Jokke Linko (FIN)

Inspired by The Beatles like many young people, he began playing guitar in 1963. His first gigs were in 1967 with the Turku band ONLY5, popular in Turku and nearby areas. In 1969, after several lineup changes, ONLY5 became YELLOW. Initially the lead guitarist, he switched to bass when English guitarist Melvin McRae joined. YELLOW gained nationwide fame, playing extensively around Finland. By the time he left in the spring of 1972, they had performed about 300 gigs, including a memorable show at Ruisrock in 1971 for 20,000 people.

In 1975, he transitioned to a music teacher role, first in Kaarina and later in Turku, but never left band activities entirely. He played in various Turku groups as a bassist, guitarist, and singer, though less frequently. For the past 20 years, he’s enjoyed playing in 60s band revival shows, which have been fun nostalgic trips.

Since the 90s, he’s also performed solo with an acoustic guitar and harmonica. His solo repertoire includes about 500 songs, with around ten being originals.

Like his peers, he witnessed firsthand the enormous influence of The Beatles on 60s pop culture. Without The Beatles, popular music wouldn’t be what it is today. They created new ways of making and performing music, innovated rock melodies, harmonies, and chord progressions, and pioneered studio techniques. Their influence on youth behavior was so profound it worried parents, though looking back, such concerns were unnecessary.