Eurovision 2015: Punk band with learning disabilities, PKN, picked to represent Finland
PKN (Pertti Kurikan Nimipaivat) were selected to represent Finland
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PKN, a band whose members have autism and Down's Syndrome, have been picked by the Finnish public to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest. It is a move that could change how people with learning difficulties are seen forever.
The four-piece will be performing at the final in Vienna in May and are third-favourite to win the competition. They will be the first punk band to ever perform at the competition.
“Pertti the guitarist is a big fan of Eurovision,” manager Kalle Pajamaa told Sputnik. “Their families are supportive as well as the fans. Even the punk scene has been very supportive for the guys.”
"We are rebelling against society in different ways, but we are not political," bassist Sami Helle told The Guardian.
"We are changing attitudes somewhat, a lot of people are coming to our gigs and we have a lot of fans.
"We don't want people to vote for us to feel sorry for us, we are not that different from everybody else - just normal guys with a mental handicap."
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