The Human. :II: Nature. World Tour was a concert tour by Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish, in support of their ninth studio album, Human. :II: Nature.[1]
| Tour by Nightwish | |
 Promotional poster for the Latin American tour in October 2022 | |
| Location |
|
|---|---|
| Associated album | Human. :II: Nature. |
| Start date | July 28, 2021 |
| End date | June 17, 2023 |
| Legs | 8 |
| No. of shows | 69 |
| Nightwish concert chronology | |
It was the first tour in which Kai Hahto is an official member of the band, following original drummer Jukka Nevalainen's departure on July 15, 2019.[2] It was also the first tour not to feature bassist Marko Hietala following his departure in January 2021,[3] and the first to feature bassist Jukka Koskinen as a session bassist who later joined the band in August 2022. At the conclusion of the tour, the band began their touring hiatus which is set to last between 'two to three years' following the release of the band's tenth studio album, Yesterwynde.[4][5]
Background
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In promoting the tour and the album before its release, Troy Donockley and Floor Jansen were special guests on Planet Rock Radio, performing acoustic versions of "Nemo" and "How's the Heart?".[6][7]
Following the postponement of the tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the band began the world tour on March 12, 2021 with an interactive livestream experience in a virtual reality built tavern which featured songs from the album on its setlist.[8][9] The virtual livestream show was later postponed to May 2021.[10] Upon the conclusion of the virtual performances, the shows had broken records with the first drawing 150,000 viewers and setting it as the most viewed virtual performance in Finland, with the box office exceeding one million in euros.[11]
The band began the tour in Europe, South America, Asia and North America following the virtual performance, with their first show in Oulu played under the pseudonym "Nevski & the Prospects".[12] The tour was originally scheduled to begin in spring 2020, but due to the pandemic, the band had postponed the tour.[13][14][15] The European tour was postponed again to late 2021 on January 29, 2021, but had added a new date in Dublin, Ireland.[16][17] The band returned to Hellfest in Clisson, France on July 25, 2022.[18] Additional tour dates for North America were announced on October 12, 2021.[19] European tour dates for November and December were later confirmed to go ahead for the band.[20] Shows that were postponed in Europe that year were later rescheduled for the end of 2022.[21] After the shows in Kitee and Vaasa in June 2023,[22] the tour was concluded.[23] Prior to the conclusion of the tour, the band issued a statement on April 6, 2023 that they would be going on a touring hiatus after the next studio album's release.[24]
At the Oslo performance during their performance of "The Greatest Show on Earth", the band paid tribute to the late Alexi Laiho, a deceased member of the former Children of Bodom by displaying a picture of him on the video screen.[25][26] The Pinkpop festival on June 17, 2022 had the band's set shortened, as Jansen had performed solo on the same day.[27] During the Amsterdam show on November 27, 2022, Henk Poort joined on stage with Jansen to perform "The Phantom of the Opera", with the show being filmed for a future live release.[28] Yannis Papadopoulos from Beast in Black later joined the band on stage at the Prague concert on December 21, 2022 to perform "Sahara".[29]
Following Marko Hietala's departure from the band in January 2021, the band had announced in a statement that a temporary live member would fill in for bass.[30] Before the first virtual performance that Jukka Koskinen was announced as the session bass player exclusively for the tour on May 28, 2021.[31] However, the band later announced on August 21, 2022 that Jukka Koskinen would be the new permanent bass player in the band.[32]
Shortly after the Latin American leg of the tour in October 2022, vocalist Floor Jansen underwent a successful breast cancer surgery. The band resumed its third European leg in November and December. It was then announced that Jansen's radiation therapy was moved from February to January 2023, resulting in the postponement of the band's Asian tour.[33]
Reception
edit
Natasha Scharf, a reviewer from Louder Sound, had given the virtual performances a positive review. She stated: "Despite the technological limitations, Nightwish genuinely look like they're having the best time ever and there's no hint of the concerns Tuomas Holopainen had about their future. It's been two and a half years since their last live show and they've clearly missed the stage. Tonight's set is tight and packed with material from Human. :II: Nature., fan favourites and some surprising additions, including Harvest, Bless the Child, and a lovely acoustic rendition of How's the Heart? The intimate setting also captures friendly gestures that might have otherwise been missed; the band frequently exchange grins and nods, and Jansen even gives Koskinen a heartfelt thumbs-up during Ghost Love Score."[34]
Norway Rock Magazine gave the Oslo performance at the Spektrum a positive review. Opening their review, they acknowledged the impressive stage production and setlist, they stated that the band didn't disappoint their fans which gave the band a rapturous reception. Praising Floor Jansen on her flawless performance and powerful vocals as well as being mastering at connecting with the audience, they also praised the chemistry and dynamic stage presence from all of the other members, which made it clear the band missed performing in front of an adoring audience. Concluding their review, they said the band know how to put on a superb live show, they finished their review stating that the show really was the 'Greatest Show on Earth'.[35]
Samantha Wu from The Spill Magazine opened her review, noting on the anticipation of fans who were eager to hear the tracks from the band's new album live, knowing what to expect: soaring orchestral music with hard, ripping guitars and Floor Jansen's complex voice, which Wu acknowledged as "ground-breaking" despite the difficulty some of the songs were to sing. Having acknowledged the departure of former member Marko Hietala, she also mentioned the soft and melodic vocals of Troy Donockley - taking notes on how he paired it with Jansen's vocals during an acoustic version of "How's the Heart?". Wu concluded their review stating that the band delivered a whirlwind of an experience and that it was the best return to live music anyone could ask for.[36]
Set list
editThe following set list was performed at the warm-up show of the tour at Club Teatria, and is not intended to represent all of the shows on tour.[37]
- "Music" (intro tape)
- "Noise"
- "Planet Hell"
- "Tribal"
- "Élan"
- "Storytime"
- "How's the Heart?"
