Nightwish Dark Passion Play tour grande finale in Helsinki 19.9.2009

The Dark Passion Play World Tour of Nightwish kicked-off in October 2007 and comprised 194 shows in 39 different countries. On September 19th, it was time to conclude the long journey at the sold out Hartwall Arena in Helsinki. The special atmosphere of the final show, preceding a two years tour break and anticipation of the new album, was tangible both backstage and among the audience. The show had drawn fans from various countries to Finland. Perhaps the most visible group appeared at the corner of the stage on the lower part of the auditorium, tirelessly cheering and waving their Italian, Spanish and French flags. The crowd further back appeared slightly passive in the first part of the set, but warmed up significantly towards the end of the show. Spectator waves revolving around the Arena, easily ignited by Marco Hietala, and the impressive light sea during the “Islander” and “Walking in the Air” were the atmospheric highlights of the evening.

The band played another great gig with flawless and powerful expertise. In specific, the sovereign appearance of Marco Hietala was striking. In this special night, the Finnish violin virtuoso Pekka Kuusisto guest appeared on the stage during the “While Your Lips Are Still Red” and surely added an extra dimension to the beautiful song. Troy Donockley joined the band playing pipe and bagpipe in several songs, as in some of their earlier shows. Special was also the appearance of “Meadows of Heaven” in the set list, reportedly for the first time ever. Perhaps this piece was intentionally saved for this specific occasion, but surely would that song have been warmly welcomed by the audiences in earlier shows as well. Visually, the show was expectedly grand and included the familiar DPP stage design with the massive anchor and the wooden boat of Tuomas Holopainen. Additional fireworks and pyrotechnics highlighted the special nature of the evening. In overall, this was really a high profile ending for the most successful period in the band’s history.

Apocalyptica featured as the opener and filled their spot with high reliability, intense playing and powerful sounds – no need to constant apologizing, which seemed to be their main theme in their interim comments. Antti “Hyrde” Hyyrynen from Stam1na was this time manning the vocal parts of “I’m Not Jesus” and “I Don’t Care”.

Once again, BogFires want to thank the Nightwish staff, especially Adam, for their hospitality.

Nightwish setlist:

Finlandia (with Troy Donockley) (Intro)
7 Days to the Wolves
Ever Dream
Wishmaster
Romanticide
Amaranth
The Siren (with Pekka Kuusisto on violin)
While Your Lips Are Still Red (with Pekka Kuusisto on violin)
The Poet and The Pendulum
Nemo
Sahara
Dark Chest of Wonders
The Islander (with Troy Donockley)
Walking in the Air (Acoustic with Troy Donockley)
Last of The Wilds (w/ Troy Donockley)
Meadows of Heaven
Encore:
Ghost Love Score
Wish I Had An Angel
The Heart Asks Pleasure First (Outro)