During this time a few popular foreign acts played in the club as well, including Tom Waits, John Lee Hooker and Dr. Feelgood.

Foreign visitors included Nico featuring Mad Sheer Khan, Sir Douglas Quintet, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jason & The Scorchers, Dead Kennedys, The Ventures, Public Image Ltd, Pogues and Nick Cave.

In 1994 a "little brother" club Semifinal was opened in the basement of Tavastia to cater for the "rising star" bands and other smaller acts.

Valo is said to have told the Tavastia's manager Juhani Merimaa that he would one day play a sold-out gig in the upstairs club.

[3] Today, Tavastia is one of the oldest European rock music clubs that remain in continuous use.