Sir Christus, Finnish guitarist

Jukka Kristian Mikkonen, universally recognized by his stage name Sir Christus, was a Finnish guitarist whose vibrant presence and distinctive style left a notable mark on the country's rock scene. Born on April 10, 1978, his life was tragically cut short on December 7, 2017. He rose to prominence primarily as the rhythm guitarist for the glam rock band Negative, a group known for its flamboyant image and catchy rock anthems that garnered a significant following, particularly in Finland and parts of Europe.

Sir Christus’s musical lineage ran deep within the Finnish rock landscape. He was the son of Arwo Mikkonen, a revered guitarist from the iconic Finnish rock band Popeda. Popeda, founded in Tampere in 1977, is a cornerstone of Finnish rock music, celebrated for its energetic live performances and enduring hits. Tragically, Arwo Mikkonen passed away in 1986, leaving a profound void in the lives of his young sons. At just eight years old, Jukka, alongside his four-year-old brother Matthau, faced the immense challenge of growing up without a paternal figure, a loss that undoubtedly shaped their early lives and perspectives.

During his tenure with Negative, Sir Christus contributed significantly to their sound and stage presence. While primarily a rhythm guitarist, he also showcased his vocal talents on a particular occasion. On March 14, 2007, when Negative released their single "Fading Yourself," a bonus track titled "Lost in America" was included. This track was a cover of the classic song originally performed by the legendary shock rocker Alice Cooper, giving fans a taste of Sir Christus's vocal capabilities. Interestingly, Negative themselves never integrated this cover into their live performance repertoire. However, Sir Christus did bring the song to the stage, performing it live with the band Private Line on November 28, 2007, offering a unique opportunity for fans to experience his interpretation of the track in a live setting, separate from his main band.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sir Christus

Who was Sir Christus?

Sir Christus, born Jukka Kristian Mikkonen, was a Finnish guitarist best known for his role as the rhythm guitarist in the glam rock band Negative. He lived from April 10, 1978, to December 7, 2017.

What band was Sir Christus most famous for?

He was most famous as the rhythm guitarist for the Finnish glam rock band Negative, which gained considerable popularity in Finland and beyond for their distinctive style and music.

What was Sir Christus's connection to the band Popeda?

Sir Christus was the son of Arwo Mikkonen, who was a guitarist for the legendary Finnish rock band Popeda. This connection highlighted his deep roots in the Finnish music scene.

Did Sir Christus sing any songs during his career with Negative?

Yes, Sir Christus provided vocals for a bonus track, "Lost in America," which was an Alice Cooper cover. This track appeared on Negative's "Fading Yourself" single released on March 14, 2007. It was a rare vocal performance from him within the band's discography.

Why did Sir Christus perform "Lost in America" with Private Line instead of Negative?

While "Lost in America" was a bonus track on a Negative single, the band itself never performed the song live as part of their regular setlist. Sir Christus, however, did perform this particular song live with another Finnish rock band, Private Line, on November 28, 2007, offering fans a unique opportunity to hear his live rendition of the track outside of Negative's performances.