STRATOVARIUS Frontman, Former SONATA ARCTICA Guitarist Taking Part In Online Poker Tournament This Thursday

Finland's STRATOVARIUS have issued the following update:

"While the band is searching for the new drummer, Timo (Kotipelto/vocals) decided to play some poker. Challenge him, Jani Liimatainen (ex-SONATA ARCTICA) and some other Finnish celebs in an online poker tournament on Thursday, April 26th at 20:00 CET (2:00pm EST). You can win some money and have fun. Go to Nordicbet.com and search for 'Torstain pokerihaaste.'

Rock the Poker - Good luck!"
 

Stratovarius issued the following update back in March regarding their search for a new drummer:

"We have now played the final Latin America gigs with Jörg Michael, who is leaving the band after 16 years. 2011 started with the release of the Elysium album and was a long year with a long world tour together with HELLOWEEN. After some time off, we are now looking to the future, composing material for the next album, and we are also looking for the next drummer.

We have some great candidates already, but since we have a bit of time, we decided to also cast a wider net to see what comes up. So, if you have some touring and recording experience, are - more important - musical and hard hitting, and - most important - a nice dude, you might be the one we are looking for!

If you think this sounds like you, playing in a world famous metal band for a living sounds like something you'd enjoy, and if you want us to listen, please put on some headphones and record a video of yourself playing any of these three Stratovarius songs: 'Coming Home', 'Father Time' or 'Deep Unknown'. You can for instance upload them to YouTube.

Send the video links and a short letter with your personal information to this email address: drummer@stratovarius.com

What do you have to lose? The world awaits you! Plus money, fame, great times, and all the beer you can drink."