There are no upcoming Sunrise Avenue events. Sign up for an Sunrise Avenue Alert.
Sunrise Avenue: The Finnish Rock Journey
Sunrise Avenue, originally formed as Sunrise in 2002 in Helsinki, Finland, emerged as a prominent Finnish rock band known for their diverse musical styles ranging from rock and pop-rock to powerful rock ballads. With a rich discography and an impressive career spanning over two decades, Sunrise Avenue captivated audiences across continental Europe.
Early Years and Formation:
The band, initially called Sunrise, underwent a transformation in 2003, adopting the name Sunrise Avenue. Founded by Samu Haber and Jan Hohenthal in 1992, the group underwent various lineup changes until settling with a roster that included Sami Heinänen, Antti Tuomela, and later Janne Kärkkäinen.
Debut Album and Rising Fame:
Facing initial challenges, Sunrise Avenue persisted in their pursuit of a record deal. The debut album, "On the Way to Wonderland," released in 2006, marked a turning point. The single "Fairytale Gone Bad" garnered significant success, propelling the band to sold-out European tours and major festivals.
Evolution and Challenges:
Despite early achievements, the band faced internal challenges, leading to the departure of guitarist Janne Kärkkäinen in 2007. Legal battles ensued, resulting in Samu Haber becoming the sole owner of the band's name and trademark.
Continued Success and Global Recognition:
Sunrise Avenue continued to evolve, recording the album "Popgasm" in 2009 and signing a worldwide deal with Universal Music for their third album, "Out of Style," in 2010. Their success in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria solidified their position in the European music scene.
Farewell and Reunion:
After a hiatus in 2019, Sunrise Avenue announced a farewell tour in 2020, marking the end of their journey. However, in March 2021, they surprised fans with a reunion, a new album, and a farewell concert documentary titled "This Is The End."
Farewell Tour and Legacy:
The Farewell Live Concert tour commenced in 2022, taking the band across Finland and Germany. The final show in Düsseldorf on September 18, 2022, marked the end of an era. Samu Haber embarked on a solo career, primarily singing in Finnish, from 2020 onwards.
Band Members and Timeline:
The band's lineup underwent multiple changes over the years, with Samu Haber, Ilkka "Raul" Ruutu, Sami Tapio Osala, and Riku Juhani Rajamaa forming the final lineup. Various tour and former members contributed to the band's unique journey.
Discography:
Sunrise Avenue's discography includes notable albums like "On the Way to Wonderland," "Popgasm," "Out of Style," "Unholy Ground," and "Heartbreak Century," alongside a Best Of compilation and live recordings.
In conclusion, Sunrise Avenue's remarkable journey, spanning musical evolution, challenges, and triumphant moments, cements their legacy as a Finnish rock sensation. The farewell tour and subsequent reunion added a poignant chapter to their storied history.