THE 69 EYES Drummer JUSSI 69 To Sit Out Upcoming Shows After Being Diagnosed With Viral Meningitis

Drummer Jussi 69 of Finnish goth rock veterans THE 69 EYES will sit out the band's upcoming shows after being diagnosed with viral meningitis. He will be temporarily replaced by his drum tech Vilho Rajala.

Earlier today (Thursday, October 22),Jussi 69 released the following message via social media: "Dear all! I'm truly sorry to share that I've been diagnosed with nasty infection (viral meningitis.) I need to rest and follow my doctors orders, which means no physical activity or drumming for now.

"THE 69 EYES will play all upcoming tour dates, with my amazing drum tech Vilho Rajala, who knows our songs by heart, filling in for me for the first couple of weeks.

"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!

"I hope you understand. I love you all and hope to see you at the shows very soon!

"With love, Jussi 69".

Last month, THE 69 EYES released a new single "Brandon Lee (Forma Acustica)", via BLKIIBLK, the heavy metal imprint of Frontiers Label Group. Originally featured on THE 69 EYES' fifth studio album, "Blessed Be", the song was first released in 2000 and became an international success for the band. Its title refers to the late American actor Brandon Lee, who played the lead role in the dark cult classic "The Crow" (1993).

Once you've survived the 1980s rock scene, you become unstoppable — and THE 69 EYES are living proof. Formed in Helsinki in 1989 and still going strong with the same lineup some four decades later, the Helsinki Vampires have earned their legendary status.

In a world with fewer and fewer true believers in leather jackets, midnight sunglasses and low-slung guitars, THE 69 EYES keep the Johnny Thunders flame burning like an endless sleazy club night back in the days.

Their biggest hit, "Lost Boys", from 2005, was made into an iconic music video by MTV's "Jackass" star and skater Bam Margera and the song still remains on annual Halloween rock playlists.

One foot on glam, another one on goth, THE 69 EYES have released thirteen albums, reaching gold and platinum and a mainstream status in their native Finland. They have been touring without any notable breaks all over the world the last twenty years.

Photo credit: Marek Sabogal