- "Harvest"
- "7 Days to the Wolves"
- "Dark Chest of Wonders"
- "I Want My Tears Back"
- "Ever Dream"
- "Nemo"
- "Sleeping Sun"
- "Shoemaker"
- "Last Ride of the Day"
- "Ghost Love Score"
- "The Greatest Show on Earth (Chapters I, II and III)"
- "Ad Astra" (outro tape; with Floor singing live)
Tour dates
edit| Date | City | Country | Venue | Support act |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 28, 2021 | Oulu | Finland | Club Teatria | Asim Searah |
| July 30, 2021 | Qstock Festival | — | ||
| July 31, 2021 | Kuopio | Kuopio Rock Festival | ||
| November 14, 2021 | Oslo | Norway | Spektrum Arena | Sonata Arctica[39] |
| Date | City | Country | Venue | Support act |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 31, 2023 | Bimini | The Bahamas | 70000 Tons of Metal | — |
| February 2, 2023 | ||||
| March 25, 2023 | Osaka | Japan | Loudpark Festival | |
| March 26, 2023 | Tokyo | |||
| March 29, 2023 | Quezon City | Philippines | SM Skydome | |
| March 31, 2023 | Taipei | Taiwan | Zepp New Hall | |
| June 3, 2023 | Stockholm | Sweden | Evenew Arena | |
| June 7, 2023 | Athens | Greece | Release Festival | |
| June 10, 2023 | Nickelsdorf | Austria | Nova Rock Festival | |
| June 12, 2023 | Gelsenkirchen | Germany | Amphitheater | Hourglass[46] |
| June 16, 2023 | Kitee | Finland | Kiteen Rantakenttä | Silent Rain Klamydia[47] |
| June 17, 2023 | Vaasa | Lemonsoft Stadion |
Cancelled dates
edit| Date | City | Country | Venue | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 15, 2020 | Guangzhou | China[48] | Gym-ll | COVID-19 pandemic |
| April 17, 2020 | Shanghai | Bandai Namco Base | ||
| April 18, 2020 | ||||
| May 2, 2020 | Mexico City | Mexico | Domination Festival[49] | |
| June 7, 2020 | Tampere | Finland | Rockfest[50] | |
| June 11, 2020 | Krakow | Poland | Mystic Festival[51] | |
| June 11–13, 2020 | Interlaken | Switzerland | Greenfield Festival[52] | |
| December 16, 2020 | Cardiff | Wales | Motorpoint Arena[53] | |
| August 14, 2021 | Helsinki | Finland | Kaisaniemi Park[54] | |
| November 9, 2022 | St. Petersburg | Russia | Yubileyny Sports Palace | 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine[55] |
| November 10, 2022 | Moscow | Crocus City Hall | ||
| November 12, 2022 | Kiev | Ukraine | Stereo Plaza | |
| November 13, 2022 | Minsk | Belarus | Falcon Club | |
| January 3, 2023 | Beijing | China | Exhibition Theater | Floor Jansen's radiation therapy following breast cancer surgery in October 2022[33] |
| January 5, 2023 | Shanghai | Bandai Namco Base | ||
| January 6, 2023 | ||||
| January 8, 2023 | Guangzhou | Gym-ll | ||
| January 11, 2023 | Hong Kong | Star Hall | ||
| January 15, 2023 | Jakarta | Indonesia | Istora Gelora Bung Karno | |
| January 17, 2023 | Sentosa | Singapore | Hard Rock Coliseum | |
| January 23, 2023 | Seoul | South Korea | KBS Hall | |
| January 25, 2023 | Osaka | Japan | Namba Hatch | |
| January 27, 2023 | Tokyo | Ex Theater Roppongi | ||
| January 28, 2023 | ||||
| June 9, 2023 | Berlin | Germany | Parkbühne Wuhlheide | Logistical issues[56] |
| June 22, 2023 | Oslo | Norway | Tons of Rock | Health issues[57] |
Personnel
edit- Floor Jansen – lead vocals
- Tuomas Holopainen – keyboards
- Emppu Vuorinen – guitars
- Kai Hahto – drums, percussion
- Troy Donockley – uilleann pipes, tin whistle, bouzouki, male vocals, additional guitars
