Finnish punk band with mental disabilities applies for Eurovision to raise awareness

Members of Finnish punk band Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät (PKN), all of whom have mental disabilities, have applied to take part in the Eurovision song contest, in order to raise awareness for Down syndrome.

I have no idea what these guys are saying. I don't speak Finnish. They sure do rock; though. I hope they win. Here is one of their videos:

PKN was formed in 2009 at a culture workshop arranged by Lyhty, a non-profit organization which helps adults with intellectual disabilities.

“The members of our band are four middle-aged, mentally handicapped men. The music is, of course, Finnish punk,” the bass guitarist said, as quoted by kovasikajuttu.fi. The subjects of the band's lyrics range from social problems to unpleasant pedicures.

In 2012, filmmakers Jukka Kärkkäinen and J-P Passi released a documentary about the band called “The Punk Syndrome.”

“[The band] probably won’t take over the world, but it will accomplish something a lot more important,” said Sami Tenkanen, program manager for Finland's Radio Rock.

a reply to: Skid Mark

That's so nice. It will only help to break down barriers.

I worked with people with learning disabilities for many years. I have very much a soft spot and always hope for greater social inclusion and acceptance.

Thanks for the smile OP!

a reply to: Skid Mark

These guys are punk as f##k. Live forever punx!

a reply to: lonesomerimbaud

I smiled when I saw it, too. One of my friends has Downes Syndrome and is on a drum at powwows. He's really good at it, too. I hope it shows people that people with Downes and other disabilities aren't stupid and can do anything everyone else can.

a reply to: CagliostroTheGreat

Yeah they are. I like your new avatar, by the way. Is that Donnie Darko?

a reply to: Skid Mark

I have been to punk nights with far worse sounding bands..These dudes are pretty good.
Lead singer looks like Sir Michael gambon at times.

Well done to them,I bet they do better than the UK Eurovision entry...don't know who that is,but they are bound to be #e as usual.

a reply to: Skid Mark

It is but OM down at avatar creations just made me a new one so I'll be switching again real soon.

a reply to: Skid Mark

Love this band!

Classic, stripped down and down and dirty punk!

Right on guys!

Can't stop the toes from tapping and that audience sure seems to be enjoying it as well!

a reply to: GENERAL EYES

From the response I saw with the audience I think they'll stand a good chance at winning. I just hope that nobody tries to exploit or otherwise take advantage of them.

a reply to: Skid Mark

Good luck to then

Anyone remember this ?


Rock on Finland , shake up that Eurovision contest , break down the barriers.

Love it! They have my support.

Great. Let anyone try.It certainly can't be as bad as some recent acts that have been in it. But the euro-vision contest is about the best song of Europe(or supposed to be) not a platform for disability protest. That being said if the song is good enough go ahead, but if the song is crap, disability or no disability NO.

a reply to: Skid Mark

I'd like to think there's a special level of hell for folks that would exploit beautiful talent.

That having been said, I hope they win and find a good and honest agent with a reputable label!

The world needs more pure expression and less cut and paste marketing madness.

a reply to: gortex

I like that one. They remind me of Gwar.

a reply to: GENERAL EYES

That's so true.
They have talent. I'd like to see them go somewhere with it and show others with disabilities that it can be done.

originally posted by: crayzeed
Great. Let anyone try.It certainly can't be as bad as some recent acts that have been in it. But the euro-vision contest is about the best song of Europe(or supposed to be) not a platform for disability protest. That being said if the song is good enough go ahead, but if the song is crap, disability or no disability NO.

Agree, I hope the contest is not ruined by people voting for them simply because they're disabled.

I thought most punk bands were mentally challenged... or was that country music... or humans, in general? I get confused.

a reply to: Baddogma

I'm not sure. It might just be politicians.

a reply to: trollz

Agree, I hope the contest is not ruined by people voting for them simply because they're disabled.

Instead of voting for acts for political reasons as happens yearly ?

Eurovision has always been a bit of a joke maybe if Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät are chosen to represent Finland it would bring some credibility to the contest , for one year at least.