Children of Bodom returned to the stage tonight (February 26) for the first time since the passing of founding frontman Alexi Laiho, delivering an emotional tribute performance titled A Celebration Of Music.
Held at Helsinki’s legendary Tavastia club, the special concert honored Laiho’s life and the band’s enduring musical legacy. The intimate venue, long associated with Children Of Bodom’s early days, provided a fitting backdrop for the historic reunion.
Rather than framing the night as a comeback, the band positioned it as a celebration — a way to pay tribute to their late bandmate while fulfilling a long-standing wish from fans to see these songs performed live once more.
The lineup featured classic-era members Henkka Seppälä (bass), Janne Wirman (keyboards) and Jaska Raatikainen (drums), joined by former guitarist Alexander Kuoppala. Stepping into the demanding role of handling both guitar and vocal duties was Samy Elbanna of Lost Society, honoring Laiho’s unmistakable presence with passion and respect.
The band delivered a 20-song set packed with fan favorites and defining tracks from across their catalog:
Set list:
Living Deadbeat
Sixpounder
Bodom Beach Terror
Silent Night, Bodom Night
Deadnight Warrior
Towards Deadend
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
The performance marked Children Of Bodom’s first appearance since their official farewell show in December 2019 at Helsinki Ice Hall. That final concert was later documented on the live release A Chapter Called… Children Of Bodom (Final Show In Helsinki Ice Hall 2019).
Originally formed in 1993 by Laiho and Raatikainen, the group rose to become one of Finland’s most internationally recognized metal acts, blending melodic death metal with neoclassical flair and virtuosic musicianship. Following the band’s split, Laiho launched Bodom After Midnight and recorded new material before his untimely passing in 2020. Those final recordings were issued posthumously in 2021.
Video footage from the show can be seen below, courtesy of Chaoszine.
