Eurovision 2015: Finland's entry PKN becomes first act with special needs to compete
THE band representing Finland at this year's Eurovision Song Contest will be making history as the first act with special needs to compete in the event.
Finnish punk rockers PKN
The four members of the punk rock group PKN (Pertti Kurikan Nimipaivat) all have learning difficulties and will be taking part in the first part of the show's semi-final tonight.
PKN's Eurovision debut also marks the first time a punk act has participated in the competition.
They will be performing their 85-second long song Aina Mun Pitaa (I Always Have To) and hope to be crowned Eurovision champions.
"This is really nice to be with friends and family," bassist Sami Helle told the BBC, adding: "It means a lot to us. We need the support because if we don't have the support we won't do well in Vienna."
Lordi won the contest in 2006
Frontman and guitarist Pertti Kurikka, singer Kari Aalto, Sami and drummer Toni Välitalo all have from learning difficulties, such as autism and Down's Syndrome.
However this has not stopped them from attaining cult status in Finland. The group formed in 2009 and have already released seven EPs, two singles and two compilations.
They have also toured in several countries, including the US, the UK, Germany and Norway and Canada.
In 2012 a documentary about PKN called Kovasikajuttu (The Punk Syndrome) was released and won several awards.
The band was formed in 2009
PKN are hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow Finnish rockers Lordi, who won the contest in 2006 with their track Hard Rock Hallelujah. They became - and remain - the only hard rock group to have been crowned victors.
This year's final will be taking place in Vienna, Austria on Saturday May 23 following Conchita Wurst's win with Rise Like A Phoenix in 2014.
The Eurovision Song Content 2015 will be aired at 8pm on May 23 on BBC One and the first part of the semi-final will be broadcast tonight on BBC Three from 8pm