Barbe-Q-Barbies: First gigs with new singer this week

It was surprising news when Finland’s hottest girl rock band, Barbe-Q-Barbies, announced on 31 August 2023 that frontwoman Niki Rock had left the band:

“Dear B-Q-B followers! With heavy hearts we are announcing that Niki’s long and glorious journey with us has come to an end. We wish nothing but the best to all her new adventures in life and music projects. Girl, you will always be one of the Barbies and the past 17 years with all the crazy adventures will never fade away! We love you!”

– Barbe-Q-Barbies

Niki Rock herself commented on her departure as follows:

“End of an era! I’ve decided it’s time for me to step away from being the lead singer in Barbe-Q-Barbies and continue with other music projects. It’s been an amazing journey with all my sisters. 17 years we’ve shared the stage with amazing artist, played various countries and venues and I will cherish those memories forever. We are and will be friends for life.”

– Niki Rock

Already the following day, Estonian rock singer Laura Prits was presented as Niki Rock’s successor:

“WELCOME TO THE BAND LAURA! You can witness the new line up already in 2 weeks as we are about support @mustaschofficial (SWE) in Seinäjoki Rytmikorjaamo September 14th and in Pakkahuone Tampere September 15th! […] Who’s with us?!”

– Barbe-Q-Barbies

Tickets and further information about said shows with the Swedish rockers Mustasch this week can be found here and here.

After Terhi Törmänen, Maria Laiho (née Hakkarainen, also known for her work with Thee Ultra Bimboos) and Niki Rock, Laura Prits is Barbe-Q-Barbies‘ fourth vocalist, though no frontwoman was active for the quintet as long as Niki Rock (17 years in the band which was founded in 2002 by drummer Niina Klemetti). Laura Prits herself is anything but inexperienced and – like the Barbe-Q-Barbies – took part in a national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest (“Eesti Laul 2017”, with the song “Hey Kiddo“), amongst other things.