Written by: Grace Lee

Remu Aaltonen: The Finnish Drumming Sensation

Remu Aaltonen, a Finnish drummer, and singer, is perhaps best known for being the lead musician of the iconic band Hurriganes, as well as pursuing a successful solo singing career. With a career spanning over five decades, Aaltonen has left an indelible mark on the Finnish music scene.

Early Life and Influences

Born on January 10, 1948, in Helsinki, Finland, Aaltonen was the oldest of seven siblings and one foster child in a Romani family. His early life was marked by poverty and instability, with his family often living in an abandoned train car in Ruskeasanta, Vantaa. Despite these challenges, Aaltonen's mother, Eeva, worked hard to support the family, even selling moonshine to make ends meet.

Aaltonen's love for music was sparked by blues legends from the United States, which he discovered in his youth. Although he had limited formal musical training, he started playing in various bands at the tender age of 16. This passion for music would eventually become his salvation from a life of crime.

The Birth of Hurriganes

After being fired from his band Kalevala due to a prison sentence, Aaltonen founded Hurriganes in the early 1970s with bass player Cisse Hkkinen and guitarist Albert Jrvinen. Despite the setbacks, Hurriganes went on to become one of the most influential Finnish rock bands of all time, with Aaltonen being the only remaining original member.

In 1974, Hurriganes had to pause their tour for a few months while Aaltonen was serving time in prison. However, this period of turmoil did not deter Aaltonen from pursuing his passion for music. In fact, he credits his music career with saving him from a life of crime.

Awards and Recognition

In 2018, Aaltonen was awarded the prestigious Suomipalkinto Finland Award by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture. This recognition is a testament to his enduring contribution to Finnish music and culture.

Persistent Legacy

Throughout his career, Aaltonen has been inspired by the blues legends of the United States, but he has also carved out his own unique sound, which has resonated with Finnish audiences for decades. Despite facing numerous challenges, Aaltonen's music has remained a constant source of comfort and inspiration, earning him a place in the hearts of Finnish music lovers.

As we reflect on Aaltonen's remarkable journey, it becomes clear that his music has transcended generations, leaving an indelible mark on Finnish rock music. As a testament to his enduring legacy, Aaltonen's music continues to inspire new generations of Finnish musicians and fans alike.

• Remu Aaltonen is a Finnish drummer and singer, best known for being the lead musician of the band Hurriganes.
• He was born on January 10, 1948, in Helsinki, Finland, to a Romani family.
• Aaltonen's music career has spanned over five decades, with Hurriganes being one of the most influential Finnish rock bands of all time.
• In 2018, Aaltonen was awarded the Suomipalkinto Finland Award by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture.