Vocalist DOOGIE WHITE (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, CORNERSTONE) checks in with the following update:

"If you have been following my latest exploits, you will know just how much of a fan of flying I have become. So imagine my delight when I was informed that on the way to Helsinki, from London, for the final Yngwie shows of the UTF tour that I was to have a stop over in Amsterdamn.(sic) Not only that, but I was to have the chance to do it all again on the way back.

When I got the phone call from the TM (Tour Manager) that soundcheck was at 7 o'clock I must say I was shocked, as the soundchecks are usually at 2 or 3 o'clock. Ahhh!!!! It was 7 o'clock. In the morning. When it is still dark. But, just so things would have the same rhythm, seem normal, we would also have one at 3 o'clock. In the afternoon. When it is still dark. So that's alright then.

The first show in Helsinki was at the House Of Culture which has particular memories for me, as it was the venue where I did my first show with RAINBOW in '95. Tonight's show was loud and the crowd hung on every note the maestro played.

Next up was a 700km drive overnight to Oulo. It is very near the North Pole and it was very dark all the time. There was very little snow and we all agreed that global warming was a bad thing. So we switched on the mountain of Marshalls, cranked up the lights and exploded the smoke machines. The show was my favourite of the 3 we did. The crowd were very receptive to the band and sang along, cheered and headbanged. A show to remember.... An over zealous security person decided I was an unsavoury person to be hanging around backstage and tried to have me removed. He spoke no English and I, in return, pretended not to speak any Finnish. Only the lovely girls from VIXEN saved me from certain eviction from the venue. (Note to self. Always wear yer laminate.)

The last show of the tour went without any security hitches and we were all sad, that for now at least, we would not be rawkin. Of course my heavy heart/spirit was lifted with the knowledge that I would once again be flying home via Holland.

Merry RAWKIN Christmas to you all. Have a peaceful and joyous 2007."