Disabled Punk Rockers To Compete In Eurovision Song Contest

Four punk rockers with learning disabilities will compete for Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest semifinal after winning the Nordic country’s national qualifying contest.

The group Pertti Kurikan Nimipaivat, or PKN, was formed in 2009 at a workshop organized by an association that provides support for people with disabilities. The members have diagnoses such as autism and Down syndrome.

They will compete with a growling protest song called “I Always Have To” that is only 90 seconds long. PKN won more than 36 percent of the votes in the national competition late Saturday.

Bass player Sami Helle, choking back tears after winning, said he hoped that “people really are ready for the punk music of four disabled men.”

Finland won the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest with monster rockers Lordi.