Finnish drummer and composer Ismo “Ippe” Kätkä dies at 78

Finnish drummer and composer Ismo “Ippe” Kätkä has died at the age of 78, *Iltalehti* reports, with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency confirming his death on Wednesday, May 6.

Kätkä was best known as a member of the 1970s band Royals, where he performed alongside Albert Järvinen and Pave Maijanen. His extensive career also included collaborations with Pekka Pohjola Group, Anssi Tikanmäki Film Orchestra, Kirka & The Islanders, and Ismo Alanko & Vapaat Soittajat.

Born in Seinäjoki, Kätkä composed music for films, plays, and radio dramas. According to *Helsingin Sanomat*, he performed his last studio session in 2009 and his final live concert at Tavastia Club in Helsinki in 2010.