On Monday, November 6, 2017, HIM performed for their final time as a band in Atlanta. A line outside of the Buckhead Theatre began to form several hours before the doors were set to open. The rainy weather was no match for the dedicated fans.
The anticipation was obvious, and those in line were more than happy to wait for hours to assure their spots near the stage to see their favorite band perform one last time. In 2013, HIM won an award from Revolver Golden Gods for “Most Dedicated Fans”. Being a fan myself, I believed that this could very well be true. After my recent experience at this concert, I know it to be true. I have never been to a single concert where I could see so many visible tattoos dedicated to a band. After seeing this, it was beyond obvious that all of those people have been emotionally touched by HIM, and their music truly means something to so many people. The only chatter that I heard was of people asking each other what their favorite song or album was, or of people swapping menial “facts” that they all knew about the band members. The forthcoming concert was the only thing anyone could talk or think about.
The band announced their farewell tour earlier this year, after a 26-year run. This tour is taking place 4 years after the release of the band’s last studio album, Tears on Tape, in 2013. They have released a total of eight albums during their lengthy and successful career. The band originally formed in Finland in 1991.
Just before the band graced the stage, The Everly Brothers “Bye Bye Love” began to play. This seemed to be the perfect intro song, such as to say goodbye to love (metal). I’m not sure if that was how it was meant to be taken, but it seemed nice to me.
It was as if everyone in the room knew that they were lucky to be there. As soon as the band began their first song, Buried Alive by Love, the crowd instantly began to sing along. I saw a mixture of emotions among the crowd. I saw serious faces, really listening and taking in the performance; I saw tears, both happy and sad, knowing this would be the last time that they would see HIM, but also being happy to be there; but most of all I saw joy. People who were excited and felt privileged to be celebrating the legacy of such an awesome band.
There was no lack of fan favorites played during the set, including several songs from Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666, Love Metal and Razorblade Romance.
I was really impressed by the performance. There have been times that I (and probably you) have experienced where you finally get to see a band that you like live and end up being disappointed. That was not the case that night. The band was lively, and their music sounded wonderful, not missing a beat. This band is obviously great at what they do, and their talents shine through their performances.
HIM is:
Ville Valo (vocals)
Mikko “Mige” Paananen (bass)
Mikko “Linde” Lindström (guitar)
Janne “Burton” Puurtinen (keyboards)
Jukka “Kosmo” Kröger (drums)
Setlist for 11/6/2017:
Buried Alive by Love
Heartache Every Moment
Your Sweet Six Six Six
The Kiss of Dawn
The Sacrament
Tears on Tape
Rip Out the Wings of a Butterfly
Gone With the Sin
Soul on Fire
Wicked Game
Killing Loneliness
Poison Girl
Bleed Well
Heartkiller
Join Me in Death
It’s All Tears (Drown in This Love)
In Joy and Sorrow
Right Here in My Arms
The Funeral of Hearts
Encore:
Rebel Yell
When Love and Death Embrace
The band will play their last sets together during the Finnish Helldone dates. These shows sold out in only minutes (believe me, I tried), and a few lucky fans will have the opportunity to bring in the New Year during their show on Sunday, December 31st in Helsinki at the Tavastia Club.
Just because the band will be no more doesn’t mean that you have completely missed out. Their music will undoubtedly be enjoyed for years to come, you can check out some of their music and videos here. I am sad to see them go, but I am happy to have known, and to always have, their music.
Supporting Acts
CKY
Hailing from Philadelphia, PA, CKY is a rock group that is known by many. The band formed in 1998, and have released five albums since then. Their most recent album, The Phoenix, was released in 2017. The band consists of vocalist and guitarist Chad Ginsburg, drummer Jess Margera, and bassist Matt Deis.
Ginsburg and Margera have been with the band since the beginning. Many people know the band from Jess’ brother, Bam, as well as the CKY videos; however, their music holds up well on its own. The band put on a fun show, with the help of their charismatic front-man.
3teeth
3teeth was the first band to play during the concert. They are an industrial band out of Los Angeles. This was my first time hearing 3teeth, and I must say that I was impressed. They definitely know how to put on a good show.
The band consists of vocalist Alexis Mincolla, guitarist Chase Brawner, Keyboardist Xavier Swafford, and drummer Andrew Means. Their debut album, 3teeth, was released in 2014. Alexis was very active on stage, which always helps to make for an interesting performance.
