- Marco is a Warwick bass endorser. His collection consists of two Infinitiy NTs, Vampyre NT, Alien Acoustic bass, and his latest addition, the rusty finish Buzzard bass. He uses a Warwick Amp rig: Tubepath 10.1 head on cab.
- Especially likes fantasy, horror and science fiction books.
- Joined Nightwish in 2001 after the firing of original bassist, Sami Vänskä.
- Has twin boys, Antto and Miro.
- Has written music for a couple of Nightwish songs, such as "The Islander" and "The Crow, the Owl and the Dove".
- Enjoys video games, reading and movies.
- Formed a metal band called Tarot (known as Purgatory at the time) with his older brother in 1984. His brother is the guitarist.
- Stated that the biggest influence on him as a bassist is Geezer Butler and Bob Daisley, while Ronnie James Dio and Rob Halford are his biggest influence as a vocalist.
- Claims The Siren to be one of his favorite Nightwish songs.
- Has one older brother, Sakari "Zachary" Hietala.
- Announced leaving Nightwish on April 1, 2010 to concentrate on a choir career, which turned out to be an April Fool's joke.
- In late 2004, Marko was the first Nightwish member to float the idea of dismissing Tarja from the band. Eventually, all other members (and management) agreed and kept their decision secret from her.
- His 2005 Hartwall Areena "The Phantom of The Opera" (Live) duet with former Lead Vocalist and Frontwoman, Tarja Turunen, is Andre Lloyd Webber's all-time favorite cover of his iconic song. Marko's harsh rasp and sinister delivery is how Mr. Webber had always envisioned his Phantom to sound.
- For a 2017 Christmas Concert, Marko and Tarja took the stage to duet together ("Ave Maria") for the first time in 12 years.
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