- Jukka Koskinen – bass
Guest musicians
- Henk Poort – guest vocals (Amsterdam, Europe 2022)
- Yannis Papadopoulos – guest vocals (Prague, Europe 2022)
Notes
editReferences
edit- ^ "Announcing the new album "HUMAN. :||: NATURE."". Nightwish. January 16, 2020. Archived from the original on January 16, 2020. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
- ^ "NIGHTWISH's JUKKA NEVALAINEN Officially Exits Band; KAI HAHTO Named Permanent Drummer". Blabbermouth. July 15, 2019. Retrieved October 17, 2019.
- ^ "Marko Hietala leaves Nightwish". Metal Hammer. January 12, 2021. Retrieved July 11, 2021.
- ^ Childers, Chad (April 6, 2023). "Nightwish Taking Touring Hiatus, Announce New Album Timeline". Loudwire. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ Mäenpää, Arto (January 23, 2024). ""There won't be any Nightwish shows within the next two or three years" – Exclusive interview with Kai Hahto from Nightwish / Wintersun". Chaoszine. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
- ^ "NIGHTWISH Perform Acoustic Version Of "Nemo" For Planet Rock; Video". BraveWords. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
- ^ "NIGHTWISH's FLOOR JANSEN And TROY DONOCKLEY Perform Acoustic Version Of "How's The Heart?" For Planet Rock (Video)". BraveWords. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
- ^ "Nightwish will kick off their 2021 tour with a gig in an imaginary pub". Louder. December 17, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
- ^ "NIGHTWISH To Start 'Human. :II: Nature.' World Tour In Virtual Reality". Blabbermouth. December 17, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
- ^ "NIGHTWISH - Upcoming Human. :II: Nature. Virtual Livestream Show Rescheduled For May 2021". BraveWords. February 4, 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
- ^ "Nightwish's virtual concert broke records". Helsinki Times. May 30, 2021. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
- ^ "NIGHTWISH Plays 'Secret' Show In Finland (Video)". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. July 28, 2021. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
- ^ "Nightwish Announce Rescheduled Tour For 2021". Kerrang!. September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
- ^ "NIGHTWISH - More World Tour dates rescheduled". Nightwish. November 2, 2020. Retrieved November 3, 2020.
- ^ "NIGHTWISH - RE-SCHEDULED NIGHTWISH USA 2021 DATES HERE". Nightwish. August 10, 2020. Archived from the original on September 25, 2020. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
- ^ "Nightwish have postponed their European tour". Metal Hammer. January 29, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
- ^ Carter, Emily (January 29, 2021). "Nightwish have rescheduled their 2021 UK/European tour". Kerrang!. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
- ^ "Le Hellfest 2022 s'offre Metallica et Guns N'Roses en têtes d'affiche". Le Monde.fr (in French). June 17, 2021. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
- ^ "NIGHTWISH Announces May 2022 North American Tour". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. October 12, 2021. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
- ^ "Nightwish update European tour dates, postpone Dublin and Birmingham gigs". Metal Hammer. October 22, 2021. Retrieved October 22, 2021.
