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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.
"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.
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.
He played a lot of HIM songs, alternating with his solo stuff. The Neon Noir album is really good and could almost pass as a HIM album, just a little less metal. The band with him is excellent as well, very talented musicians, especially the lead guitarist.
I went to Ville's concert in Budapest. Both his new songs and the old HIM songs sounded wonderful!
Yes! Finally! Him was the best live show. Can't wait to see Ville again.
I went to the House of Blues on Sunset Blvd in West Hollywood in 2014 and they absolutely killed it. It was seriously worth the price of the tickets and even did a few more songs after their original lineup of songs. Ville and the band were amazing that night, I still haven't forgotten it. I'm totally looking forward to this tour! I cannot wait to see what songs were created during this period.
I have went to every US tour in NY , and then the farewell in FL and I have never seen a better show . Ville’s voice alone is worth the money or trip anywhere . Hoping to be first in line for this next show ! Can’t wait
The venue was so great and beautiful. Had a coat check too. Stood in line outside in the cold for about 45 minutes but was worth it. HIM was amazing! I would love to come back to NYC and see a band here again.
I go to SEVERAL concerts a year and not only was this the worst one I've been to this year, it has to be one of the worst ones ever. I am a HUGE fan of HIM and have seen them before but on this night, something was terribly wrong right out the gate with the very first song. Everything sounded absolutely terrible. It was like it was all underwater or muffled by a pillow. Either the sound guys didn't know what they were doing or Ville had lost his voice or both, but something was seriously wrong and it never got better. Funny, because the first 2 opening bands sounded fine and thank god for CKY, they absolutely killed it! It was just such a disappointment to pay as much as we did for main floor tickets, wait outside in the freezing cold forever to get in and then when we finally do, to see HIM supposedly for the last time ever, it was an epic fail.
HIM is my favorite band of all time, and they were excellent as always. Ville was really belting the vocals and I could hear the lyrics very clearly. The guitarist was shredding some great ad libbed solos. They are an incredible band and they met my high expectations. As far as the Hammerstein ballroom goes, I liked it. It was very spacious, and the speakers were loud and clear. The bathroom was massive, and was very clean. Had a great time overall. Sad to see them split up, but nothing that good can last forever.
Was a great experience finally seeing HIM. So sad this was their last show in America, but they had an amazing performance. Great sound, great lighting. Awesome setlist. Will not forget this one
The band put on an awesome show. I thoroughly enjoyed the concert. The 5 star rating is only for the band. I'm more inclined to take off one star for the building & facilities themselves. There were 2 opening acts for HIM, 3Teeth and CKY. The line to get inside the building wrapped around the block and the staff were slow in getting everyone inside in time to catch 3Teeth. The show starts at 7:30. I got in the queue at 6:45pm. By the time I made it in the door and through the metal detectors, it was 7:55, so I completely missed out on seeing 3Teeth. :( And the seats in the balcony are uncomfortable. They were upholstered metal chairs that were packed too tightly together with no leg room.
As someone who has been listening to HIM for well over a decade, I can honestly say their final show in NYC was the best night of my life. They were unbelievable and I did not want the night to end. The venue was perfect for them. I was very happy with the level of security as well. My husband and I were able to thoroughly enjoy ourselves and not have to worry. It was awesome to see parents there with their kids. Definitely an amazing show over all and I will definitely be going back to Hammerstein Ballroom for future concerts.
The show was outstanding!! Loved every second. It was the best night of my life. The location wasn't even too bad. It was a beautiful building and the acoustics seemed to work in the crowds favor. I would go there for a show again. And if HIM EVER comes around again I'll be buying tickets in a heartbeat. They're my favorite and this has been the most amazing experience I could ask for.
Successful tour ever. CKY and HIM in the same event. My teen years is complete.
I was a little disappointed, but I may have had my expectations set a little high considering my all time fave band was retiring and this would be my last time seeing them. The lighting was horrible and you could not see what was going on, the vocals were drown out and it seemed that maybe they were just trying to get thru the tour. I felt there was no interaction with the crowd (fans!) at all. The venue had an odd way of setting up. We splurged on VIP tickets and it was far from VIP. I wish my last time seeing them would have been better.
Through joy and sorrow and our unseen tomorrows i feel so heavy hearted and yet extremly gifted to share this extraordinary musical experience with such humble and down to earth great guys. I truly treasure every memory and all my photos and videos and CDs and shrine.
Wonderful Concert, played an amazing set. Wish they would stick around for 10 more years.
Amazing. 3 teeth was pretty WOW. Like someone said it was like an underground vampire club..... wicked. CKY I never heard before but they were ok. Nothing special. But decent. The singer was acting goofy which is nice to see. They could have turned the vocal volume up though. Now HIM. Ahhhhhh just made me melt. Ville was in top form which was awesome cause when I last saw them he seemed he didn’t want to be here in 2010. Much better. Got the crowd involved. Was joking with the band. Let the crowd sing. Was freaking great. So glad their last tour concert in Chicago was so good. My biggest complaint was their lighting. Was so hard to get good pictures!!!!
H.I.M has been ny childhood band, always amazing as the first time i seen them play back when i was in high school.
Unfortunately, this show was extremely disappointing. All of the bands sounded very poor and the singers sounded like they were mumbling all the lyrics. The venue is ok.
Well worth the money ro see these guys. Excellent, show, good vibes.