No more results on this page
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.
What a fantastic show ! My son and I were blown away ! Ville and his new band mates not only played the new songs, but they totally dominated the songs from HIM. Their sound and Ville’s vocals were amazing. If you can, go see this show in your town.
never had an issue at House of Blues, show and venue was great!
Great sound, however didn’t like that fast lane wasn’t mentioned on live nation and most of us were taken by surprise
VV had much more energy and drive in 2023 then he did with HIM in 2017, same venue. My only mistake was buying GA when I really should sat, but I wanted to be close. Great show
This was an amazing experience! Hands down the best live show I’ve ever seen! I would see VV and kælan mikla again in a heartbeat
The venue was just the right size. Sound was good. VV was awesome. Easy in and out
The Aztec Theater is a wondrous venue & Ville Valo has once again proven why he is one of the greatest musical minds of our day...'twas a perfect evening of beautiful baptism in the soft glow of the Dark Light! 🤘🖤🎶
I could hear every lyric. VV was indescribable clear and soulful. And the staff at The Aztec were polite and eager to help.
Waited over 20yrs for this show! I was pleasantly surprised how many HIM songs were played! Got to hear my fave song "Poison Girl"!
Show was great! Wish they offered a vip meet and greet package! The Aztec was nice but super sticky floors!
My first time to House of Blues in Dallas, and truly loved the venue! The energy from the crowd was palpable, as we were all there to support the Man who has hugged us all in the deepest pits of Hell and kept us from burning alive. I owe my life to Ville Valo. I am 50 years old and He has been with me over half of my life. Tickets were reasonable, buying online simple. Emails with all the info I needed. Access to the digital tickets was perfect.
House of Blues was a fantastic venue. Every staff member we interacted with was friendly, professional and otherwise top notch and very helpful. Had a wonderful spot to view the concert, and the entire event was well organized which added to the very special night we experienced. I would highly recommend House of Blues as a concert venue and truly enjoyed the evening from beginning to end. Thanks for a great experience!
Been a fan of HIM for a long time. Ville is the lead singer snd song writer. Ville has a new solo CD out snd this is his first solo tour . VV is the name of tour. Ville mixed his solo songs and some HIM songs. The concert was amazing. Ville sounded great snd looked great. His new band were amazing too. Do happy Ville Valo is back
I have been a fan of HIM for many years. Saw their last concert 6 years ago. Ville is the lead singer and song writer. Ville still sounds fantastic. He mixed his solo songs with HIM songs and the concert rocked. His new band are great. So happy Ville Valo is back.
As a habitual concert goer i have my little black book of artists that I need to see. When H.I.M broke up, I laid the dream of seeing them to rest. Being able to see the music that escaped from the vocal cords of one of the last poets of rock-n-roll, Ville Valo was like thinking your friend has been dead for over a decade, but just knocked on your door trying to hang out like its nothing. It was a sureal experience and a honor to have been in the same room with the real life lestat, that is Ville Valo. It was mesmerizing, it was nostalgia with a twist. It was everything i could have imagined and more.
The best show i could ever hope for. House of blues staff was great. VV is the best songwriter of all time.
Great mix of old and new songs rotating every other song all night. Amazing show.
VV was absolutely amazing! The VanBuren was a great host as always.
The show was awesome, Ville Valo puts on a great show. I’ve always wanted to see him and it did not disappoint. Looking forward to the next one!
Great sound quality and mixing from HOB Dallas. VV’s amazing vocals and musicianship were on prime display. Wonderful show and truly enjoyed the VIP area.