Following a highly successful series of tribute concerts in Finland, the surviving members of Children Of Bodom have issued a public statement expressing their gratitude to the fanbase and hinting at further commemorative events in 2027. The recent live dates marked the influential metal group’s first time sharing a stage since 2019, serving as a dedicated tribute to the late founding frontman, Alexi Laiho.
The return included two sold-out nights billed as “A Celebration Of Music” at the legendary Tavastia club in Helsinki on February 26, followed by a special “Bodom Night” event in Espoo. The intimate venue choices, deeply associated with the band’s early career, provided a fitting backdrop to honor Alexi Laiho‘s life and the group’s extensive musical legacy.
Addressing the overwhelming audience response, the band shared the following message via social media:
“We want to say thank you again for the awesome response to our two nights of ‘Celebration of Music‘ in Helsinki and the memorable ‘Bodom Night‘ in Espoo. The vibe brought by the crowd was way beyond what we had expected and it led to emotional moments for all of us! It also reminded us of the impact Bodom’s music has had on so many!”
“As many of you may know, 2027 will mark 30 years of Bodom’s music. May the celebration continue.”
The historic live lineup featured classic-era members Henkka Seppälä (also known as Henkka Blacksmith) on bass, Janne Wirman on keyboards, and Jaska Raatikainen on drums. They were joined by former guitarist Alexander Kuoppala. Lost Society frontman Samy Elbanna stepped into the demanding role of handling lead guitar and vocal duties, delivering a performance that paid the utmost respect to the band’s late frontman.
Prior to these tribute shows, Children Of Bodom last performed together in December 2019 at the Helsinki Ice Hall, a farewell concert that 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 Alexi Laiho and Jaska Raatikainen, the group became an international defining force in melodic death metal. Following the group’s disbandment, Alexi Laiho launched the project Bodom After Midnight before his untimely passing in 2020.
During their return to the Tavastia stage, the band delivered a comprehensive 20-song setlist spanning their catalog.
Setlist for “A Celebration Of Music”:
- “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“
