Laika & The Cosmonauts

Surf combo founded in Helsinki, Finland 1987 by Mikko Lankinen (guitar), Janne Haavisto (drums), Matti Pitsinki (organ and guitar) and Tom Nyman (bass). Their first album "C'mon Do The Laika" was released in 1988. The band gained recognition first in the United States, where they released three original CDs plus a compilation of earlier material. They have toured the U.S. six times, including as opener for Ministry on their "Filth Pig" tour.

The band gained recognition first in the United States, where they released three original CDs plus a compilation of earlier material. They have toured the U.S. six times, including as opener for Ministry on their "Filth Pig" tour. (Al Jourgensen of Ministry reportedly wanted Laika & The Cosmonauts to join the stadium tour because, "They are the best f***ing band in the world!") Dick Dale, Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Mike Palm of Agent Orange, John Jorgenson of The Hellecasters and film director Quentin Tarantino are also counted among their American fans.

Laika & The Cosmonauts frequently toured Finland and the rest of Europe. They have done dozens of TV appearances (including a live TV-show shown all over Europe called "Absolut Live") and hundreds of radio interviews in the USA and Europe. The music of the band has been included in several movies including Flipper, LA Without A Map, Fox Hunt, Blood and Donuts, The Iron Horsemen; the band members themselves are reportedly big movie soundtrack fans.

In Japan, the band members are known for their work as record producers with artists such as Lemonator, Super, The JP's, and V?rttin?.

In 2008, Laika & The Cosmonauts called it quits after a final tour of the U.S. .