VV has my heart
by Kim A. on 5/13/23Irving Plaza - New YorkMy heart broke when HIM disbanded in 2017 but seeing VV put the pieces back together. Can't wait to see what comes next!
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In the annals of 21st century alternative rock history there are few artists who cast a longer or more peculiar shadow than Finnish Love Metal pioneer Ville Valo. After all, his band HIM were easily among the most iconic and idiosyncratic groups of the millenium. Zealously revered, gleefully reviled but impossible to ignore, their music left an indelible mark on a worldwide legion of fans. The scarlet letters stood for His Infernal Majesty. Their founder stood for something delightedly out of step with the status quo.Â
"We only hoped to temporarily redirect hard rock's blood flow from the nether regions towards the heart", reminisces Ville Valo, the singer, songwriter and primus motor of HIM. Judging by the monolithic presence of the Heartagram in any account of music this side of the millennium it's apparent that he succeeded.Â
Inspired by everyone from Poe to Bukowski and tinged by a penchant for perfumed Sabbathian gloom, Valo's creative lovechild would produce eight era-defining studio releases and over ten million record sales, not forgetting a Grammy nomination, countless magazine covers, critical acclaim, and the veneration of a generation. Thus it came as no surprise that the news of a farewell tour in 2017 was greeted with shock and disbelief among devotees and endless speculation as to what or who was to take up the velvet mantle.
"As fun as the funeral rites for HIM were, it took me more than a few moons to lick my wounds in the shadow of the Heartagram and come up with an excuse to strum and hum again. Eventually I decided put a leash on my beloved black dog and we started howling together instead of barking at each other. That's how Loveletting was born".
Loveletting, the first single off VV's debut album 'Neon Noir' out in early 2023, suggests this new infernal mix of light and shade is nothing short of a landmark release from one of modern music's most distinctive and intriguing voices. It belongs to the same forlorn world of woe and whimsy once conceived and governed by Valo in HIM, but with the nuanced notes of a fine aged Cabernet.
"Artistically speaking the main difference between HIM and VV is the extra line in the Heartagram, but what an exquisite line it is! It's the Mamas and the Papas dressed up as Metallica on their way to a Halloween bash at the Studio 54, and now who wouldn't want to witness that?"
Throughout their career, VV has drawn massive crowds of fans, packing venues like Theatre of Living Arts, the Depot and Summit to capacity.
My heart broke when HIM disbanded in 2017 but seeing VV put the pieces back together. Can't wait to see what comes next!
It was one of the best concerts Iâve ever been on. We had the best time, Ville Vallo is the best vocal performer Iâve ever heard. I canât possibly describe how much I enjoyed it â¤ď¸
Stumbled into some tickets and checked out the show with limited knowledge on the band. Iâve got some familiarity with HIM from growing up as a skateboard kid watching CKY tapes. They put on a great tight show that didnât overstay its welcome and had a really good pace. They played a nice combo of older songs and new stuff. They pretty much played every HIM song I was familiar with so I was happy to be able to sing along a bit. Beer is of course way too expensive but thatâs on Irving Plaza. Overall, good show, great band.
The place is nice, well cleaned, and the concert was awesome. Great bar, store area well organized. Over all, a great experience.
I love the Balcony section and Love the Way everything from the sound Environment scenery and staff
I loved that place it was pretty small so you could see him very well the sound was awesome like you were able to talk to people and once were out of there I was still able to hear regularly my ears were not mess up like it happens in most concerts
The VV concert was amazing. The opening act and VV were wonderful. VV's new and older materials compliments each other.
I was glad to see and hear Ville Valo live. It was absolutely amazing! Ville you are the best, your music is the most beautiful and soul-touching. Love you, keep creating! đ¤đ¤đ¤
I had such an AMAZING time.!!! Simply incredible. Everything went so right. From the staff to the venue. The performance was just perfect. VV NYC LOVES you and we hope you can come back again soon. You Rock đ¤đź my WORLD đ¸
Ville Valo is a fantastic performer. He got me dancing the whole night.
Valo's vocals were near studio quality and his stage presence was terrific. He interacted with the crowd and played a mix of new songs and HIM fan favorites. The band had exceptional chemistry trading solos and genuinely looking like they loved playing together. Will be sure to see him the next time he is in the US!
Truly, Villie is one of the happiest people performing. He is enthusiastic and passionate about his work and interacts with the audience with varieties of expressions and complex emotions. He shows gratitude toward his group. The man should be on broadway. Absolutely inspirational.
wasnât in the best spot but it was a nice venue. btw if youâre tall donât stand in front of the stage cause short ppl like me canât see. but ville was amazing and so was the band. their opening band was great too!
Ville Valo from HIM took the stage and immediately I could tell he had quit smoking. I had seen HIM live 3 times back in the mid 2000's and they were impeccable then. But now his voice is even better than before. Breaking out classics like "Wings of a butterfly", "Kiss of Dawn's, and "Poison Girl" mixed with his solo album's songs, the show was 10/10. Thank you Ville for once again putting on a top notch performance!
Ville Valo is as great as always. The venue was nice and the staff were attentive.
2nd time seeing VV (Ville Valo) on this US tour and it was BEYOND amazing
Great concert, beautiful venue. Staff was efficient getting us inside the building and looking after us afterwards. I do wish there was better infrastructure to take care of the concertgoers while they wait, though, as we had to stand in (thankfully light) rain. Ville, his band, and KĂŚlan Mikla were magnificent (goes without saying).
Incredible show, vv voise has always been amazing and this show was no exception
V.V. puts on a damn good show. He isnt flashy nor does he hop around the stage, but he does know how to captivate his audiences. I saw him perform ages ago in 2006 and thought he was amazing then. Here we are in 2023 and the man has not lost his touch. His band was amazing, the lighting was spot on and I was in love metal heaven for just a little while.
Ville has always put on an amazing show, the new band was great as well, and the staff at the filmore in silver spring was fantastic and helpful.