[Kaunisenkeli]

I went to see Nightwish live in Denver at the Ogden Theater this past September. It was an amazing show, but for reasons beyond the norm. Between the opening act (Kamelot) getting off stage and Nightwish coming on they announced that the singer of Nightwish, Anette Olson (who a lot of fans didn't like because she wasn't Tarja [the original singer], but I happened to like a lot), had fallen ill and had to be rushed to the hospital. The Ogden wanted to cancel the show, but the band wanted to ask all of us in the audience. So, borrowing two singers from Kamelot for some parts, the show went on. The amazing thing about it, though, was that while they did have Marco (the bassist, who normally does the male vocals) and two singers from Kamelot, they decided to involve the audience. So for large swaths of the concert, all of us in the audience got to be the singer for the band many of us had come to see. It was quite the experience, and I was happy to be part of it.

Unfortunately, before the next show Anette decided to leave the band permanently. I haven't heard exact details (as were given to us when Tarja was tossed out), but I'm pretty sure family issues and stress from touring brought her to that decision (that's what got to their first bassist, Sammi, who left after their third album). Still, I'll be looking forward to both their next album with Floor Jansen as the new singer and their next stop in my area. :D