Finnish hard rock monsters LORDI's two-month "Lordiversitour" across Europe is coming to an end this weekend, thereby closing the touring cycle in support of the group's latest studio offering, "Lordiversity" (2021). But before their new era begins with the release of their Atomic Fire Records label debut in 2023, the quintet has an early (unholy) Christmas surprise for their fans: a 2022 version of its iconic Eurovision Song Contest-winning hit song "Hard Rock Hallelujah" featuring German musician, comedian, actor and dancer Bürger Lars Dietrich.
The multi-talented Dietrich took part in this year's season of German prime TV show "The Masked Singer" dressed as a werewolf and won the audience by covering LORDI's most famous track. The performance made its way to the ears and eyes of Mr. Lordi himself who was so amazed that he wanted the "Werwolf" to join him and the rest of the LORDI horde live on stage — a dream that became reality at Backstage Werk in Munich, Germany as well as Essigfabrik in Cologne, Germany early last week where hundreds of fans witnessed this unique collaboration.
The new "Hard Rock Hallelujah" version can now be enjoyed by all those who couldn't attend the aforementioned surprise appearances.
LORDI caused a sensation by winning the 2006 Eurovision with "Hard Rock Hallelujah", which in turn made the band's third release, "The Arockalypse", a hit throughout Europe. On the back of their Eurovision win, they scored a lucrative series of promotions including LORDI-branded cola, boiled sweets and credit cards; and played live at the MTV European Music Awards. A square was renamed in LORDI's honor in the Lapland city of Rovaniemi; a LORDI-themed postage stamp was issued in Finland and the group starred in its first film, called "Dark Floors".
With their monster-movie stage persona, LORDI seemed a most unlikely choice to represent their country in the Eurovision Song Contest. So you can imagine how many people were shocked when the group not only claimed top honors, but also earned the most points in the venerable event's history.
(Source: www.blabbermouth.net)