Members of Children Of Bodom performed the first of two special tribute concerts earlier tonight (Thursday, February 26) at Tavastia club in Helsinki, Finland.
Dubbed Children Of Bodom – A Celebration Of Music, the event brought together original 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 late guitarist/vocalist and primary songwriter Alexi Laiho.
Laiho passed away on December 29, 2020, at his home in Helsinki. His death was later confirmed to have been caused by alcohol-induced degeneration of the liver and pancreas connective tissue. He also had painkillers, opioids and insomnia medication in his system and had struggled with long-term health issues.
When the shows were first announced last October, the band said in a statement: "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 long-standing wish of our fans."
Tavastia holds historic importance for the band, having hosted key performances throughout their career. The setlist for the first night spanned the group's catalog, delivering a 20-song retrospective:
- 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
Fan-filmed footage from the concert has already surfaced online, capturing an emotional evening that paid tribute not only to Laiho's virtuosity but also to the enduring legacy of one of Finland's most influential metal exports.
The second and final Children Of Bodom – A Celebration Of Music performance is set to take place at Tavastia as well, closing a heartfelt chapter in the band's history.