- ^ Ewing, Jerry (November 22, 2021). "Nightwish reschedule postponed European dates". Louder Sound. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
- ^ "Nightwish announces home town show to Kitee next summer". Chaoszine. November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
- ^ "Nightwish: "Vi älskar världen vi bor i"". Göteborgs-Posten (in Swedish). June 10, 2022. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- ^ Alderslade, Merlin (April 6, 2023). "Nightwish retire from touring for the foreseeable future: "we won't be touring the next album"". Louder Sound. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
- ^ Scarlett, Elizabeth (November 17, 2021). "Nightwish pay tribute to Children Of Bodom's Alexi Laiho". Metal Hammer. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
- ^ "Nightwish pay tribute to Alexi Laiho last night at Oslo Spektrum show". Chaoszine. November 15, 2021. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
- ^ "Floor Jansen Performs Solo And With Nightwish At Pinkpop Festival 2022 On The Same Day; Pro-Shot Video Of Both Shows Available". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. June 20, 2022. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
- ^ "Nightwish Perform "The Phantom Of The Opera" For The First Time In 17 Years; Amsterdam Show Filmed For Future DVD Release (Video)". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ "Watch Beast in Black's Yannis Papadopoulos performing Nightwish's "Sahara" with Floor Jansen at Prague O2 Arena". Chaoszine. December 23, 2022. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "NIGHTWISH's Longtime Bassist/Vocalist MARKO 'MARCO' HIETALA Announces His Departure From Band". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. January 12, 2021. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
- ^ "Nightwish paljasti uuden basistinsa". Ilta-Sanomat (in Finnish). May 28, 2021. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
- ^ "Nightwish announces Jukka Koskinen as band's new permanent bassist". Chaoszine. August 21, 2022. Retrieved August 21, 2022.
- ^ a b "Nightwish Singer's Radiation Therapy Rescheduled For January; Asian Tour Postponed". Blabbermouth.net. December 5, 2022. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
- ^ Scharf, Natasha (May 30, 2021). "An Evening With Nightwish In A Virtual World Reviewed!". Prog Magazine. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
- ^ "Nightwish @ Oslo Spektrum". Norway Rock Magazine (in Norwegian Bokmål). November 15, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
- ^ Wu, Samantha (May 5, 2022). "SPILL LIVE REVIEW: NIGHTWISH w/ BEAST IN BLACK @ HISTORY, TORONTO". The Spill Magazine. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
- ^ "NIGHTWISH - Fan-Filmed Video From Secret Club Show As NEVSKI & THE PROSPECTS In Oulo, Finland Available". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. July 29, 2021. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
- ^ a b c "Tour: Past shows". Nightwish.com. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
- ^ "Nightwish (Oslo, 14.11.21)" (in Norwegian). HeavyMetal.no. Retrieved September 23, 2024.
- ^ Kumpula, Ossi (April 29, 2022). "Finland is funland again - Nightwish and Lähiöbotox at Helsinki Ice Hall". Chaoszine. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
- ^ "Nightwish live at Nokia Arena, Tampere". Metal-Rules.com. Retrieved September 23, 2024.
- ^ "Nightwish announce US tour for 2022". LouderSound. October 13, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2024.
- ^ "Beast in Black abrirá shows do Nightwish na América Latina". Whiplash.net (in Portuguese). January 22, 2022. Retrieved September 23, 2024.
- ^ "Amorphis to support Nightwish on UK and European tour". Louder. March 20, 2020. Retrieved March 22, 2020.
- ^ "NIGHTWISH Taps AMORPHIS And TURMION KÄTILÖT As Support For Fall 2020 European Tour". Blabbermouth. March 20, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
- ^ "Nightwish am 12. Juni 2023 im Amphitheater in Gelsenkirchen" (in German). Retrieved September 23, 2024.
- ^ "Nordic Live Productions Oy | Nightwishin Kiteen sekä Vaasan konserttien kaikki artistit sekä aikataulut julki!" (in Finnish). Retrieved June 17, 2023.
- ^ "NIGHTWISH – Nightwish cancels Chinese shows". Nightwish. March 10, 2020. Archived from the original on March 24, 2020. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
- ^ "Mexico's Domination Festival reveals 2020 lineup: Original Misfits, Def Leppard, Rancid, Opeth, more". Consequence of Sound. December 19, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
- ^ "Rockfest muuttaa Tampereelle – Iron Maidenin lisäksi lavalle nousee Nightwish!". Soundi. November 7, 2019. Retrieved November 7, 2019.
- ^ "Mystic Festival 2020 – see you in 2021!". Mystic Festival. April 17, 2020. Archived from the original on December 9, 2021. Retrieved April 18, 2020.
- ^ "Swiss festival season gone as gov extends event ban". IQ Magazine. April 30, 2020. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ Stickler, Jon. "Nightwish Reschedule UK And European Tour To May 2021". Stereoboard. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
- ^ "Finland bans gatherings of 500+ people". YLE. March 12, 2020. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
- ^ "Nightwish cancels Ukrainian, Belarusian & Russian shows". Nightwish.com. July 8, 2022. Retrieved October 4, 2022.
- ^ "An Evening with Nightwish". TrinityMusic (in German). December 5, 2022. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
- ^ "Nightwish Cancels Tons of Rock 2023 Appearance". Nightwish.com. Retrieved December 7, 2022.