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THE 69 EYES' Drummer Jussi 69 Hits Pause Due to Viral Meningitis

By Jason •
The Finnish goth rock legends announce a temporary lineup change as Jussi 69 focuses on recovery.

In a somber yet resolute announcement, Jussi 69, the thunderous heartbeat behind Finnish goth rock titans THE 69 EYES, has revealed he will be stepping back from the band's upcoming shows due to a diagnosis of viral meningitis. The drummer took to social media earlier today to share the news, expressing his deep regret but also his commitment to recovery.

"Dear all! I'm truly sorry to share that I've been diagnosed with a nasty infection (viral meningitis). I need to rest and follow my doctors' orders, which means no physical activity or drumming for now," he wrote, a stark reminder of the fragility that even rock legends can face. Jussi reassured fans that the band will still hit the road, with drum tech Vilho Rajala stepping in to fill the void for the initial leg of the tour.

For a band that has weathered the storms of the music industry since 1989, THE 69 EYES are no strangers to adversity. With Rajala, who knows their tracks like the back of his hand, the band is poised to keep the momentum alive. Jussi's message resonated with resilience: "I've always given 100% at every show, but right now I need to focus on getting better so I can come back stronger than ever!"

Hot on the heels of their latest single, "Brandon Lee (Forma Acustica)", released just last month via BLKIIBLK, the band is riding a wave of renewed energy. This track, a tribute to Brandon Lee from their 2000 classic album "Blessed Be", showcases the band's unyielding creativity and connection to their roots.

The 69 Eyes have carved out a niche that blends glam and goth effortlessly, solidifying their legacy as the Helsinki Vampires. With a catalog of thirteen albums and a slew of gold and platinum records, they continue to reign supreme in a world that often forgets the power of raw, unfiltered rock. As Halloween approaches, fans can expect to hear their iconic hit, "Lost Boys", echoing through the air, reminding us all that the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll is alive and well.

Rest up, Jussi; the world will be waiting for your return to the stage.