Marko Hietala on reconnecting with Tarja Turunen (English subtitles)

Interview with Marko Hietala for the Finnish Savon Sanomat

[@LexxiFanCut]

Lots of misunderstandings in the band. Public humiliation and flight to Argentina. Lots of pain on both sides and long years of silence. Bullied by many fans. And in the end, the two still came together in one place, opened old wounds, and talked about how they both felt and understood each other. Very inspiring.

[@clarissajudmann2428]

Very mature and reflective interview by Marko. It is good to see how he and Tarja have reconnected.

[@PatitoCM1]

Saw them together again here in Buenos Aires on march.... was magical...and so healing as a fan. We cried 😂 was amazing.

[@akaha001]

Two grown adults putting behind old grievances and moving forward in what seems to be a very healing process for both of them. Goog for them. I wish some of the fans could show similar maturity.

[@ArianaHana]

Thanks a lot for the interview. I love Tarja and thanks to her I also discovered Marko. Their first conversation must have been very eye-opening for both of them. It can be seen that he is still not comfortable talking about some things, for example the part about Argentina and Tarja's feelings. That was probably the first time he realized how bad she felt.

[@clarissajudmann2428]

It's like he's realising the magnitude of the hurt they caused Tarja only now after talking to her.

[@AdamVop]

@@clarissajudmann2428 I feel that way too. It looks like their meeting at Raskasta Joulua in 2017 opened his eyes and made him think. He probably had no idea how much the way she was fired had hurt her and damaged her reputation to this day.

[@Eluarelon]

I just love that those two found a way to become friends again. And yes, of course I'll love seeing them live doing Nightwish classic covers, but to be honest, I'd much rather have them create a new album with new songs in the vein of "Left on Mars". For good or bad, old Nightwish is dead and will probably never return, and as much as you would need Marco and Tarja to recreate the old glory, you'd also need Tuomas, Emppu and Jukka to do that, and I don't think that Tuomas and Tarja will ever reconcile.

[@larryzigler6812]

THEIR TOUR HAS BEEN EPIC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ☮☮💘💘💥💥

[@Light_Rider]

So happy I got tickets for their tour this year. I hope some magic unfolds...

[@xxMrsViolet]

I hope I'll be able to see them live!!! Thanks for your upload!

[@devoratodorova]

Nostalgia marketing, yes, but also there are real emotions on stage and the passion is still there! We, the fans, wanna experience the old enchanting Nightwish and now we can do this thanks to Tarja and Marko💗🎶🤘🏻🥳If they didn't feel good performing together, they wouldn't do it. Forgiveness is super important.

[@pekkalaitinen8769]

hyvää settiä

[@Idefixu]

Joka vanhoja muistelee, sitä USB-tikulla silmään. (Vanha sanonta nykyaikaan päivitettynä.) Hienoa että vanhoista ikävistä jutuista voidaan päästä yli, vuosienkin kuluttua.

[@marxj.gomez-liendo5955]

Thanks for this! Where can we find the full interview?

[@AKH-qy5us]

KZbin doesn't seem to allow me to post the link here but it's on the pages of a Finnish newspaper Savon Sanomat, unfortunately only in Finnish. The whole interview is 20 minutes long so it's quite a lot to translate. Maybe at some point I will try to do it but I can't promise anything.

[@myzis967]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@AdamVop]

It's good that the two found a way to each other and forgave. Forgiveness is always a healing thing. And now Marko has a friend who has gone through similar things as him. But I understand that a lot of toxic NW fans need to feed the evil Diva myth because they have nothing else to use against Tarja. And now, according to them, Marko is also a villain. Let them drown in their resentment, stuck in a time somewhere 20 years ago. Fortunately, most NW fans and all band members have matured and moved on.

[@PetraPola]

I actually left the NW fandom and all discussion forums because of that toxicity. I don't want to be in a place where they don't respect the former band members who did so much for NW. Even though I know NW fans are mostly great people, the toxic part has poisoned the fandom for me.

[@LexxiFanCut]

@@PetraPolaSame with me. I loved their music. Now I am a big fan of Tarja. When I also wanted to return to the band, their music and fandom, I found that NW Army was not the place for me either.

[@astridverrinen2558]

Part of the Winter Storm forever 💜 I'm with you And yeah, the interview is great. The reconciliation wasn't that easy after everything they went through, it can be seen here, but here's what happens when people really want to get rid of the past, move on and create a new story. I'm happy for the two and looking forward to hear more of them.

