#OBITUARY: Fredi from Finland has died aged 78

Veteran of two Eurovision Song Contests Matti Kalevi Siitonen, also known as Fredi, has died aged 78. A popular figure in the Finnish music scene. he had a career that spanned some 45 years.

Eurovision fans will know him from his two appearances in the contest. He first took part in 1967 in Vienna with the song Varjoon – suojaan (To shadow – to safety). He finished 12th, scoring points from the juries in the Netherlands, Portugal and Italy.

Not undaunted, he came back in 1976 with one of the more memorable performances from that entire decade. With Ystävät/Friends, he performed the classic Pump-pump. It did slightly better, finishing 11th, scoring points from nine juries. This is still a staging to remember.

More recently, Fredi hosted his own chat show Fredin Vieraana.

Eurovision Ireland’s thoughts are with Fredi’s family at this time.

Author: John Stanton

Source: Eurovision Ireland