Children Of Bodom Tribute Concert: A Celebration of Alexi Laiho’s Legacy
Event Overview
Members of Children Of Bodom performed the first of two special tribute concerts on February 26 at the Tavastia club in Helsinki, Finland. The event, titled “Children Of Bodom – A Celebration Of Music,” gathered original band members, including bassist Henkka Seppälä, keyboardist Janne Wirman, drummer Jaska Raatikainen, and early-era guitarist Alexander Kuoppala. They were joined by longtime friend Samy Elbanna of Lost Society, who stepped in to honor the late guitarist and vocalist Alexi Laiho.
Remembering Alexi Laiho
Alexi Laiho, known for his extraordinary guitar skills and songwriting abilities, passed away on December 29, 2020. His death was attributed to alcohol-induced degeneration of the liver and pancreas connective tissue, compounded by the presence of painkillers and other medications in his system. Laiho had long struggled with various health issues, making his untimely passing a significant loss for the music community.
A Celebration of Music
When the tribute concerts were announced in October, the band expressed their intention to honor Laiho’s musical legacy and celebrate their collective work. “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,” they stated. The choice of Tavastia club, a venue of historical significance for the band, was deliberate, as it had hosted numerous pivotal performances throughout their career.
Setlist Highlights
The first night featured a compelling 20-song setlist that spanned the band’s extensive catalog, paying tribute to their influential sound:
- Living Dead Beat
- Sixpounder
- Bodom Beach Terror
- Silent Night, Bodom Night
- Deadnight Warrior
- Towards Dead End
- Everytime I Die
- Bodom After Midnight
- Lake Bodom
- Bed Of Razors
- Needled 24/7
- Angels Don’t Kill
- Blooddrunk
- Warheart
- Follow The Reaper
- Downfall
- Are You Dead Yet?
- Hate Me!
- Hate Crew Deathroll
- In Your Face
Emotional Evening
Fan-filmed footage from the concert has surfaced online, capturing the emotional atmosphere of the evening. The performance not only highlighted Laiho’s virtuosity but also celebrated the enduring impact of Children Of Bodom as one of Finland’s most influential metal bands.
Final Performance Ahead
The second and final performance of “Children Of Bodom – A Celebration Of Music” is scheduled to take place at Tavastia as well, marking a heartfelt conclusion to this chapter in the band’s history.
Conclusion
The tribute concerts serve as a poignant reminder of Alexi Laiho’s contributions to metal music and the lasting bond between the members of Children Of Bodom. As fans and musicians alike come together to celebrate his legacy, the impact of Laiho’s artistry continues to resonate within the metal community.
FAQs
When did Alexi Laiho pass away?
Alexi Laiho passed away on December 29, 2020.
What is the significance of the Tavastia club for Children Of Bodom?
Tavastia club holds historical importance for Children Of Bodom, having hosted many key performances throughout their career.
Who performed at the tribute concert?
The tribute concert featured original band members Henkka Seppälä, Janne Wirman, Jaska Raatikainen, Alexander Kuoppala, and Samy Elbanna from Lost Society.
What songs were included in the setlist?
The setlist included 20 songs from Children Of Bodom’s catalog, including hits like “Follow The Reaper,” “Lake Bodom,” and “Hate Crew Deathroll.”
