JMKE rocks Pärnu

Text Stewart Johnson

Photo Sanna Larmola

There can be no other Estonian godfather of punk than the band JMKE, who were instrumental in Estonia’s successful push for independence. The word “push” is relevant here because no proper punk concert won’t have pushing and moshing at the front of the stage. These icons of Estonia are celebrating 39 years of music this Friday, in Pärnu’s Wunderbaar.

Their breakout song is “Tere Perestroika” from 1987, a true testament to the times. JMKE also took advantage of the relaxing travel policies from that era, being the first Estonian band to record an album abroad. Külmale Maale (To the Cold Land) received international attention and recognition.

Their third album, Sputniks in Pectopah, a playful take on Cyrillic spelling meaning “Sputniks in the Restaurant” (1995), is a high-energy collection of popular Russian music from czarist times to Soviet anthems, but with a heavy punk twist. The band have released a total of 12 studio albums over their 39-year career, and they still have a lot to say about our society. Because that’s what punk is about.

Opening for JMKE will be another legendary punk band, Aadu Sitapea V Kolonn, which would playfully translate as Adolf Poopyhead’s Fifth Column. Aadu and the band love that translation.

Doors open at 20:00, and remaining tickets are on sale here.

To learn more about this and similar topics
Aadu Sitapea V Kolonn Concert Estonian Independence Events in Pärnu JMKE punk Rock Wunderbaar