The surviving members of the influential Finnish metal band Children Of Bodom recently reunited for two special tribute concerts in Helsinki. These performances honored the band's late frontman and guitarist, Alexi Laiho, who passed away in December 2020 at the age of 41. The shows, held at the Tavastia club, marked a significant moment for fans and the musicians involved.
Key Takeaways
- Original Children Of Bodom members reunited for tribute gigs in Helsinki.
- The concerts honored the musical legacy of late frontman Alexi Laiho.
- Keyboardist Janne Wirman hinted at potential future performances.
- The band played a 17-song setlist, including fan favorites.
A Return to the Stage for a Special Cause
The reunion featured bassist Henkka Seppälä, keyboardist Janne Wirman, and drummer Jaska Raatikainen. They were joined by guitarist Alexander Kuoppala, an original member who played with Children Of Bodom from 1996 to 2003. Vocal duties for these celebratory events were handled by Samy Elbanna of Lost Society.
The initial show, announced in October, quickly sold out. This overwhelming demand led to a second date being added for February 27. Both performances were billed as 'Children Of Bodom - A Celebration Of Music,' reflecting their purpose.
Fact: Children Of Bodom's Legacy
Children Of Bodom released ten studio albums during their career, which spanned from 1993 to 2019. They became known for blending melodic death metal with elements of 80s stadium rock.
Honoring Alexi Laiho's Musical Journey
The band members released a statement explaining their motivation for the concerts. They expressed a desire to celebrate the life's work of their band and, at the same time, the musical legacy of their friend and bandmate, Alexi Laiho. Laiho was a pivotal figure in modern metal, renowned for his 'Wildchild' persona and exceptional guitar skills.
Laiho's passing on December 29, 2020, deeply affected the metal community. His death was attributed to alcohol-induced liver degeneration and fatty liver disease. He was just 41 years old. Before his death, Laiho had formed another band, Bodom After Midnight, following Children Of Bodom's retirement.
"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."
A Glimmer of Hope for Future Performances
While the Helsinki shows were initially presented as one-off events, comments made by keyboardist Janne Wirman during the performance hinted at the possibility of more to come. In a fan-uploaded video of the song "Needled 24/7," Wirman shared his thoughts with the audience.
He admitted, "Just when I was looking to exit the music business soon and retire... It's not gonna happen if this is gonna keep happening…" This statement has sparked speculation among fans about potential future appearances or projects involving the reunited members.
Samy Elbanna, who handled vocals, responded to Wirman's comment with optimism, saying, "It might, it looks pretty f***ing good.” This exchange suggests a positive atmosphere among the musicians and a willingness to explore further opportunities.
Band History
Children Of Bodom formed in Espoo, Finland, in 1993. They played their final show on December 15, 2019, before Laiho's subsequent project, Bodom After Midnight.
The Setlist: A Fan's Dream
The tribute concert on February 26, 2026, featured a comprehensive 17-song setlist, delighting long-time fans. The selection spanned various albums, showcasing the band's dynamic range and enduring appeal. Attendees had the chance to hear many of their favorite tracks performed live once again.
Highlights from the Setlist:
- 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
Videos from the show, including a performance of the fan-favorite "Are You Dead Yet?", quickly appeared online. These uploads allowed a wider audience to experience the reunion, even if they could not attend in person. The energy of the performances resonated through these recordings.
The Enduring Impact of Children Of Bodom
Children Of Bodom carved out a unique space in the metal genre. Their blend of aggressive riffs, neoclassical melodies, and Laiho's distinctive vocals made them a global phenomenon. Their influence can be seen in countless bands that followed, demonstrating their lasting mark on music.
The reunion concerts served not only as a tribute to Alexi Laiho but also as a reminder of the powerful connection the band forged with its fanbase. The sold-out shows and the enthusiastic response confirm that the music of Children Of Bodom continues to resonate strongly with listeners worldwide, years after their final original performance.
Did You Know?
Alexi Laiho's 'Wildchild' nickname became synonymous with his energetic stage presence and technical guitar wizardry.
The future for the surviving members, particularly concerning more Children Of Bodom performances, remains unconfirmed. However, the positive reception and the musicians' own statements suggest that this celebration of music might not be the last. Fans eagerly await any further announcements, hoping to see the band's legacy continue to thrive.