Eric Idle, the Monty Python comedian, will visit Helsinki in April for a solo show. Now 82 years old, Idle has a remarkable story of survival, having successfully battled pancreatic cancer seven years prior when it was diagnosed early and surgically removed. In his upcoming performance, he plans to pay tribute to Finland with a song titled 'Finland', expressing his admiration for the country's independence.

Idle has visited Finland only once before in 2001, during a brief stop on his way to celebrations for Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen's 50th birthday. He reminisces about that fleeting visit where he was accompanied by high-profile actors such as Tom Hanks and Robin Williams, recalling that he managed to buy a Nokia phone during his time there. Interestingly, his fond memories of Finland have mixed feelings as he now expresses concerns about safety given the country's proximity to Russia.

With this performance, Idle not only showcases his comedic talents but also highlights his life story, inspiring many who face similar health challenges. His return to Finland is a significant moment for both him and the fans, as he combines humor with a poignant narrative about resilience and celebration of life.