NIGHTWISH have recruited Jukka Koskinen (WINTERSUN) as the session bassist for the band’s upcoming world tour in support of the “Human. :II: Nature.” album.
Koskinen joined NIGHTWISH as the replacement for Marco Hietala, who announced his departure from NIGHTWISH in January, explaining in a statement that he hadn’t “been able to feel validated by this life for a quite a few years now.”
NIGHTWISH said in a statement: “Finally we can share the awaited news with you all! Let’s welcome Jukka Koskinen on board!”
Added Jukka: “I couldn’t be more honored to be part of the vehicle of spirit of NIGHTWISH on its onward journey sharing special live moments to come on the ‘Human. :II: Nature.’ tour with all of you out there!”
Koskinen will make his live debut with NIGHTWISH at the first of the band’s two interactive “An Evening with Nightwish In a Virtual World” concert experiences that will kick off the “Human. :II: Nature.” run.
NIGHTWISH will perform in a tavern called “The Islanders Arms” built in a virtual world for two nights — Friday, May 28 and Saturday, May 29, 2021. On both nights, the fans will experience a one-and-a-half-hour performance, hearing songs live off “Human. :II: Nature.” for the first time ever. These two nights will have their own, slightly different setlists.
Jukka Koskinen will be our session bass player and join us for our Human. :||: Nature. world tour! Finally we can share the awaited news with you all!
Let’s welcome @jukkiskoskinen on board! pic.twitter.com/vkGUiOzIIo
— Nightwish (@NightwishBand) May 28, 2021