Hurriganes
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1971 in Pohjois-Haaga, Helsinki, Finland |
| Founder | Henry "Remu" Aaltonen, Hugo Christer "Cisse" Häkkinen, Ilkka "Ile" Kallio |
| Headquarters | Helsinki , Finland |
Area served | Finland, Sweden, Estonia |
Key people | Henry "Remu" Aaltonen (drums, vocals), Albert Järvinen (guitar), Cisse Häkkinen (bass) |
| Products | Studio albums, live albums |
Hurriganes was a Finnish rock group formed in the early 1970s, gaining widespread acclaim across Finland, Sweden, and Estonia during the 1970s and early 1980s. The band's most recognized lineup consisted of Remu Aaltonen, Albert Järvinen, and Cisse Häkkinen. Their deliberately altered name spelling ("Hurriganes") symbolized their homage to the vintage rock'n'roll era preceding the Beatles. Their repertoire blended spirited renditions of 1950s rock 'n' roll classics with original compositions, establishing them as Finland's equivalent to British 1970s pub rock bands such as Dave Edmunds and Dr. Feelgood.
The original trio included drummer and vocalist Henry "Remu" Aaltonen, bassist Hugo Christer "Cisse" Häkkinen, and guitarist Ilkka "Ile" Kallio. In spring 1972, Kallio temporarily left and was succeeded by guitarist Pekka "Albert" Järvinen, who became part of the band's most famous formation.
Formation and Beginnings
Founded in 1971 in Pohjois-Haaga, Helsinki, Hurriganes drew inspiration from the North American group Johnny And The Hurricanes. Their initial rehearsals took place in a garage located on Ohjaajantie.
Rock and Roll All Night Long (1972–1973)
The band's first album, Rock and Roll All Night Long, arrived in 1973 and included songs such as "Say Mama" and "Keep On Knocking." Notably, the album's A-side and the initial B-side track were recorded live in Klaukkala, while the remainder was produced in a studio setting. This release marked the first gold record achievement for Love Records.
Roadrunner (1974)
Roadrunner, released in 1974, represented Hurriganes' commercial zenith. The album featured their successful single "Get On," which won the International European Pop Jury contest. Other significant tracks included "Roadrunner," "It Ain't What You Do," "I Will Stay," and "The Phone Rang." Recorded and mastered at Marcus Music Studios in Stockholm, this album is regarded as a foundational piece of Finnish rock music and ranks as Finland’s seventh highest-selling album. From 1974 until 1985, it was the best-selling album by a Finnish band. The cover art by Risto Vuorimies was uniquely selected for inclusion in the 1977 publication Album Cover Album, curated by Hipgnosis and Roger Dean. The image shows Remu Aaltonen, Cisse Häkkinen, and Albert Järvinen seated inside a 1954 Cadillac Series 62 owned by Häkkinen. In 2007, Roadrunner was reissued on SACD with a 5.1 surround sound mix.
Crazy Days and Kallio’s Return (1975)
Following Albert Järvinen's exit in summer 1975, Ile Kallio returned to Hurriganes after three years away. Building on the momentum from Roadrunner, the band sustained its leading position within Finland’s rock scene until the late 1970s when new wave and rockabilly styles began gaining traction. In Sweden, Hurriganes continued to attract large audiences through the 1980s, regularly setting attendance records at venues such as Folkpark. Their 1975 release Crazy Days quickly achieved diamond certification but did not surpass the sales of Roadrunner. This album featured the popular track "My Only One," originally performed by Jim & The Beatmakers in 1964, which became a concert favorite sung by Cisse Häkkinen. Additionally, it included a cover of the Lennon-McCartney composition "Bad to Me."
Hot Wheels (1976)
Following the release of Crazy Days, the sound on Hot Wheels became noticeably grittier and more intense. This album is distinct in crediting only Remu and Cisse as songwriters, despite Ile also contributing; Remu intentionally excluded Ile’s name. The recording took place in Lahti at the modest Microvox studio under the engineering of Pekka Nurmi. Hot Wheels represented a significant breakthrough in Sweden, matching the success level of their earlier album Roadrunner. The album’s title track was featured in the 1976 low-budget film Hot Guys, Hot Wheels, which portrayed the band members’ jam sessions and their 1970s lifestyle. Directed by Jussi Itkonen, the group appeared as themselves in the movie.
Tsugu Way and Hanger (1977–1978)
Recorded at Love Records’ newly established studio, Tsugu Way (1977) presented material consistent with Hurriganes' signature style, including covers such as the Beatles’ "Hold Me Tight". Released under the title "Use No Hooks" in Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands, it achieved Gold Record status despite a downturn in Finnish sales due to economic recession.
In November 1977, Sonet Records arranged a tour in London and planned a 30-show European summer tour supporting Status Quo. However, Hurriganes struggled to establish themselves in England, often not headlining key performances. Remu later acknowledged mismanagement during this period, which contributed to the band’s premature exit from the tour.
The album Hanger was Ile Kallio's final contribution with Hurriganes and featured drummer Beaver Aittojärvi-Oja alongside keyboardist Jim Pembroke. Due to Remu’s back problems, he was unable to perform, leading Tomi Parkkonen to take over drumming duties during their Swedish tour, which received mixed critical responses.
