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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.
I hadn’t seen a concert with valo in it since 2005 and this time I took my wife and we loved every moment of it. We will be doing that again perfect date night with the perfect singer thanks Valo.
Absolutely amazing. Getting to hear his older music and newer music was a nice experience.
I like small venues as you feel like it's totally for you, I'm selfish that way. Small venues make it feel cozy,like a family
From the easy process of getting the tickets to having an amazing night. Great song line up, amazing opening band! Loved every second of it. The attention to detail of the bartenders and those selling merch was great.
It was my first time in House of Blues and the venue was good, if you hate standing up or being in a crowd definitely pay more for a VIP seated area and if you do want to be close to the stage get there early because the if you didn't pay VIP or "Pass the line" you'll have to queue up around HoB and the a good 1/3 of the lake behind it to get in. Now onto Ville Valo and the band; THEY (STILL) ROCK! The new band members are fantastic and they know how to keep it going and improvise on stage, very profesional. Ville Valo himself (still) has a great voice worthy of listening to live and his micro-quirky moves on stage are more than enough to keep the crowd going. Overall, great show, would definitely watch again.
Great concert. VV put on a damn good show. It was packed but everyone was respectful, no issues or fighting. We were in the ADA section and the server was great. Shout out to Gary!
The concert was so clean, the music the lighting was so good it actually felt like we were on a music video. I would've wished to have better visibility (was on my tippi toes xD) but other than that, loved it! LOVE YOU VV!
Great concert, great sound, awesome show. I loved it!!!
It was so awesome ! Ville seemed so much happier and healthier than he was with HIM. He def needed that break! The whole vibe of the concert was amazing!
If you are a Ville Valo/H.I.M. fan this show is a must see...Representing almost every song from Neon Noir mixing in a H.I.M song im between...This show was absolutely amazing!!! GO SEE THIS SHOW IF IT COMES TO A TOWN NEAR YOU!!
He was amazing. And is timeless. End of statement.
Ville made everyone feel like he was giving them their own personal concert! The jokes, laughter! Music just…better sounding! Absolutely priceless! Can’t wait to see him perform again!!
The bands started on time, sounds was great, and the crowds weren't too bad. There was an incident when a girl passed out and the staff was very quick to attend to her. Hoping for another VV show!!!
ville is amazing, he was even better than i expected tbh! the venue size was perfect and intimate, i would definitely like to attend another show at house of blues nola!
I had so much for. This was my 1st concert ever and Ville Valo out sis himself.
It was honestly insane to see Ville play some of my favorite HIM songs all these years later and utterly crush them. He had a great vibe and had a lot of gratitude for the crowd which was really nice.
Fun venue, staff kinda chill, Ville Valo was definitely amazing. Sound was kinda sketchy compared to their 2017 visit
The venue was super clean all around, friendly staff. Balcony seating was amazing, had the perfect view of the stage. VV was an amazing artist to see at this venue.
Ville Valo has a way of bringing a sense of peace and down to earth atmosphere to the audience all while being up beat and making sure to interact with the audience. He had a mix of his old songs plus his new songs which is perfect and shows his consideration for the older fans. The audience is very committed and knew the lyrics to both his old and NEW songs which made it the whole experience so much fun. This is why i love Ville Valo. He is able to create such dedicated fans creating such an amazing community.
It was a great pleasure to hear Ville's wonderful voice live after nearly 6 years of HIM's breakup. While I was excited to hear his new material, it was a treat to hear HIM material, as well. While I miss the whole band being together, at least Ville is back out there. If you can see him on one of his MANY stops this tour, do so, especially long-time HIM fans.