[@ades.3327]

It's one reason why I never fully got into their fandom and even took a few steps back from the band at one time because I didn't want to lumped in with the Nightwish fanbase. I love the band, but their hardcore fanbase are awful.

[@MaximusTruth]

Well first of all, as you said, 20 years ago, get over it. Yet it's YOU yourself that brings it up. It's easy to point fingers at "toxic fans" yet you're hiding behind that while you're literally doing the exact same thing yourself right now. Pointing fingers, whining about a group of people, just the way you accuse them of doing. Do I personally belong to that "toxic NW fans group" ? I dont think so. I dont dislike Tarja, she hasn't done me any ill. I've been following Nightwish since 2000, long before that drama happened. And I know that there's a bit of truth in the "Diva" statements. She was a diva. Not extreme, but she was. She often refused to participate in videos/documentaries etc. There's a lot of things she just wouldn't do, or needed done in "her way". That doesn't make me dislike her. She's who she is..or was rather. So what. Sure there's some over the top toxic people, but the world is FULL of them, because people *need* something to whine about or hate on. Sadly. I never really missed Tarja once she was gone from NW, apart from the first one or two years perhaps. But life goes on, couldn't care less if she was the only one in the wrong, or if NW was in the wrong, or equal share, doesnt matter. So that part I can kinda agree with you on, certain people *need* to find something to use as a reason to 'hate' on someone/something. Also several if not most of those 'toxic' individuals, look at what's known, she was reportedly no fun to work with, acting as she's above the band, a goddess. Once she got 'fired', and she wanted the world to feel sorry for her, it just annoyed the people that had seen her attitude one way or another (like above example of refusing to do certain things with the band), that would even trigger me. Why are we feeling sorry for someone that didnt even wanna be in the band anyway? Dont think the majority of those 'toxic' individuals actually "hate" her, just annoyed why she gets defended by people that just flipped a coin and picked a side. But why does it matter, I dunno. Certain people, like yourself, seems to thrive in bringing an almost 2 decade old drama up in comments still today. For what reason, I don't know. Complaining about toxic people hating on Tarja. While you're doing the same thing, just the other way around - just looks dumb. But at the end of the day, it's been close to 20yrs now, and for those of us that were with the BAND from the early days, Tarja will always be part of NW, whether I/we like her or not. But the show must go on, and she did, and so did NW. And I'm pretty sure both 'camps' are in a much better place today. Tarja is having her career. NW is bigger and more famous than they've ever been. Only thing I personally hated about the whole drama, was the way it was handled. That's about it. I'm not hating on the band nor Tarja, but it all was a sh-tshow. But seriously though, stop making dumbass comments about people hating on Tarja etc, you're literally the one bringing it up. Just shut it, and maybe it will save the comments section from at least one or two "toxic fans" as you put it. So yeah, let them drown in their resentment, yet you seem to be the one doing the drowning my good sir, as you're the one that can't let it go it seems.

[@jp16k92]

I wonder if we’ll ever know the full reasons Marko left NW. that was so abrupt, something must have happened…

[@strabel803]

Well,it's hard to know excacly but,half a year ago ,Marko suddenly came up with another thing , "band management" where the bad guys.. I thought it was strange because he didn't mentioned that at all 3 years before (when he left). A other thing ,he did not say a lot about, understanddably, his divorse,i think in 2016/17,a very personel thing,and something i can imagine gives maby some resentment/blame towards the heavy tour scheduling.Depression is a long road to get rid off and can have multiple causes,it's clear that Marko had many issues,i still think it's a shame he left Nightwish😟,but hey, live goes on.😉🤘

[@claudiadorner9804]

It was abrupt for us but certainly not for him

[@eilakanninen8001]

Tuomas is great even without them, but I appreciate and admire them both as well. Tarja would have left anyway, because that was her husband's goal. I've watched the movie Amadeus dozens of times, every genius has jealous poisoners just because of their talent, because that's how people are. Otherwise, let them sort things out through diplomatic means, as the whole world should.

[@brucedeo1981]

is this in fast forward or they speak so fast and move their fingers so fast?

[@clarissajudmann2428]

It's notmal speed. Marko is just chatty, particular for being Finnish, and the constant hand movements are likely an expression of his ADHD, it looks like he is stimming.