Kallio replaced by Järvinen (1979–1981)
After limited success in the UK market, Ile Kallio lost enthusiasm for the band and was replaced by Albert Järvinen at the start of 1979. Kallio’s last contribution was the single Shorai Shorai, which was released after his departure.
During Järvinen’s period with Hurriganes, two albums were produced: Jailbird (1979) and the well-received 10/80 (1980), which featured the popular track "Bourbon Street". Recorded at Stockholm’s Polar Studios—famously used by ABBA—and produced by Pave Maijanen, 10/80 included unique instrumentals such as "Made in Sweden"—a piece previously performed by Järvinen and Aaltonen’s former band Kalevala—and "Just For You".
Louhivuori the new guitarist (1981–1983)
Due to issues related to alcohol affecting reliability, Järvinen was dismissed from the group in September 1981 and replaced by session guitarist Janne Louhivuori. Louhivuori played on two albums: 1981's Fortissimo and 1982's Rockin' Hurriganes. Both records achieved commercial success and helped maintain the band’s strong live performance reputation.
Kallio's third stint (1983–1984)
Louhivuori departed in mid-1983, with Ile Kallio returning to fill his role. Kallio participated in the final studio recordings: Seven Days, Seven Nights (1983) and the mini-album Hurrygames (1984), which also featured a video release. Shortly after these projects, the band disbanded.
The comeback in 1988
In 1988, Hurriganes reunited with Aaltonen, Häkkinen, and Järvinen for a series of summer concerts. After several performances, Järvinen was once again replaced by Louhivuori. These final shows were captured live and issued as the album Live at Metropol. Following this release, the band officially dissolved.
In Memoriam: Häkkinen and Järvinen
Bassist Cisse Häkkinen passed away in 1990 due to complications related to alcohol, followed by guitarist Albert Järvinen's death from heart failure in 1991. Since those losses, Remu Aaltonen has carried on the legacy of Hurriganes' music alongside notable Finnish artists.
Live In Stockholm (1996) Release
The group issued Live In Stockholm 1977 in 1996, a recording uncovered on a cassette by Ile Kallio. This album swiftly attained gold certification in Finland, documenting their landmark Swedish performance at theater Jarla, where two shows sold out on the same evening.
Hurriganes Revival from 1998 Onwards
In 1998, Remu Aaltonen resurrected the Hurriganes name as Remu & Hurriganes, introducing new members Harry Merilahti (bass/vocals) and his son Rocka Merilahti (guitar), while excluding former members Kallio and Louhivuori. This trio released 30th Anniversary in 2001, featuring updated versions of classic tracks alongside a new song. The lineup later shifted to include guitarists such as Jukka Orma, Nipa Niilola, Juho Pitkänen, and bassists Mikko Löytty and Hike Kärppä.
The biographical film Ganes, directed by JP Siili, debuted in 2007 with Aaltonen’s participation.
Musical Style and Stagecraft
Hurriganes earned early recognition for their dynamic and untamed live performances, a novelty within the Finnish music scene at the time. Their straightforward rock and roll setlist included renditions of 1950s and 1960s hits like Little Richard’s Slippin' and Slidin' and Bo Diddley’s Roadrunner. Both musically and visually, the band embodied intense energy. Remu Aaltonen embraced a 1950s rockabilly persona, frequently wearing popular apparel such as Beavers jeans, denim jackets, leather coats, and boots.
Influence on Finnish Rock Music
Acknowledged as Finland’s first rock band to achieve international commercial success, Hurriganes hold a pioneering status within Finnish rock history. They significantly influenced later groups including Hanoi Rocks. Notably, Hanoi Rocks guitarist Andy McCoy remarked that during the 1970s and 1980s, only two authentic Finnish rock bands existed: Hurriganes and Hanoi Rocks.
Band Members
- Henry "Remu" Aaltonen – drums, vocals (1971–2018)
Past Members
- Hugo Christer "Cisse" Häkkinen – bass (1971–1990)
- Ilkka "Ile" Kallio – guitars (1971–1972, 1975–1979, 1983–1984)
- Pekka "Albert" Järvinen – guitars (1972–1974, 1979–1981, 1983–1984)
- Janne Louhivuori – guitars (1981–1983, 1988–2018)
Catalogue
Studio Releases
- Rock 'n' Roll All Night Long (1973)
- Roadrunner (1974)
- Crazy Days (1975)
- Hot Wheels (1976)
- Tsugu Way (1977)
- Use No Hooks (1978)
- Hanger (1978)
- Jailbird (1979)
- 10/80 (1980)
- Fortissimo (1981)
- Rockin' Hurriganes (1982)
- Seven Days, Seven Nights (1983)
- Hurrygames (1984)
- 30th Anniversary (2001)
- Electric Play (2016)
Live Recordings
- Live at Metropol (1988)
- Live in Stockholm 1977 (1996)
- Live in Hamina 1973 (2011)
- Last Call: Live in Helsinki (2019)
- Remu Plays Hurriganes: Live in Mariehamn '93 (2021)
- Hamina and Helsinki All Night Long (2021)
- Making of Hot Wheels (2021)
- Rockin' Live 1982 (2021)
- Live at Tavastia 1974 (2021)
Film Appearances
- Kuumat kundit (1976)
- Ganes (2007)