Fans attending this year’s Kuopiorock festival in Kuopio were treated to a memorable occasion on Saturday, July 26, as former Nightwish bandmates Marko Hietala and Floor Jansen shared the stage for two distinct performances. This reunion marked a special moment for attendees, highlighting the enduring musical connection between the acclaimed vocalist and bassist/vocalist. You can watch the videos down below.
The first surprise appearance occurred during Marko Hietala’s solo set on the Matkus Stage. Floor Jansen joined him to perform “Left On Mars,” a song featured on Hietala’s 2025 solo album, Roses From The Deep. The collaboration during Hietala’s set set the tone for an evening of unexpected joint performances.
Later in the evening, the favor was returned as Hietala joined Floor Jansen during her set on the Kuopio250 Stage. Together, they delivered a powerful duet of “The Phantom Of The Opera.” This song, originally covered by Nightwish on their 2002 album Century Child, has long been a fan favorite in the band’s live repertoire.
Before inviting Marko Hietala onto her stage, Floor Jansen addressed the enthusiastic crowd, expressing her delight at the collaboration. “Now, this would’ve been the end of the show, but if you’re here, and Marko Hietala is here, and he asks you to join, and you gladly say ‘yes’… how nice would it be to say, ‘How would you come and sing with us too?’ And he said ‘yes’… Twice today I get to share the stage with this amazing man, singer, performer, and songwriter.”
This reunion comes after Marko Hietala’s departure from Nightwish in January 2021. In an earlier interview this year with Jorge Botas from Portugal’s Metal Global, Hietala candidly discussed his reasons for leaving the band, admitting he had regrets even at the time of his departure. He clarified that his decision wasn’t solely about Nightwish, but rather a broader move away from all professional responsibilities due to a persistent struggle with depression and anxiety that had worsened over the years.
“Of course. I was regretting it already when I was leaving,” Marko said. He explained that upon realizing touring plans were resuming after the initial COVID-19 phase, he felt unable to continue due to his deteriorating mental health. He sought an escape from everything, including responsibilities, eventually relocating to Spain with his wife and dog to understand his condition. It was during this period, through consultations with psychiatrists in both Spain and Finland, that he received a suggestion that he might have ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder).
Hietala elaborated on the connection he found between ADHD and his long-standing struggles: “It’s that feeling of difference that you do not match the other people’s capabilities of handling their daily tasks or whatever. And I was just always lost — everything was a mess and all that. And what do you know? There it is — the ADHD.” He described how social isolation, a consequence of his condition, compounded his feelings of worthlessness. The diagnosis, confirmed through neuropsychological testing, helped him understand the root of his mental health challenges.
In his original statement in January 2021, Marko Hietala had explained his departure from Nightwish by saying he hadn’t “been able to feel validated by this life for a quite a few years now.” Since his exit, bassist Jukka Koskinen (Wintersun) has joined Nightwish, making his live debut with the band in May 2021.