[@paulboyce8537]

Somehow Jukka should be dragged back also. He was unique and one of the best drummers.

[@RammmFan]

yes, I wish for it so much.ever since i knew about Marco... but knowing about his insomnia. if Ever Tarja and Marco perform in Finland, maybe he could joing for several Nightwish songs, just for old times... to make fulll circle, and us fans at last be at peace

[@paulboyce8537]

@@RammmFan Floor is fantastic but for most of the Tarja's songs she can't do justice. Anette did some great studio work. My hope is that the band would make similar high profile concert as 2013 Wacken with all three singers giving their best songs or maybe even supporting and lifting some of the songs together. Also without Jukka the sound is lacking. He had very dominant part for the sound. There is huge potential. Edit. Also you can't underestimate Marko's singing. So different but together it just makes it work.

[@paulboyce8537]

@@SokolRock Almost 20 years. People change.

[@dagonluke]

@@paulboyce8537he can change, but he’s nightwish manager…

[@eddiehesselman3904]

​@@paulboyce8537well...Tarja never had the skills Floor has. Now the trolls come again that i'm a Tarja hater but i"m not. The fact is that Floor is a better singer.

[@pen7759]

I´m glad they are together but just for their sake. Marko is a superb musician and singer. Anyway music with Nightwish is the music for me.

[@RammmFan]

We will never know what realy happened in both cases... too much drama. every fan wants to believe what is more closer to his (her) heart, to justify and get over it... The Jewel which was Nightwish in 2005, it should have been saved at all costs, intact. it was no longer just band, they were on the throne, and they should have remained there together...

[@MaximusTruth]

Jewel? 2005? Dude Nightwish is bigger now than it was back then. With or without Tarja. Who cares what really happened, just enjoy the music (or not) leave the drama to the kids aka those involved. You make it sound like NW was only good in 2005, and when Tarja "left" NW has never ever been good? Throne...they were not even near a throne in 2005. And just fyi, I'm not a Tarja fan, nor am I "anti-Tarja" as I think all that is childish. Was a heavy 'loss' when they dropped her. But after a (very) short time, I moved on, like most other people. It's easy to be a Tarja die-hard fan, and blame Tuomas, but bear in mind, Marco was also *FOR* the sacking of Tarja. And if they can reconnect and be friends again, then maybe, just maybe, there's still hope for this world. Toxic fans be damned :)

[@userunknozn]

I agree with you. No matter how "big" Nightwish is today (in marketing terms) it's not as big in terms of musicality and passion.

[@danielberger1378]

@@MaximusTruth Amen to that 👍

[@eskajj8802]

​@@MaximusTruthit has nothing to do with being big. Perhaps you can't see that

[@dagonluke]

We are in nostalgia marketing era. People admit that they are going to their concert praying for a Phantom of the opera performance. I really do think they are just surfing the hype to sell more. Musicians are businesspeople, they need money and they need to compliant to record labels contracts. There’s nothing wrong about it, but it’s very weird to see them live. I’m a fan of Marko’s voice and music, but I really think their concerts are very bad.

[@giovannitarja]

Fuck

[@dagonluke]

@@giovannitarjathank you for the arguments and kindness

[@paavometsaluoma2653]

3:50 Kuinka koko Suomelle jäi paha olo.. Perkele.

[@paavometsaluoma2653]

Eli nyt te käytätte sitä musiikkia yhdessä, mitä se visionääri, joka tavallaan loi teidät (raaka sanonta, en itsekään usko) mut.. Nää Vokalistit.. Voi vittu.. Kuinka tärkeitä te olittekaan mulle silloin hankaluuksien kanssa, aikuiseksi kasvavana. Ja kaksi ääntä, vokaalina, oli totta.. Ja sit kui menitte erillenne.. Toinen laulaa jotain vitun joululauluja.. Mut sit hammasta purren.. Kun ne prkleet soi päässä jo muutenkin.. Mut toinen kantaa, majesteetillistakin jopa, Argentiinalaista todellisuutta... Se vaan on näin. Veikkaan et tässä on jopa miljoona tarinaa.. Kiva että olette löytäneet toisenne.. Mun mielestä huoraatte sitä vanhaa.. Koska te sen osaatte. Se ruotsalainen ja hollantilainen.. EI. Ei toimi. Ei vaan toimi.. Toinen kuulosti liikaa Abbalta ja toisella ei ole skaalaa laulaa (vaikka mahtava böönä onkin). "Suomen Walt Disney, pesäpallomaillalla-twistattuna, fucked it up".

