Charlies

Finnish heavy psych rock group from Lahti. The band was formed in 1966, and disbanded in 1974. In 1997 they made a comeback, but only to perform every now and then. Charlies originated in 1966 from the ashes of a beat band called Finnhawkers. In 1968 the band morphed into a power trio such us Cream / Jimi Hendrix Experience. In early 1969 they relocated to Helsinki and released their only single in that spring. At the end of the summer Charlies grew into quartet and recorded their 1st full album "Musiikkia Elokuvasta Julisteiden Liimaajat". It was released in January 1970 and was a soundtrack for a underground movie by Tuomo-Juhani Vuorenmaa. In August 1970 they played in Ruisrock, the 1st festival rock in Finland, with Colosseum, Family, Argent and Tasavallan Presidentti. At the end of 1970 the group self-released their 2nd album "Buttocks", that had been rejected by some labels why considered non-commercial. After extensive gigging Charlies broke up in July 1971 . In the years 1971-74 the remaining members continued to play but without any success. The story of Charlies ended definitely in late 1974. Please note: There is also another Finnish group called Charlies (2), they play mainly schlager. Last-known line-up: Kari "Pitkä" Lehtinen (1966–1975, 1997–) Ari "Kusti" Ahlgrén - drums (1969–1972, 1973–1975, 1997–) Vesa "Wellu" Lehtinen - vocals, drums (1967–1971, 1972–1975, 1997–) Jukka "Nipa" Niilola - guitar (1998–) Pekka "Devil" Virtanen - guitar (1997–) The band has gone through a lot of line-up changes, and former members include: Erno "Eko" Sivonen - drums (1966–1967, 1973–1975) Juha Saali - vocals (1966) Jarmo "Rödis" Jääskeläinen - solo guitar (1966) Antero "Vallu" Virtanen - organ (1966) Kalevi Läntelä - vocals (1966) Matti Halmesaari - guitar (1966) Eero "Ebro" Ravi - guitar (1966–1971) Matti "Maija" Heinänen - vocals (1971–1972) Jouko "Jokkeri" Poutiainen - guitar (1971–1973) Torsten "Tony" Nyholm - guitar (1971–1973) Martti Vaari - saxophone (1972–1973) Pertti "Pepe" Ahlqvist - vocals, harmonica (1972–1975) Masa Virolainen - guitar (1973–1975) Wallu Heinomaa - guitar (1997–1998)