Children of Bodom to Reunite for a Tribute Show in Honor of Alexi Laiho
The surviving members of the iconic Finnish metal band Children of Bodom are set to reunite for a special one-off show in February, celebrating the life and legacy of their late bandleader, Alexi Laiho. The event, aptly named “A Celebration of Music,” will take place on February 26 at the renowned Tavastia Club in Helsinki, Finland, close to the band’s roots in Espoo. Fans can purchase tickets starting Wednesday through Tiketti.
Lineup for ‘A Celebration of Music’
The show promises to be a heartfelt homage, featuring classic-era members of Children of Bodom: Janne Wirman (keyboards), Henkka T. Blacksmith (bass), Jaska Raatikainen (drums), and Alexander Kuoppala (guitar). They will be joined by Samy Elbanna, a close friend of the band and guitarist/vocalist of the Finnish metal band Lost Society, who previously collaborated with Laiho in The Local Band.
The band expressed their intentions, stating, “We want to celebrate the life’s work of our band and at the same time the musical legacy of our friend and bandmate Alexi. The gig will be played at the Tavastia club, which is important to Children of Bodom, and at the same time, we will fulfill the longstanding wish of our fans.”
History of Children of Bodom
Children of Bodom disbanded after their final concert on December 15, 2019, in Helsinki, shortly after releasing their last album, Hexed, earlier that year. Following the breakup, Laiho and rhythm guitarist Daniel Freyberg continued their musical journey under the name Bodom After Midnight. Tragically, Laiho passed away in December 2020 due to complications related to alcohol abuse at the age of 41. Bodom After Midnight later released their sole EP, Paint the Sky With Blood, in April 2021.
In a prior interview, Freyberg reflected on the band’s legacy, stating, “Unfortunately, Bodom After Midnight as an active band is pretty much going to be buried with Alexi. We don’t really feel comfortable using the name Bodom without Alexi, because it’s so connected to him … I’ve definitely got something to look forward to and I’m going to continue in the music industry, hopefully for a long time.”
Conclusion
The upcoming tribute concert offers a poignant opportunity for fans to come together and celebrate the enduring influence of Alexi Laiho and the music of Children of Bodom. As the surviving members reminisce and perform, it is sure to be an emotionally charged event that honors the band’s legacy and the impact Laiho had on the metal community.
FAQs
When and where will the tribute show take place?
The tribute show will occur on February 26 at the Tavastia Club in Helsinki, Finland.
Who will be performing at the event?
The lineup includes Janne Wirman, Henkka T. Blacksmith, Jaska Raatikainen, Alexander Kuoppala, and Samy Elbanna.
How can fans purchase tickets for the show?
Tickets will be available for purchase starting Wednesday through Tiketti.
What was the last album released by Children of Bodom?
The last album released by Children of Bodom was Hexed, which came out in 2019.
What happened to Alexi Laiho?
Alexi Laiho passed away in December 2020 due to complications related to alcohol abuse.
