Interviews
YARA
What was your mindset when you headed to the Tavastia show? You performed with several different bands during the same evening.
After the initial pre-show nerves wore off, the feeling that stood out most was excitement. It was fantastic to get the chance to play so much during a single evening, especially since it was a pleasure working with every lineup involved.
How do you mentally switch from one band to another during the same night?
On a mental level, I didn't really have to program myself in any special way. The songs had been rehearsed so thoroughly that, the moment I stepped onto the stage, the world of that particular band opened up automatically. My focus was so intense that, in that moment, no other bands or songs existed.
Does each lineup require a different role from you as a drummer?
I don't feel that the drummer's role changes from band to band. I play the songs, and if a particular song calls for a certain approach or attitude, then that comes from the song itself. It's not really about the band—it's about the music.
What is the biggest challenge, and what is the best part of a concert day like this?
The biggest challenge is physical preparation. You would think that, as a former athlete, I'd remember that a physical performance like this requires preparation beforehand. At least I'll remember it in the future.
Fitness-wise, there were no problems at all—I would have been ready to keep going much longer. Toward the end of the Androids set, however, one of my calf muscles started cramping a little. Fortunately, it didn't affect my playing.
The best part of a day like this is the entire experience—from the moment you arrive at the venue until load-out begins. After the show, it's great to meet familiar faces, observe the atmosphere among the crowd, and exchange a few words with the audience.
Does stepping onto the stage at Tavastia feel different from playing other venues?
Not really. Whenever I'm performing, I slip into my own bubble regardless of the venue, and everything else disappears. What remains are the song, my bandmates, and, of course, the most important thing of all—the audience.
Before the show, though, I did find myself reflecting on my previous visits to Tavastia, both as a customer and as a performer. I have many great memories from there. After all, Tavastia is a legendary venue.
How many times have you performed at Tavastia before?
I've played at Tavastia before with Androids, with Mauka, as part of an orchestra called Mannerheim, and in several other project lineups. Altogether, it's been dozens of times—though not quite hundreds.
What is the atmosphere like within the band?
In my opinion, the spirit within the band is excellent. It's genuinely enjoyable to play with these guys, and often it feels like rehearsals end too soon—we could easily keep playing much longer.
I hope we'll continue with rehearsals, studio work, and live shows together—really, anything connected to this group and what we're doing.
How does the new material feel?
The new material is, in some ways, a little different from the original Androids catalog, though not entirely. Through my own playing, I try to bring some of the original sound into the mix and contribute to the overall feel that way. Some of the songs are clearly more traditional rock tracks.
What are your expectations for the future?
Above all, I hope the momentum continues in every possible way: rehearsals, recordings, gigs, and most importantly, getting new material out there for people to hear.
Keep on Rockin' 🤘 See Ya!


Tony Lane performing at the Tavastia Club, May 26th 2026.


CLAUDIO
What is the biggest challenge, and what is the best part of a concert day like this?
When you have this many bands on the bill, the amount of equipment multiplies as well. The biggest challenge was getting everything connected and completing all the soundchecks within a very limited timeframe.
The best part of an event like this is the positive anticipation: seeing how the audience reacts to the renewed Androids lineup and how the band's chemistry comes across to the crowd.
Does stepping onto the stage at Tavastia feel different from playing other venues?
Tavastia is very close to my heart. I've been there countless times as a member of the audience, watching my favorite bands and secretly dreaming that one day I would step onto that legendary stage myself.
When I think about all the artists who have stood in that very spot over the years, I still get goosebumps.
How many times have you performed at Tavastia before, and with whom?
This was my first time performing on the Tavastia stage, and hopefully not my last—it was simply too much fun.
What is the atmosphere like within the band?
Every member brings their own unique strengths to the band.
Guitarists Tony and Kentzu couldn't be further apart in terms of sound and playing style, but that's exactly why the band's dynamic works so well.
Each member has their own identity and role within the group. Together, we form a truly unique band.
How does the new material feel?
Some of the new songs continue naturally from where Androids left off years ago, while others clearly take the band into a new era.
I was a little nervous beforehand about how the new material would be received. Those concerns disappeared quickly, however, when the audience was already singing along at full volume by the second chorus.
What are your expectations for the future?
I hope we'll be able to release a full album of new songs that pays tribute to the Androids of the 1980s without simply copying the past.
If we can keep our longtime fans on board while also reaching new listeners through the new material, that would be the perfect outcome.
Keep on Rockin' 🤘 See Ya!
New Winds in the Androids Camp: Punk Legend Joins as Guitarist!
Finnish hard rock veterans Androids continue their impressive comeback with the announcement of a true cult figure joining their ranks.
The band's new guitarist is Toni Laine, better known in underground circles as Tony Lane. For years, Lane has been a prominent force within the Finnish punk and alternative rock scene, building a reputation through a series of influential and highly respected bands. His résumé includes such cult names as:
• Fuckin World
• Hangman Jury
• The New Rose
• Rock'n Roll Night School
According to the band, the recruitment was a perfect match.
"Tony brings a raw, almost reckless energy that takes our sound in a completely new direction. The combination of punk attitude and our melodic hard rock foundation works surprisingly well," says vocalist Tommy "Scarlette" Eriksson.
Lane officially joined Androids in the spring of 2025 and has since played an active role in writing new material, developing arrangements, and shaping the band's constantly evolving live sound.
Sources close to the band suggest that Androids 2026 will be noticeably heavier, tighter, and more aggressive than before, thanks in no small part to Lane's influence.
"Punk rock traces its roots back to the glam rock explosion of the early seventies—bands like Slade, Bowie and Alice Cooper—and those influences can be heard in Androids as well. What I like here is the combination of a direct, energetic approach with big melodies, while never being afraid of musicianship. I'll throw in a little MC5 and The Stooges for extra spice to keep things interesting. I'm really enjoying being part of this band," Lane comments.
Androids are currently working on new material while preparing for the Ade Manninen Memorial Concert and their highly anticipated return to Tavastia on May 26, 2026, a show widely regarded as the launching point of a new era for the band.
More news will be announced soon.
One thing is certain: there's a lot happening in the Androids camp right now.

