Jyrki 69

Jyrki Pekka Emil Linnankivi (aka Jyrki 69) is a Finnish musician and songwriter who is best known as the vocalist for multi-platinum-selling Finnish glam/goth metallers the 69 Eyes. Citing a wide array of influences who include Elvis Presley, Glenn Danzig, David Bowie, and Jim Morrison, Linnankivi's brooding baritone has drawn comparisons to Type O Negative's Peter Steele, Iggy Pop, and Sisters of Mercy's Andrew Eldritch. In 1989, he began writing and performing with the 69 Eyes, where he remained (and found great success) well into the second decade of the 21st century. Debuting in 1992 with Bump 'n' Grind, the band has issued dozens of studio albums, including 2002's platinum-selling Paris Kills, 2012's X, and 2019's West End. In June 2017, he unveiled his debut solo album, Helsinki Vampire, on Cleopatra Records. His 2021 sophomore solo effort, American Vampire, included a mix of originals and covers and featured guest spots from Tim Skold (Shotgun Messiah), Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), Xiu Xiu, and Tiffany. In addition to his career in music, he is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, comic illustrator, and writer, and has a degree in analytical chemistry. ~ James Christopher Monger, Rovi