Pepe Willberg, the celebrated Finnish singer, has made the significant decision to depart from the popular music show Elämäni biisi after its third season aired. This move, announced as he prepares to return for the special holiday episode on December 26, 2021, reflects not only his feelings toward the show but also his complex relationship with live performance and song selection.
During the program's special episode, Willberg looked back at his musical past, reminiscing about his aspirations from the mid-1980s when he composed what he considered a brilliant song. With hopes of representing Finland in the UMK (Eurovision qualifiers), he eagerly asked renowned artist Anneli Saaristo to perform it. Disappointingly, the song never made it to the competition. “It didn’t qualify,” Willberg shared during the broadcast, his voice tinged with nostalgia. “That song has remained unperformed and I can hardly recall it anymore.”
Yet, fate took another turn years later when Willberg heard his melody playing in the background of a commercial for Anttila. Recognizing the familiar tune, he humorously recalled thinking, “Someone has stolen my beautiful song!” This prompted him to call the advertising agency, only to discover they had cleverly borrowed the music from the film Naisen tuoksu. Willberg would later learn the original tango was actually composed by the legendary Carlos Gardel, not himself. “I’m glad I managed to compose something similarly musical as Gardel,” he laughed, acknowledging his compositional endeavors might have been less than masterful compared to the famed tango Por una Cabeza.
Despite his humorous take on past grievances, Willberg's decision to step away from Elämäni biisi was not made lightly. According to Willberg, the pressure of live performances and the unpredictable nature of the show played significant roles. “One reason for my departure is the inherent risk of live performances,” he revealed. Willberg noted, “Strangely enough, nothing ever fell flat during my segments; the songs never ended prematurely.” His jovial spirit was evident when he recounted minor mishaps, such as his unfortunate struggle with his coat during a live rendition of Tom Jones's classic Sexbomb. “Everything happens within the blink of an eye. I can't recall much, but I must have started singing at the right time,” he joked.
Willberg also mentioned how unfamiliar faces in the audience could create confusion, even if just for brief moments. “A familiar face might cause me to hesitate; the lyrics just come to me without thought,” he pondered. The unique aspect of Elämäni biisi is the requirement for artists to perform predetermined songs, restricting their creative freedom. For Willberg, this was particularly challenging, as he connects deeply with music; the emotional resonance must hit him before he can deliver it meaningfully. “If I don't connect with the song, it doesn’t stay with me the same way. Learning it becomes tougher, especially if I’m not fond of it,” he admitted.
Willberg shared the experiences he enjoyed during his performances, especially when closing shows with his band, Pepe & Paradise. “We usually ended with the iconic song Elämältä kaiken sain; I could even calculate how much each member would earn per gig during this one,” he laughed, reflecting on the joy of performing what he loves. Yet, such moments, he explained, are fleeting and only possible when the gig wraps up.
Even though Willberg has stepped back, he remains open to revisiting his musical roots, acknowledging the special place Elämäni biisi holds for him. “You can be sure it’s part of my life's soundtrack,” he mused. His candid approach to both his career and experiences brings to light the realities of being both artistically expressive and commercially driven.
With this special episode of Elämäni biisi, Willberg not only shares his own musical story but also reflects on the legacy of Finnish music and the artists who have shaped it. His engaging tales remind both fans and aspiring musicians alike about the importance of vulnerability and authenticity within the unpredictable world of live performance.
