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.