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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.
This show had me in tears the whole night. I’ve loved Ville Valo and his music since I was a kid. I’m almost 30 now and his music has touched my soul and embodied my entire being. I wish I could go to every show and experience it all over again and again.
Love the small size of the venue. I wish the band would have played longer. They were/are so good! Ville Vallo’s voice is to die for and the band members didn’t miss a beat. Can’t wait to hear them again.
Wow - an amazing night and as soon as the heartagram illuminated the place erupted.. You could definitely feel the adoration and it was a reunion long overdue for many there - for me it was my first time and I was not disappointed. Loved the venue - felt really intimate. I only had on issue with the night - it had to end..
Show started right away and it was just so awesome. Ville Valo made an awesome show and still the best. 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🤘😎🤘
Ville Valo is an amazing singer and the whole show was perfect. The sound , lights and the environment were perfect.
You are great . Long story but it all boils down to the witch that was with me. No longer friends.
Ville has always been my idol! I was right up front right in front of him for the whole show! When I tell you his performance blew me away! I had no doubt and this was one of the best nights of my life! Ville has a phenomenal voice and he show ma his pure talent by sounding no different live! Everyone at the House of Blues was so kind and accommodating as my husband is in a wheelchair. They made sure he was taken care of and even had a safe viewing area where he could see but not be hurt! AMAZING!! ❤️❤️
Great venue, got really good spot despite arriving just in time for the door opening. Sound and ilumination were great. Vile and band were freaking awesome!!!
2017 being the last tour VV has done, it was such a solid showing, his performance was absolutely amazing
The show overall was great. However, as someone on the shorter side, the people were quite rude, and even once I found a spot to stand, allowed people not in their group (this I could tell because they never talked) to keep moving in front of me. Which forced me to the back where my only choice was to try to watch on a screen.
Ville really does get better with age!! Wonderful show, venue was a little run down, but the band was amazing!
The view ibhad was great, the sound was amazing, and everything was just perfect. Thank you VV and house of blues!!
I’m so happy I was exposed to something new and different, the opening band, Kaelan Mikla! Good for them for getting exposure by opening for VV. As a big fan, my only wish is that it lasted longer. Ville Valo is the greatest singer, songwriter and musician of all time and I’m so happy and blessed I got to see him perform live again. I hope there will be more to come!
The amount of space was the only thing that was just not right. I feel there is almost no room for General Admision anymore
Thank you so much ville! I had so much fun please come back soon to LA area 🤘🏻🖤 beautiful nights☠️
I've been a HIM fan for the better part of 20 years now. So, I was super excited to see this show. Ville was on point and his band killed it. Absolutely loved it. Unfortunately, even though the venue sold 1,300 tickets, the venue chose not to open the upstairs area, forcing all of us into a very tight and crammed area with a bunch of pillars blocking our sight. If they allowed us to use the seats upstairs, it would've been a 5-star rating.
This is the best concert experience I’ve had thus far. Ville is an absolute gem and I hope to see him again 🖤
The show was fantastic! Saw Ville with HIM back in 2001 in Zurich. 22 years later and he sounds even better now. The House of Blues and its staff were fantastic as well. Great show, great night!
VV is truly incredible. If you are or were a fan of HIM then you'll love VV!!!! Can't wait for the next tour.
Ville valo is all you need for a great night!! such a great experience he played his new stuff and stuff he made with the band him… super awesome🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