From Basel with Fire: Eurovision Rehearsals Begin!

The first rehearsals for Eurovision have taken place! We’re preparing an energetic performance with dancers. We also met with other artists. At the same time, we had a few hours to walk around the beautiful Basel.

We Are Bringing ON FIRE to Eurovision 2025!

Unexpected news: THE ROOP to perform on the Eurovision 2025 stage!
We have received a surprise invitation from the Eurovision organizers to appear as guest performers at this year’s contest. The organizers want THE ROOP to finally have the opportunity to perform their hit “On Fire” on the grand stage. As is known, the 2020 contest was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic, and their performance never happened.

“This is a wonderful recognition and joy for us, that we are being invited and that our music will once again resonate widely. At the same time, this invitation brings back memories of how close we were to a big victory,” said THE ROOP frontman Vaidotas Valiukevičius.

Currently, the band is working on a new album and a music video, both of which will be released on May 2. However, amid this work, the group is already flying to Basel today, where the first rehearsals on the big Eurovision stage will take place. Unforgettable dancers Miglė and Marijanas will be joining THE ROOP on stage, along with an additional dance group from Switzerland.

“I’m very happy that THE ROOP’s Eurovision journey isn’t over. In all my years with Eurovision, this is the first time that Lithuanian representatives have been invited as guests to perform in the main program. This news is exciting because it shows that our country’s music creators are being recognized and appreciated,” said Audrius Giržadas, LRT TV’s chief producer and head of Lithuania’s Eurovision delegation.

THE ROOP’s performance will take place on May 15, on the same night when this year’s Lithuanian representatives Katarsis will compete for a spot in the final.

Steal Me Brisbane

“Steal Me” in Brisbane, Australia. While traveling through different countries, we often listen to our new songs and observe how they sound in a different environment. Do they have a universal appeal, or are they too narrow in sound? Do they resonate with people from various cultures? We're very pleased with what we’re hearing. On May 2nd, we’ll be releasing the song, the music video, and even the entire new album!

A Short Break

I had a short break. Disconnecting from the city always helps with stress and overthinking. Being surrounded by nature grounds me and clears my thoughts.

This cabin - and the forest around it - are my creative and peaceful place.

Btw, I wrote a new Roopsletter! Check your email or Substack!

What Are We Up To?

Actually, a lot of things are happening right now.

  • We filmed a music video.

  • Did a photoshoot for the album cover.

  • Are working on a new concert program.

  • And we’re even getting ready for the second music video shoot.

  • We’re preparing a lot of content for our fans.

Everything kicks off in less than a month!

I Am "On Fire." Why?

I am “On Fire.” Why?

Because what you see is the result of great determination, motivation, focus, and hard work. Over the past year, from a body weakened by Lyme disease and disrupted bodily functions, and psychological sadness, I have gone through many stages. I know that I am persistent. I was never a greenhouse flower or a snowflake. Little by little, but always moving forward. I apply the same with the band members in music. Soon, THE ROOP will have a new album, new songs, a new look, a new stage – on May 2nd.

A Weekend In Oslo

Glad to be back in Oslo! Huge thanks to Nordic Eurovision Party for an incredible event — it’s always a joy to sing together. We also caught up with our producer, Vegard, who gave us a sunny tour of his beautiful city.

New Album Out May 2

BIG NEWS! The new album is coming on May 2! We’re listening to the songs in the car and vibing! You can already pre-order the album with signatures and even be a part of THE ROOP’s history – your name can be printed in the vinyl booklet!

How Vaidotas Failed to Appear on Swedish TV.

Hello, this is Vaidotas. Let me tell you about a failed appearance. Recently, the Swedish national Eurovision selection, called Melodifestivalen, took place. The voting consists of both audience and jury points. The jury is made up of several countries, and I was invited to be one of the Lithuanian jury members and announce Lithuania’s points live on air.

Then the live show began—an amazing event, everyone was happy. We were in contact with Swedish TV technicians, checking that everything was fine. We got confirmation that everything was perfect. I was standing in the Lithuanian TV studio with my microphone on and a TV monitor in front of me, watching the event. The host announced that Lithuania’s points would be presented by Vaidotas from THE ROOP. I began my short speech…

And then I heard someone outside the studio doors loudly telling me to stop. I glanced at the TV monitor to see what was happening. Suddenly, I saw the broadcast showing the event’s host and the Lithuanian jury spokesperson’s window—but it wasn’t me!

What? How? Read the full story in the newest Roopsletter:

Love It or Hate It

Have you ever tried it? It’s said that it’s impossible to evaluate these products neutrally – either you love them or you hate them. I tried "Marmite" when I was in the United Kingdom, and I tried "Vegemite" in Australia. These products have a really strong flavor! Have you tried them?

Happy Birthday, Mantas!

Happy birthday, Mantas! 🥳 Thank you for so many years of being together – through the tough times and the easy ones. We’ve gone through many challenges, but our friendship has withstood and blossomed even more! Congratulations!❤️🤝

New Album Recorded!

We are celebrating! 🥳 We’ve finished recording our new album! All 10 songs are ready! We’ve been creating, recording, and selecting the best tracks for two years. Now, we are preparing for the next phase – music videos, album cover, and the presentation to all of you at the end of spring.

Be Part of Our New Album!

Our new album will be released in May! We just visited a vinyl factory. It’s time to explore all the possibilities. They showed us the production process, and we discussed packaging design and printing. We also checked out the variety of vinyl colors and technologies.

YOUR NAME COULD BE PRINTED IN OUR ALBUM! More and more people are becoming supporters of our album, and their names will be printed in the vinyl’s liner notes. You can be part of THE ROOP’s history too! Just become a Firestarter subscriber for our Roopsletter and you’ll get:

  • An honorary mention in the special thank-you section of the upcoming album’s vinyl record.

  • The vinyl record itself, signed by us.

  • An annual Roopsletter subscription with all premium benefits.

Hurry up! Get one of the first vinyl copies and make your mark in our album!

Thank You For the Valentine On Fire Experience!

We held this kind of concert for the first time! It was the first time we had an all-seated audience, and the first time when people could become a part of the concert.

The social experiment was a success! We invited people to send us audio or written messages about love in advance. We showed these messages between the songs during the concert. There were so many interesting thoughts and stories! We laughed and we teared up. Some of the senders were in the audience and stood up to confess they had sent them - the crowd applauded. We felt that a very close connection was formed with everyone who came. Thank you all! This concert in Palanga will stay with us forever.

V16

Lithuania, which raised us and which we are proud of. Happy freedom! Happy Restoration of the State of Lithuania Day!

"On Fire" in Hamburg 5 Years Ago

It’s been five years since we released “On Fire.” Wow, time flies! There’s so much to say about that period. Ok, let’s talk about our trip to Germany.

One of the biggest highlights of the “On Fire” story took place in Germany. One day, we received an email from Germany’s national TV—they were planning an alternative Eurovision selection and wrote, “We have a crazy idea.” They wanted to invite us to perform live on their broadcast. During the COVID era, this seemed almost impossible, but we knew that a few flights were reopening, so maybe we could get tickets.

When flight tickets went on sale, everything sold out within minutes, and we were left with nothing! The only option was to travel to Tallinn, Estonia, and fly from there. But at the time, crossing national borders by car was prohibited…

Read the full insight story of how we got to Hamburg and WON Germany’s alternative Eurovision in our Roopsletter HERE.

The Raw Side