Children of Bodom – A Celebration of Music

Event Overview

On February 27, 2023, the iconic Finnish metal band Children of Bodom made a triumphant return to the stage for a two-night event aptly titled “Children of Bodom – A Celebration of Music.” This special occasion honored the band’s musical legacy and paid tribute to their late guitarist and vocalist, Alexi Laiho. The event took place at Tavastia, one of Helsinki’s most celebrated music venues.

A Historic Lineup

Fans were thrilled to see the original members reunited, including founding guitarist Alexander Kuoppala, who had not performed with the band for over three decades. Samy Elbanna of Lost Society took on the challenging role of frontman, bringing a fresh energy to the performance.

Fans and Atmosphere

Both nights of the event sold out quickly, reflecting the band’s enduring popularity. The audience was a mix of long-time devotees and a new generation of fans, many of whom were witnessing the band live for the first time. The atmosphere was electric, filled with excitement and emotion as attendees gathered to honor the band’s legacy.

Emotional Tribute to Alexi Laiho

The evening commenced with a heartfelt video tribute to Laiho, meticulously crafted to celebrate his life and contributions to music. The audience watched in reverent silence, feeling the weight of the moment as they remembered the man whose talent had so profoundly impacted their lives.

Setlist Highlights

The band kicked off the concert with “Living Dead Beat,” followed by “Sixpounder,” instantly igniting the crowd. The setlist was rich with classics from the era when Kuoppala was an active member, featuring fan favorites like “Warheart,” “Deadnight Warrior,” and “Bed of Razors.” Each song brought waves of nostalgia and excitement to the audience.

Samy Elbanna’s Performance

Taking the stage as the new frontman, Elbanna showcased his exceptional talent. His guitar riffs and solos were delivered with precision and power, demonstrating the extensive preparation he had undergone. Though his vocal style differed from Laiho’s, Elbanna’s delivery seamlessly integrated into the band’s sound, earning him praise from longtime fans.

Alexander Kuoppala’s Return

Kuoppala’s presence was a highlight of the event, as he commanded the stage with charisma and energy. His guitar work, which helped define the band’s early sound, resonated deeply with fans. He also took the opportunity to perform tracks from albums released after his departure, showcasing his versatility and dedication.

Musical Execution

Bassist Henrik Seppälä (Henkka T. BlackSmith) provided a solid backbone throughout the performance, while drummer Jaska Raatikainen’s powerful rhythms kept the energy high. Keyboardist Janne Wirman brought humor and lightness to the evening, engaging with the audience between songs.

Conclusion

The two-night event was not only a musical success but also an emotional celebration of the band’s legacy. The tightness and energy of the performances highlighted the extensive preparation the band had undertaken in the lead-up to these shows. With such a vast and dedicated fanbase, it would be a missed opportunity if this lineup did not take their performances on the road more extensively. Alexi Laiho’s legacy is indeed international, resonating with audiences far and wide, and many hope to see Children of Bodom back on stage again soon.

Setlist

Main Set:
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

Encore:
Are You Dead Yet?
Hate Me!
Hate Crew Deathroll

Encore 2:
In Your Face

FAQs

1. Was this the first time Children of Bodom performed without Alexi Laiho?

Yes, this event marked the first performance by Children of Bodom since the passing of Alexi Laiho, making it a poignant tribute to his legacy.

2. How long had Alexander Kuoppala been absent from the band?

Alexander Kuoppala returned to the band after a hiatus of 32 years, making his appearance at this event particularly special for fans.

3. Who filled in for Alexi Laiho as the lead vocalist?

Samy Elbanna, the frontman of Lost Society, stepped in to take on the lead vocals for the event, bringing his unique style to the band’s classic tracks.

4. Will Children of Bodom continue to perform in the future?

While there are no official announcements regarding future performances, fans are hopeful that this lineup will take their music on the road again, given the positive reception of the tribute shows.