[@paavometsaluoma2653]

On kait niitä Keisarin vaatteita huudeltu aiemminkin.. mut: "Keisarilla ei ole vaatteita". Nyt alkaa olee.. Mut mistä te saatte sen "Syd Barrettin"?

[@ascensionenergetics85]

Left Nightwish for mental health & went on tour with Tarja? Wtf was that? What a downgrade. Glad he’s happy now.

[@karadenizin-kizi]

Depends on what you value, I suppose

[@larryzigler6812]

HUGE UPGRADE !!!!!!!!!!!!! Just not for your type and thankfully so

[@NightwishArena]

Well, you kind of answered your "question": Glad he's happy now. Isn't that enough? He was not happy with Nightwish anymore, and he started to suffer from anxiety. He has stated that he wasn't happy with business side there, but never told about having problems with another members. Yet, maybe he wasn't happy that Troy started to have more and more role, kind of taking Marko's space? I know I am not happy about that. They also have quite heavy touring schedule with all the PR and stuff, even that it's not like they used to have (with Tarja and Anette), I'm sure it's hard enough, even without anxiety and being former alcoholic.

[@Ethnicparty]

he escaped from the egocentric Karabas-Barabas and is a happy free man now, who can gradually mend his health issues

[@nikatan001]

If you did watch until the end, you'd know that in no way, shape or form, does he contradict anything previously stated, quite the opposite 😊

[@vasilis428]

I'm really really sorry to say that but those two are soooo pathetic... Just write new songs and tour then... Singing Nightwish songs and taking money for that it is so greedy. Now I can understand why those two is out of the band and feel thankful!!!

[@nasser5585]

They don't sing just Nightwish songs.... I went to their show back in March and they only covered 3 Nightwish songs, the rest were covers, Tarja original songs and the song written by Marko mentioned in the interview. They have all the rights to cover Nightwish songs if they please, and more if the fans are interested in hearing them both again (which I assure you, we totally do). It's like asking Ozzy to not sing Black Sabbath songs on his solo tours, or Dio to not sing Rainbow song, or King Diamond to not sing Mercyful Fate songs, or UDO to not sing Accept songs, an on and one. It's just none sense.

[@PetraPola]

​@@nasser5585I saw the same thing at Metalfest few weeks ago. They only sang 3 NW songs, the rest were Tarja's or Marko's songs. They sang Over the Hills and Far Away in the encore, but that's not an original NW song. When Tarja is without Marko, she only sings one NW song. She sang Nemo at Masters of Rock last year for example

[@nasser5585]

@@PetraPola Yes exactly

[@akaha001]

They are writing new songs and touring while also giving fans a couple of NW songs because we want to hear those songs sung by their original singers. It just shows maturity that they have been able to reconcile, and appreciation for us fans who have been there since day 1 by giving us something we have missed. My respect for them both has never been higher.

[@jaanahedemaki6993]

"I'm really really sorry to say..." No, you're not sorry otherwise you wouldn't even write that. You're embarrassing. They are ALLOWED to perform Nightwish songs just like Floor is in her solo shows. " Now I can understand why those two is out of the band " One thing has nothing to do with the other. Don't write about things you know nothing about. If someone is pathetic, it'd be you for writing that brain fart.

[@ricardocarloschagas-bw8lo]

One of the worst people I've ever met, a liar is worthless

[@Vaamp92]

Why do you say that?

[@HandleyR]

“At the end of the day, the business side and demands of people and stuff like that, there not really important at all “ wasn’t that and mental health stated as the reasons for leaving Nightwish?

[@Vaamp92]

@@HandleyR yes... but the claim that he is one of the worst people and a liar, that's too much. Perhaps he didn't tell all the truth (to me there was something bigger than mental issues, business and big touring). He's been touring and doing a lot of gigs since he left nightwish so it's clear that the problem was WITH nightwish

[@HandleyR]

@@Vaamp92 I have thought the same about his departure, something more went on i am sure. I don’t think he lied as such, just more of a cover story based loosely on some truth.

[@carl-ericbacklund3276]

To leave NW was the best he could do, bacause NW was only Night when Tarja leaves!