoi Rocks Hanoi Rocks were a Finnish Rock music, rock band formed in 1979. They were the first Finnish band to chart in the UK and they were also popular in Japan. By 1984, the band was considered to be on the verge of an international breakthrough when ...
members
Andy McCoy Antti Hulkko (born 11 October 1962), better known as Andy McCoy, is a Finnish musician. He is best known for his role as the lead guitarist and main songwriter of the rock music, rock band Hanoi Rocks, but has also played with Iggy Pop and a vari ...
and Sami Yaffa. ''"Moottoritie On Kuuma"'' album went platinum, and Pelle Miljoona Oy saw a bright future—until McCoy and Yaffa suddenly left the band to join
Hanoi Rocks Hanoi Rocks were a Finnish Rock music, rock band formed in 1979. They were the first Finnish band to chart in the UK and they were also popular in Japan. By 1984, the band was considered to be on the verge of an international breakthrough when ...
, just before Pelle Miljoona Oy's long tour in northern Finland. The classic lineup of Pelle Miljoona Oy then fell apart, and after that, the band became more or less a solo project for Pelle. Although the mainstream punk movement faded, Pelle Miljoona continued making music, releasing albums and touring under different band names. While his sound evolved over the decades, his lyrics remained politically and socially engaged. The album ''Matkalla Tuntemattomaan'' (''On the road to the unknown'') (1981) was recorded in Germany's
Hansa Tonstudio Hansa Tonstudio is a recording studio located in the Kreuzberg district of Berlin, Germany. The studio, famous for its Meistersaal recording hall, is situated approximately 150 metres from the former Berlin Wall, giving rise to its former nickna ...
, a studio that had been used by artists such as
Nina Hagen Catharina "Nina" Hagen (; born 11 March 1955) is a German singer, songwriter, and actress. She is known for her theatrical vocals and rise to prominence during the punk and Neue Deutsche Welle movements in the late 1970s and early 1980s. She is ...
,
Iggy Pop James Newell Osterberg Jr. (born April 21, 1947), known professionally as Iggy Pop, is an American singer, musician, songwriter, actor and radio broadcaster. He was the vocalist and lyricist of proto-punk band the Stooges, who were formed in 1 ...
, and
David Bowie David Robert Jones (8 January 194710 January 2016), known as David Bowie ( ), was an English singer, songwriter and actor. Regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Bowie was acclaimed by critics and musicians, pa ...
. In the 1990s, Miljoona focused mainly on traveling, visiting places like
Goa Goa (; ; ) is a state on the southwestern coast of India within the Konkan region, geographically separated from the Deccan highlands by the Western Ghats. It is bound by the Indian states of Maharashtra to the north, and Karnataka to the ...
, the USA, and
Senegal Senegal, officially the Republic of Senegal, is the westernmost country in West Africa, situated on the Atlantic Ocean coastline. It borders Mauritania to Mauritania–Senegal border, the north, Mali to Mali–Senegal border, the east, Guinea t ...
. He was also involved in activism, often speaking out against social injustice, environmental destruction, and war. He also became known as a writer, publishing novels and poetry. His books often include reflections on his journeys, blending travel writing with introspective musings on love, relationships and social commentary. He traveled extensively in Asia, and his experiences abroad influenced his worldview, music and writing. In 1999, the legendary club Lepakko in Helsinki was set to be demolished, and a farewell concert was held at the club with many Finnish artists. The American rock band
Red Hot Chili Peppers The Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1982, consisting of Anthony Kiedis (vocals), Flea (musician), Flea (bass), John Frusciante (guitar), and Chad Smith (drums). Their music incorporates elements of a ...
happened to be performing in Finland the same evening and heard about the event. So the entire band, except for singer
Anthony Kiedis Anthony Kiedis ( ; born November 1, 1962) is an American musician and lead vocalist of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. Kiedis and his fellow band members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. Kiedis spent his youth in ...
, headed to Lepakko to join the party. Late at night, they also took the stage to jam, but since they didn't have their singer with them, Pelle Miljoona jumped on stage and started playing Bob Marley covers with RHCP. Since 2000, Pelle Miljoona has toured doing acoustic solo shows and with punk rock bands. The pace of recording hasn't slowed down. In 2018, Pelle Miljoona Oy did reunion shows in Finland with
Andy McCoy Antti Hulkko (born 11 October 1962), better known as Andy McCoy, is a Finnish musician. He is best known for his role as the lead guitarist and main songwriter of the rock music, rock band Hanoi Rocks, but has also played with Iggy Pop and a vari ...
and Sami Yaffa rejoining the line up.


Legacy

Pelle Miljoona is considered a cultural icon in Finland. His influence on Finnish rock is immense, as he paved the way for many later bands. The iconic ''Moottoritie on kuuma'' remains one of the most celebrated Finnish rock albums of all time. Even after decades in the music business, he remains active, performing and recording new material.


Awards and sculpture

Pelle was the recipient of the City of Helsinki Cultural Prize 2014. The City of Helsinki Cultural Prize is awarded annually by the Library and Cultural Committee. It is conferred on a Helsinki artist in recognition of notable artistic achievements or significant work to enrich Helsinki’s cultural life He also received the , which is awarded to Finnish lyricists, at festival in July 2015. The statue of Pelle Miljoona, a
Hamina Hamina (; , , Sweden ) is a List of cities in Finland, town and a Municipalities of Finland, municipality of Finland. It is located approximately east of the country's capital Helsinki, in the Kymenlaakso Regions of Finland, region, and formerly ...
-born rock legend, was made by artist Heimo Suntio in 2014. Outdoor sculpture is in Tervasaari, Finland just a short walk from the centre of Hamina. The sculpture commemorates Pelle Miljoona's long career as a musician.


Discography


References


External links


www.pellemiljoona.net
1955 births Living people 20th-century Finnish male singers Finnish punk rock singers People from Hamina {{Finland-writer-stub