Children of Bodom to reunite for tribute show honoring Alexi Laiho in 2026
Children of Bodom, the renowned metal band, has announced their reunion for a tribute show in 2026 to honor their late and great bandmate, Alexi Laiho. The unexpected news took fans by surprise as the band members will join forces once again for a one-time-only performance.
Set to take place on February 26, 2026, Children of Bodom has organized the “A Celebration of Music” show at the Tavastia Club in Helsinki, Finland. The event will feature the band’s original bassist Henkka Seppälä, keyboardist Janne Wirman, drummer Jaska Raatikainen, former guitarist Alexander Kuoppala, and Lost Society’s Samy Elbanna on guitars and vocals. Together, they will commemorate the musical legacy of Alexi Laiho and celebrate the band’s life’s work.
In a heartfelt statement, Children of Bodom expressed their intention to pay tribute to Alexi Laiho and honor his contribution to the band. The Tavastia Club holds special significance for the band, making it a fitting venue for the reunion show. The band members also acknowledged the long-standing desire of their fans to witness such an event, turning their reunion into a highly anticipated spectacle.
While one might question the longevity of such a one-off reunion, history shows that these events often lead to further surprises, such as subsequent festival appearances or new music releases. Nevertheless, fans are eagerly anticipating this special occasion where Children of Bodom will come together once more to commemorate their iconic guitarist in a unique and memorable way.
Children of Bodom disbanded in 2019 following their final performance at the Black Box in Helsinki Ice Hall. The concert, held on December 15, 2019, was later released as a live album titled “A Chapter Called… Children of Bodom.” Tragically, frontman Alexi Laiho passed away on December 29, 2020, due to health complications.
In August of the following year, Children of Bodom released a comprehensive book chronicling their career, featuring insights from guitarist Alexander Kuoppala, bassist Henkka Seppälä, drummer Jaska Raatikainen, and keyboardist Janne Wirman. The book provided fans with an in-depth look at the band’s journey, shedding light on their experiences and memories over the years.
This upcoming tribute show promises to be a poignant and memorable event for fans of Children of Bodom and the metal community at large. It serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Alexi Laiho and the band’s iconic music that has left an enduring mark on the world of metal. As the date approaches, anticipation continues to build, with the promise of an unforgettable night filled with music, memories, and heartfelt tributes.