Eppu Normaali was formed in 1976 in the small town of Ylöjärvi, near Tampere. The core of the band consisted of brothers Martti Syrjä and Mikko "Pantse" Syrjä, their parents were Kirsi Kunnas and Jaakko Syrjä, both accomplished writers. Pantse's and Martti's cousin Aku Syrjä was also an important member. Juha Torvinen and Mikko Saarela were soon invited to the band. In 1977 the band named themselves Eppu Normaali, and participated a rock music competition.